Fingerprints are one of the big problems which can obscure proper photo viewing.  It’s even more fun when they get smeared or carry extra grime with them.  Thankfully, there are a couple ways of dealing with those pesky problems and that’s what we’re talking about here today. We’re discussing how to remove fingerprints from photos.

Fingerprints are the result of oils from your skin being pressed down upon surfaces, such as photos.  They can be almost invisible or outright opaque depending upon what other grime is mixed in with that oil. Fingerprints on photos can be simple skin oils or something much nastier.

While they aren’t generally a problem for most most surfaces, photos don’t do well with fingerprints.  The nastier fingerprints can obscure proper photo viewing or even permanently mar the paper on which the photo is printed.  It’s all a matter of how bad the fingerprints and attached grime is.

Fortunately, there’s two good ways to get rid of fingerprints on your photos.  One cleaning method is for photos behind glass and the other cleaning method is for photos without glass.

1. Remove Fingerprints From Photos With Glass

Most framed photos will be protected with glass in front.  While they can get fingerprints, it’s less likely photos behind glass will get fingerprints than loose photos with no glass will.  Still, it’s good to know how to remove fingerprints from photos behind glass.

Thankfully, removing fingerprints from photos with glass is very easy.  It’s as simple as cleaning the glass in front.  A good glass cleaner and some elbow grease should do the trick nicely.

If you’re worried about damaging the photo behind with the glass cleaner, which is a legitimate concern, then simply remove the photo from behind the glass before you start.  Then make sure that you have removed the cleaning agent before you replace the photo.

2. Remove Fingerprints From Photos Without Glass

Most of the time, fingerprint removal will not involve cleaning the prints off of glass.  Instead, it will be about removing fingerprints from the photo surface directly.  This can still be done but must be done differently.

To start off with, paper is a different surface than glass is.  It will absorb the cleaning chemicals rather than repel them so the oils and grime can absorb the cleaner instead.  This means that traditional glass cleaners and other liquid agents are out.

You will need to use a dry method for removing pesky fingerprints from paper (even glossy paper) surfaces.  Fortunately, there is just such a method available.  It’s called microfiber cloth.

Microfiber cloth is designed to gently polish things like glass without scratching it and without the need for harsh cleaning chemicals.  If you use a bit more care in polishing up a glossy paper surface, microfiber will remove most fingerprints easily.

Please also remember that microfiber will not remove stains from paper.  For example, if you have a fingerprint on a paper photo created with ketchup, it’s likely that you will not be able to remove the ketchup stain depending upon how much ketchup has soaked into the paper.

Conclusion

Removing most fingerprints from photos is quite easy.  It’s as easy as cleaning glass or buffing away a light smear.  It’s only the truly grimy fingerprints directly on the photo itself which you might not be able to remove.  With some quick attention, you should be able to enjoy an unobstructed view of your photos again.