How restoration works
If you have digital images that need repair:
It’s pretty simple.
- Click on Restore Now and upload your images via our secure upload tool.
- Our restoration artists then review the image and provide you with a free quote for each uploaded image.
- You can then decide whether or not to proceed. You can choose to have any number of the uploaded images restored. For example, if you upload five images, you can select to have one, two, three, four or all five images restored for the associated quoted price.
- Once you approve the quote, you pay a 50% deposit for the work and we hand restore the image with world class quality and attention to detail.
- After the restoration is complete, you will be able to download your images right to your computer from our secure website.
What instructions do I need to provide for restoration?
Providing us with guidance on what to restore in your image is optional. Our restoration artists are very experienced and know how to repair damaged/poor images. However, if you have special requests, you can include instructions like: "remove blemishes", "remove frame border", "make the hair blonde", etc.
What types of digital files can I upload for restoration?
You can upload images in either jpeg or tiff format. Any image must be less than 20MB in size. Please ensure that your images have enough clarity (we cannot restore a complete blurred image into a sharp image). If for any reason your file cannot be restored, we will let you know during the quote process and you won’t have to pay for any images that aren’t restorable.
What if I don’t have the digital files and only have old photos, slides or negatives?
You can choose ScanCafe’s revolutionary scanning service for prints, negative or slides We have successfully scanned over 8 million images. If you are in a rush, you can scan your photos at home or at a Kinko's. Please ensure to scan photos at 600 dpi or more and save the image as a high quality jpeg file. Negative film or slides should be scanned at 3000 dpi or higher.
How long does it take for a Restoration Quote?
ScanCafe will send you a quote in 1-2 business days from the time you upload your images.
How long will take to get my final restorations?
One week from the day you approve the quote.
How will I get my restorations back?
You will be able to download them instantaneously after checkout from your online account.
How much will it cost me?
There is no risk. You will get a quote from us and you get to review and accept the quotes prior to making any payment. Our quotes are final and there are no hidden charges. You can review our restoration page get an overview on pricing. Pricing is based simply on the time spent by the artist and the skill required to restore the image.
Can I get my restorations on a CD or DVD?
We are not offering CDs/DVDs right now. We are offering instantaneous download as soon as you check out.
Will ScanCafe keep my restorations forever?
Once you have downloaded the completed restoration work, we will erase the images from our servers after 10 days.
Can you restore black and white images?
Yes, we can restore black and white images as well as sepia images.
Can you restore images that have been torn?
Absolutely. It is critical that we get as much of the original photograph as possible. You can refer to our restoration gallery for examples of torn photos that have been restored.
How do I upload images for restoration?
If you need help in learning how to select images off of your computer and loading them to ScanCafe, then please click here.
What training do your restoration technicians have?
Our artists have been through formal training in color concepts, restoration tools, image enhancement techniques, highlight/clipping management, grain reduction and calibration routines. They are proficient and expert in Adobe Photoshop and Corel Draw. All artists must pass ScanCafe’s proprietary restoration skills test prior to working on customer images.
What tools do you use to restore my images?
Our restoration team is expert in the use of Adobe Photoshop.
What color profile do you use?
We use Adobe RGB 1998 as our default. Our artists can custom set their working space as per your requirements. Please include any specific color profile requirements in the note section of your order.