PS Elements question

Guys-

Question for the PS Elements users out there...

Looking to see if there's a way to do a dupe layer which I
can equalize and clone out dust spots and such, and merge that
back into the normal image. I've tried creating a duplicate
layer, then equalize and clone spots, but when I merge the
equalized layer down into the original layer, it remains
equalized. It's getting a little frustrating having to do the
"equalize/locate/undo/clone/repeat" drill...

Any ideas?

Thanks!

Brian

What I do (I use PS CE3, but it should work in Elements)...create a duplicate layer and equalize (I select only the sky and equalize, dust spots show up better that way). Then using the layer control, I select the lower, original layer (while keeping the equalized layer visible). I use the clone tool on the dust spots I see (you are actually cloning on the lower layer) - you won't see any effect, but it is working on the lower layer. When I think I've got them all, I hide the equalized layer, then equalize the original layer to check. If I'm satisfied, I delete the upper, equalized layer.

Good stuff, Moose... Going to give it a whirl.

Thanks!

EDIT: Right on the money, Moose! First round is on me!