Cleaning negatives.

[funkpilz]

I scan all of my negatives, and they tend to have little hairs, dust and fingerprints all over them. Are there any ways or tools to quickly clean negatives?

 

[keithwms]

First, avoid dust and static in the first place by working in a clean environment with a fairly high humidity. It's not a bad idea to steam up your work room in advance of working in there, and waiting a bit for the steam to bring the dust down.

Wear cotton gloves. Wear a hair net. Just kidding. Do wear gloves!

Next, if you do have dust, try blowing first, with a rocket air blower or such.

If that doesn't work, blow harder!

If that doesn't work, then there are film cleaning solutions. I'd try water first, then go on to Edwal anti-stat or such.

*Do not attempt to wipe away dust with a brush or with your finger!!!*

If you do incur scratches then consider Edwal no-scratch.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

For dust:

1) Brush first with a flat watercolor brush.
2) Blow the loosened dirt off with compressed air.

For fingerprints try Pec-12 and PecPads.