Airbrushing requires not only technical expertise but also an artist’s finesse.Digital airbrushing is a technique wherein, using photo editing tools and techniques, you can transform old and sketchy photos into amazing works of art and photography and also you can restore old photographs with airbrushing.

You can restore old photographs with airbrushing. Airbrushing is an art, and needs to be practiced a lot before finding much success with it. It may be easier to begin airbrushing techniques through the use of photo manipulation software, such as Adobe Photoshop. However, if you want to learn traditional techniques, read on to learn how to airbrush old photos.

Step-1:

1. Make color copies of the photographs. Work should never be done on the original prints. This is done very easily with a good scanner, printer and photo paper.

Step-2:

Use photographic bleach to reduce dark areas. The bleach will also lighten up highlights. Most bleach comes in powder form, and needs to be diluted. Be careful not to over-soak the photos, and keep a close eye on them to carefully monitor the changing color.

Step-3:

Wash and dry the photographs thoroughly to remove all of the photographic bleach. There are cleaning and washing agents available. The photographs should air dry.

Step-4:

Lighten dark spots or cracks with wax-based opaque pigments. Be prepared to apply multiple layers of it to the photos.

Step-5:

Darken the shaded areas using spotting dye. Adding the right shading will help small detail stand out. Shade the areas around facial features, folds in clothing, hair and around figures or objects.

Step-6:

Avoid over-airbrushing. Too much airbrushing will make the Add highlights to enhance details even more using spotting dyes. Highlights should be added carefully to the same areas that shadows are added, such as facial features, hair and clothing.

Step-7:

photographs gain the appearance of a painting instead of photos.

Sources: ehow.com

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