Yard long photo preservation

[Kansas Raider]

How do you safely unroll and frame a yard long photo? Most likely been rolled since photo was taken. The photos are Kansas GAR. Thanks Steve

[warguy]

You can do.

You can do a bit of online research on creating a humidity chamber. The basics are to take say a large Rubbermaid box, fill it 3-4 inches deep with warm water, place a plate rack in it so that the top of the rack is suspended several inches above the water line, and place your photo on the rack. Place the lid on and seal it in place. Monitor closely to make sure no water collects and drips from above onto the photo. Depending upon conditions and how tightly rolled, let it sit for several hours to a day. Remove the now “relaxed” photo, and place on a flat surface. Protect top and bottom with moisture absorbing material and place weight on it for a day or two. Again, read online for better details or instructions but the process is pretty effective. Care is needed, as these dried out photos can crack easily especially before the humidity is introduced. Good luck.

[MightyMo]

I wouldn't leave the photo in the container for more than an hour or so. Test it to see if it will start to unroll. If not, give some more time. Only try a couple times a day, the humidity can start to swell up the paper.

[Bluehawk]

That method definitely works, like magic.

[pathfinder11]

Sent you a PM.