Is there a way to clean fingerprints and dust from a digital photograph?

Question

I printed a couple of 8x10 digital prints with an ink jet printer that created a thick ink layer. I didn't realize they'd take three hours to dry. I picked them up with my bare hands and got fingerprints on them before they were complete dry. Is there a way to clean them?

Answer 1

I'm afraid Wackywallwalker is correct. Those particular prints are hosed.

But I'm also concerned that you said the prints have "a thick ink layer." Too much ink and a long drying time indicates that you're using either the wrong printer/paper combination, or that you allowed the prints to be made using the wrong settings.

Not knowing what printer or paper you're using, I can't offer any specific suggestions. But I can tell you that - with many years of experience printing on inkjet printers, and using many different papers - I've always had to experiment to find the best combination.

And here's a hint: the little instruction sheet that comes with the paper may be WRONG!

And another thing: glossy papers don't allow ink to penetrate the way matte or luster papers do, so the ink tends to stay on the surface, takes longer to dry, and is much more susceptible to smudging, dust and fingerprints.

Hope this helps in the future.

You may find some other helpful info about printing at my website.

Answer 2

Is the fingerprint on the digital image itself (as in on the lens of the camera when you took it) or on the printed copy? If it's the first you can use the Clone tool in Photoshop to carefully blend out the print. If it's the second...I don't think there's any solution other than to get a new print of the image!

Answer 3

Putting your fingers in wet ink is more or less like leaving your handprints in wet concrete. If it were merely fingerprint oil you could simply wipe it off with a microfiber cloth, but in your case, there is nothing to clean, you removed the ink.