Film Repair and Preparation for Digital Scanning – Kevin Sean Studios

At Kevin Sean Studios, we offer specialized film repair and preparation services for severely damaged film reelsthat cannot be transferred without significant structural repairs and restoration.

This is a standalone service separate from our standard film transfer process. Normal film reels that are intact and playable receive basic cleaning and splicing at no additional cost during transfer. However, if a film reel is too damaged to run through a scanner safely, this in-depth repair service is required before digitization.

This service does not include continuous-playback restoration for projectors. The goal is to stabilize the film for a one-time digital transfer, ensuring that fragile reels can be scanned without further deterioration. Results may vary depending on the condition of the original film.

Who This Service is For

• Film reels with significant damage such as severe brittleness, shrinkage, missing sections, broken splices, or mold.

• Reels that cannot be digitized in their current condition due to structural instability.

• Clients who require extensive film repair before scanning.

For standard film transfers, basic splicing, cleaning, and leader replacement are included at no extra charge. However, this service is for reels requiring major repairs beyond standard preparation.

Our Film Repair and Preparation Process

1. Film Inspection and Condition Assessment

Every reel is thoroughly inspected to determine whether it requires standard cleaning and splicing (included in regular film transfers) or full repair and restoration before scanning.

We assess:

• Structural Integrity – Tears, missing sections, broken splices, or severe brittleness.

• Shrinkage & Warping – Films that have physically deformed and cannot be scanned as-is.

• Mold, Vinegar Syndrome, or Contamination – Signs of chemical breakdown or biological damage.

If the reel is too fragile to scan without serious risk, we recommend this advanced repair service.

2. Advanced Film Cleaning and Stabilization

Unlike basic cleaning, this process involves deep restoration work to ensure the film can safely pass through a scanner.

• Mold & Contamination Removal – Safe, chemical-free cleaning to eliminate biological growth.

• Surface Dirt and Debris Cleaning – Non-abrasive techniques to restore clarity without damaging fragile emulsion.

• Film Stabilization – Adjusting film tension, flattening warped sections, and repairing breakage.

3. Major Splice and Structural Repairs

For reels with severe damage, we perform high-quality, archival-safe repairs to make them structurally sound for a one-time scan.

• Broken Splice Repair – Unlike simple splicing, this involves reinforcing weak points and reconstructing missing frames where possible.

• Leader Replacement & Reel Assembly – Essential for reels that have deteriorated beyond their original form.

• Fixing Sprocket Holes & Film Tears – Ensures the film feeds correctly during scanning.

Once completed, the film is safe for scanning but remains too fragile for continuous projection.

4. Final Testing for Scanning Compatibility

Before digitization, the reel is tested to ensure it will not break during transfer. If it still shows severe instability, further stabilization may be required.

Films that cannot be safely repaired for scanning will be returned with a detailed assessment and recommendations. Results may vary depending on the original film’s condition.

Important Notes About This Service

• This is not included with regular film transfers. Basic cleaning, splicing, and leader replacement are already part of standard film digitization.

• This service is for heavily damaged film that cannot be transferred without repair.

• Once scanned, these reels should not be run through a projector again. The repair process is meant for one-time scanning only, not continuous playback.

• Results may vary, as some damage is irreversible, and complete restoration is not always possible.

Who We Work With

• Private collectors and families with aging or damaged home movie reels.

• Museums, archives, and historical societies preserving fragile film collections.

• Organizations and media companies needing expert film preparation for scanning.

Get Your Film Ready for Scanning – Contact Kevin Sean Studios

If your film reels are too damaged for normal scanning, we can stabilize and repair them to allow for a safe, one-time digital transfer.

Visit Our Studio: 107 Kilson Dr, Suite 106, Mooresville, NC
Nationwide Mail-In Service Available
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