making writing visible

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

This is the 10x5cm sheet iron lid of a 1825 musical box, when you view it under the right light with magnifying you can just see  that the 3 tunes the box play are scratched on the lid. Does anyone has a simple method of making the writing more visible. Niko.

Edited By speelwerk on 29/01/2014 18:18:15

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

I am sure someone with far more knowledge than I will reply, but you need to look at the lid under different wavelengths of light, like ultra violet, infrared etc. You may even see something by using a fine iron powder and a magnet but it would be very messy.

BobH

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Niko,

If you flood it with Copper Sulphate solution, then [assuming the Iron is not too corroded or greasy] it will plate a thin layer of Copper. This should improve visibility, especially under Orange lighting.

MichaelG.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, have you tried scanning it and using a software to alter brightness and contrast or playing around with colour tones etc.?

Regards Nick.

[speelwerkParticipant @speelwerk]

Thanks for the help given, I have tried UV but that does not make it better. Copper Sulphate perhaps, but preferably I do not want to damage the lid, scanning and playing around with contrast/colours I will certainly try. Niko.

[John McNamaraParticipant @johnmcnamara74883]

Hi Spellwerk

I would try putting a sheet of fine paper over the writing then using a pencil rub over the paper it may show up the writing if the impression of the scratch is deep enough. You may have to try different pencil hardness. Maybe a sharpish pencil will be better.

Alternatively rub the area of the writing on the box with Prussian blue artists colour then gently in one direction remove as much as possible with a rag.
Finally get a sheet of paper and rub firmly over the paper with a ball ended metal rubber. The idea is the colour will stay in the scratchings and again you may see the impression? You can clean the paint of with turpentine or most solvents. Don't forget to oil the box again if you don't want it to rust.

Regards
John

[egaParticipant @ega]

Have you tried "brass rubbing" ie laying a sheet of paper over the work and using pencil or other medium to try to pick up the scratch marks?

[MICHAEL WILLIAMSParticipant @michaelwilliams41215]

Hi Niko ,

Both forensic and archaeology laboratories have a wide range of methods for exposing faded writing .

If there is any such near you see if you can get some informal help .

Otherwise these are some that you can try yourself :

Litho method :

Rub any of ink , crayon or oil paint hard into writing areas . Wipe of surplus so as to leave pigment in writing scratches only then (a) Examine directly or (b) place sheet of absorbent paper on writing and by various means try tio get pigment to transfer to paper . Works best upside down – paper on bottom . Methods include rubbing , rollering and mild heating with domestic iron . Paper may work best (a) dry or (b) slightly damp with solvent .

Magnetic method :

Obtain some very fine dry iron dust or colloidal iron solution from a chemical supplier . Apply either to writing area . Draw a strong magnet randomly or systematically around underside . Iron particles may stay preferentially in writing scratches .

Regards ,

MikeW

[MICHAEL WILLIAMSParticipant @michaelwilliams41215]

That was intended to be pm yesterday .

[Ian S CParticipant @iansc]

You might find a friendly policeman who knows about this sort of thing, its almost in the realm of forensic science. Ian S C

[John ShepherdParticipant @johnshepherd38883]

Hi

Do you wand to be able to read the inscriptions on a permanent basis or just read them and record them elsewhere?

If the former, filling the 'scratches' with a white wax crayon may help if they are deep enough. (works well on vintage electrical equipment dials).

Otherwise:
a) a variable intensity light used at an oblique angle might help or
b) as mentioned, Photoshop manipulation, sometimes just converting to a negative image helps.

At the sound of it (no pun intended) I would not do anything that is permanent.

Regards

John

[jason udallParticipant @jasonudall57142]

Graphite seems to respond to magnetic fields….. (although different so does phoyocopier toner..)..maybe a light dusting and magnet stuck to underside…will reveal( pun? ) all
But

[Michael Cox 1Participant @michaelcox1]

Since the lid is dark and the writing is scratched in I would try dusting it with talcum powder and then gently wiping it off with a soft cloth. The white powder should remain in the scratches rendering them visible.

Mike

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

When I cleaned up some collets and a marked lathe wheel with malt vinegar it made all sorts of writing appear

The gentle cleaning action removed dirt/rust etc making these things visible

Vinegar is a mild acid so rinse off afterwards if you take this route

edit

I was dunking things for up to 24 hours

With Iron I would check it every hour to start with and use a soft cloth, not an abrasive pad

 

Edited By Ady1 on 30/01/2014 13:38:48

Edited By Ady1 on 30/01/2014 13:43:51

[Author]

Posts