How can I manipulate layers?

[siegeofmalta]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this board.

I have Paint Shop Pro X4 which I am using to try and manipulate images of postage stamps. I scan the stamp using a film/slide scanner and using the cmyk splitter can produce a good images of the watermark and postmark cancellation, which I save separately. On a lot of the older stamps the plate number, from which the stamp is printed, is engraved into the design of the stamp and quite often this number is obliterated by the black cancellation mark. Is there any way using layers, or any other X4 feature, I can lift the cancellation mark from the image to see what is underneath?

I have read a number of posts and I think this is a good useful board. It's a pity more people do not take advantage of it.

[hartpaul]

I think what you would need to do is photograph the stamp under a light that makes the ink transparent.
Unless the image is captured in camera you cannot see what has not been captured .
Ie taking a photo of a car and and placing that in PSP X4 in layers will not allow you to open the boot / trunk and see what is inside,

[siegeofmalta]

Thanks for that hartpaul, I guess I have some experimenting to do!
Regards

[siegeofmalta]

I think what you would need to do is photograph the stamp under a light that makes the ink transparent.
Unless the image is captured in camera you cannot see what has not been captured .
Ie taking a photo of a car and and placing that in PSP X4 in layers will not allow you to open the boot / trunk and see what is inside,

Hello hartpaul.
The ink is black Indian Ink I think. Any ideas as to which type of light or filter would work
Regards

[hartpaul]

If the ink is black india ink then probably out of luck.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_ink . India ink is essentially lampblack , (carbon) and only way to make carbon transparent is to turn it into diamond at high pressures and temperatures. If it is very thin, then the underlying inks may be made to flouresce - try a black light . ultraviolet light, Don't know what wavelength you would need however. Might be a lost cause apart from very carefullt abrading the india ink off which may damage what you are trying to preserve anyway.

[siegeofmalta]

If the ink is black india ink then probably out of luck.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India_ink . India ink is essentially lampblack , (carbon) and only way to make carbon transparent is to turn it into diamond at high pressures and temperatures. If it is very thin, then the underlying inks may be made to flouresce - try a black light . ultraviolet light, Don't know what wavelength you would need however. Might be a lost cause apart from very carefullt abrading the india ink off which may damage what you are trying to preserve anyway.

Thanks for your input hartpaul. It was good of you to take the time out to reply, even if I'm no further forward.
rgds