Faded Writing

[10ClarionSt]

Does anyone know if there's a way to read faded letters? I have just discovered lots of letters from my uncle who died in WW2. They were sent in the months before he died in 1940, on HMS Glorious. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[bucker200]

Don't know if it will work but is worth a try! Scan them into your computer at the highest setting and then play with the contrast in a photo program to try and read them on screen. At least it won't damage the letters if it doesn't work. Good Luck

[Mortartube]

Different lighting conditions can be helpful sometimes to read faded letters. UV is one possibility ( if you know a shopkeeper with a small UV tube for verifying bank notes) or try bits of different coloured cellophane over a small torch to see if your on the right track. I don't know if quality street are still wrapped in them, but it's one way of enjoying the process. Also the scanning idea is good, try scanning and showing it as a negative image, this sometimes helps. Good luck.

[gastwo]

If you are going to try the scanning method, try setting the scanner to Black & White rather than greyscale. That might improve clarity (if the letters are in B & W, of course...)

[Mr.Tamzarian]

Thanks Mortar and Gastwo. I'll give them a try. The reason the writing has faded so much is because it's all in pencil. There wasn't any ball pens in those days so you either used ink or pencil.

[erimus1]

Hydrogen reacts with graphite - try it?

[gedtagius]

Greetings No 10 - long time no see on here. I think your question has been answered fully by the above! However, bearing in mind my shady past, if you're still having probs e mail me & I'll check with ex colleagues!! I know you fork-lift drivers are basically a really thick load of drones - had you considered asking an LGV 1?

[gedtagius]

Well I'm glad that fork-lift drivers are allowed to keep one brain cell in operation & if you stay by me, old mate, perhaps in time we can double that!!

I got your e mail & am contacting my nephew re obtaining possible help & advice from the 'Andrew'.

If you keep in contact with a superior being - you never know something might rub off on you! If you are very well behaved I shall allow you to support the mighty 'Gunners' - Arsenal Football Club!