FondlyFix water-damaged photos
A leak in the basement, a flood, a damp attic. Here is how to save the prints, and how to restore what the water left behind.
Taking a picture of a print? Lay it flat by a window in daylight and turn off the flash, so there's no glare.
What a lovely photo. Choose what it needs:
✦ Deep repair is our most powerful restoration, included with credits and Pro. 50 photos for $9, no subscription. Unlock Deep repair →
Faces are brought back into focus automatically. Your photo stays private and is deleted within an hour. By restoring it you confirm you may use it and agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy, including how faces are handled.
This usually takes under a minute. Please keep this page open.
Welcome back
Drag the little circle to see the before and after.
Print sizes 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10, cut to shape for any photo lab
A lovely gift: print it and frame it for someone in the photo. Drugstore photo centers print 4×6 to 8×10 the same day. Or give a Fondly gift card →
How to fix water-damaged photos
- Dry the prints first (see below), then scan or photograph them flat.
- Drop the image into the box above; damage repair is already on.
- For heavy staining, choose ✦ Deep repair (credits and Pro).
- Compare with the slider and download.
If the photos are still wet
This is the same advice archivists and conservators give after floods; for priceless or historic prints, contact a photo conservator.
- Act within a day or two: mold starts quickly in wet albums.
- Gently rinse off mud in cool, clean water. Do not rub the surface.
- Lay prints face up on paper towels or a clean towel to air-dry, or hang them by a corner. No hair dryers or heat.
- Photos stuck together: soak them in cool water and try to separate them gently; stop if the image starts to lift.
- Cannot dry them all now? Seal them in freezer bags and freeze them to buy time, then thaw and dry later.
What restoration can do afterwards
Areas where the image has completely washed away cannot be recovered, only filled in. Small patches fill well; large blank areas stay visible.
- Reduce tide lines, water spots and blotchy discoloration
- Even out faded patches where the dyes washed out
- Sharpen faces that lost detail
- Recolor badly discolored color prints with "Add color"
Frequently asked questions
Can a photo with mold be restored?
Once dry and scanned, mold spots are treated like stains and spots: repair reduces them a lot. Handle moldy prints with gloves and keep them away from your other photos.
Should I scan before or after drying?
After. A wet print reflects light and may stick to the scanner glass. If you must record it right away, take a phone photo without touching it.
Do you keep my photos?
No. Your photo is processed by our AI provider and deleted within an hour. We never store, view or train on your photos.