I used to restore old photographs using non-digital techniques before the advent of Photoshop. The number one task I was asked to do was to repair water damaged prints. The uneven application of water and the subsequent drying process causes paper to curl, ruining photographs. The best method for repairing damaged prints is quite complication, but it can be simplified.
Find a container large enough to allow the photograph to be fully immersed while it is laying flat (think photography tray). A large brownie pan is perfect. Fill the pan with water and let the photograph sit in the water until the paper is flat. Do not touch the photograph after placing it in the water; if necessary, agitate the pan gently.
Gently take the photograph out of the pan and place it on a flat surface (a large piece of glass is best). Use a clean window squeegee to remove excess water
Prepare a space that can be used for drying the photograph by putting ten layers of absorbent plain paper towels on top of a flat surface. Place the photograph in the center of the paper towels away from edges. It is important that the photograph not be placed across a paper towel edge as it will leave an impression when it is dry. Take an additional ten sheets of absorbent plain paper towels and place them on top of the photograph. Wrap a book in plastic and place it on top of the paper towels. Make sure that the book is larger than the photograph by at least an inch on all sides. Place a weight on top of the book (I use two or three more heavy books). Wait at least 24 hours (I normally let it set for two days), the photograph will be dry and perfectly flat.
One last warning - resist the urge to touch. It will ruin the photo.
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Life Hacks, Photography
