how do I get the information to become clear on an old receipt ... I need to make a copy but cant read?

Answer 1

What's it on?
What was it printed with?
What makes it hard to read?
(Overall fade, Ink fade, background darkened)

If you can't read it, you might try it under a UV lamp.

If you can read it, but can't copy it.

Try a color copier.
Try scanning it with a flatbed scanner.
Play with the gamma, brightness, and crank up the contrast.

Have a photographer take black and white photos using different filters. Probably start with a dark red, then orange, yellow, and green. Infrared film might also work, but it's expensive and you have to have a fairly uncommon filter to use it (A Wratten 2A?).
Print a photo for a copy.

So,I'd probably have it scanned and apply various filters to bring it out. There's basically no or little contrast. You need to find delicate point where background and print are both sensed and you can increase the difference.

If if was written or impacted fairly hard when created, perhaps the old trick of placing a thin sheet paper on top and rubbing it with the side of a pencil lead would work.

Next stop. Got a friend in the police lab?

Answer 2

Try using ultra violet light to read any traces of ink that may be left. Don't like your chances. In future, if you need to keep receipts for a while, like extended warranty periods, copy them first, then keep them cool and out of light as much as you can.

Answer 3

Consider calling the company, to whom you recieved the reciept. They may be able to find it in their files and duplicate the reciept.

Answer 4

have you tried to make a copy? sometimes the copy will come clearer.