How to Remove Photos from Magnetic (Sticky) Albums Safely

From the late 1960s to the 1990s, "magnetic" albums were everywhere: cardboard pages with a sticky coating and a clear plastic overlay. They were convenient then, but the adhesive yellows, hardens and slowly damages photos, and the plastic often isn't archival. Getting photos out is worth it, but it needs patience.

Should you remove them at all?

Remove photos if:

• The adhesive is yellowing or the pages smell of vinegar or plastic.
• You want to store them properly long-term.
• The photos come away with gentle effort.

Scan in place first if:

• The photo resists or starts to tear.
• There's writing or captions on the page you want to keep with the photo.
• The album itself has sentimental value as an object.

Scanning the whole page first is always a good safety step (see digitizing photo albums fast).

Method 1: Lift the plastic and test a corner

1. Peel back the plastic overlay slowly.
2. Try lifting one corner of the photo with a fingernail or a thin plastic tool.
3. If it lifts easily, peel slowly, keeping the photo as flat as possible.

Method 2: Dental floss

The most popular method:

1. Take a length of unwaxed, unflavored dental floss.
2. Slide it under a lifted corner.
3. Hold both ends and "saw" gently back and forth, pulling it under the photo toward the opposite corner.
4. Keep the photo flat; don't bend it.

Method 3: A thin spatula or palette knife

A thin, flexible micro-spatula or palette knife can slide under the photo. Work slowly from one edge, keeping the blade flat.

Method 4: Gentle warmth or cold

• Warmth: a hair dryer on low, held well away, can soften the adhesive for a few seconds. Don't overheat; photos can curl or the emulsion can soften.
• Cold: some people put the page in the freezer briefly to make the adhesive brittle. Let it come back to room temperature in a sealed bag to avoid condensation.

Test any method on a less important photo first.

Stop if it resists

If the photo starts to bend, tear or delaminate, stop. Scan it in place and leave it. Restored digital copies are what you'll share anyway, and a conservator can help with important ones.

After removal

• Gently remove any adhesive residue from the back only, if it comes away easily. Don't use solvents.
• Store in archival sleeves or boxes (see how to store old photos).
• Copy any captions from the album page onto the archival sleeve or into your digital records (see labeling old photos).
• Restore faded and stained prints with Refixo, which fixes yellowing, stains and fading from years in these albums.

Frequently asked questions

Are magnetic albums bad for photos?

Yes, over the long term. The adhesive and some plastics cause yellowing and damage.

What's the safest way to remove stuck photos?

Unwaxed dental floss slid gently under the photo, or a thin spatula. Stop if it resists.

Can I scan photos without removing them?

Yes. Lift the plastic overlay if possible to avoid glare, and scan the whole page.

How do I remove the sticky residue?

Only gently, from the back, if it lifts easily. Never use solvents on photos.