Return to Glossary Index Restoration Processes
Wet Gate Printing
Core Term Definition
The technique of scanning or printing film submerged in a liquid with a matching refractive index to hide scratches.
Technical Analysis & Context
This process uses a liquid (traditionally Perchloroethylene) that optically matches the refractive index of the film base. Light passes straight through scratches rather than refracting at their edges, making them invisible on the resulting duplicate or digital scan. This is the cornerstone physical restoration method.