Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Stamps treated this way from a few years ago don't show any discoloration, but I worry about the long run. Luckily the classics were never self-adhesive!
Have you used this product or something else that works well?
Login to Like
this post
I use it but only on stamps that will go into my collection, don't use that talcum powder, just scrape the residual gum with a sharp edge and done.
Have this advised from a fellow member, it works for me.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I have used it with mixed success. If the stamp is on something impenetrable then the only way to lift it, is to spray the front. Which typically turned into a big mess for me. Also that stuff eats plastic. Keep it well away from anything plastic.
I just decided to trim around the few that I collect and mount them like this:
8 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
01:05:56pm
"I just decided to trim around the few that I collect and mount them ..."
To me this seems like the obvious thing to do rather than using chemicals. But then I'm one who doesn't care what's on the back of stamps anyway. So, I guess my opinion is a bit biased. I don't collect newer stamps anyway, but if I did, I'd just trim the stamps!
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Thanks for your thoughtful replies.
On a few duplicate arrivals, I'll try the scraping technique instead of talcum powder.
Front spraying does work -- barely -- on some stamps affixed to something like Tyvek. On thick paper or cardboard, I have had luck peeling the layers apart before spraying.
I'm not a big post-2000 U.S. collector either, but APS is so generous with their annual album pages that I fall victim to keeping stamps arriving in the mail. Maybe when I can't get that album closed, I'll knock it off and just put 'em on one page per year.
I do get the few USPS FDCs whose designs or subjects I enjoy.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
I bought some of the pure citrus to try out on stamps, never did use it for stamps. it does work great as an air freshener or for getting price stickers off stuff.
I find trying to obtain postally used recent US a challenge. I had sorted through a couple pounds of very recent USA kiloware last year, resorted to the trim method for everything I kept. Using the pure citrus would have been too much work. I mainly sort in 102 cards per Scott number, and like to leave margins on the paper as it can always be trimmed down more later.
Josh
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I can’t use these products because it triggers my asthma. Boo hiss! I’m happy leaving most on paper - I just trim neatly around them, no worries.
But that doesn’t work for stamps on cardboard or too close together. If anyone would like a job, maybe I could pay you to remove them? Anyone interested? I only have 20 or so that I’d like to remove.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Soaking in either turpentine or xylene works very well. You still have to wipe the dissolved glue off the back of the stamp with a paper towel. Turpentine is less harsh, but my wife doesn’t like the smell of turpentine so I use xylene mostly. Certain issues require a special solvent to break the glue as harsher solvents ruin the front side. A product called “Un-Glu” works best. This can be found at hobby stores like Michael’s. You drip it on the back of the attached stamp and, after a few seconds, you can pull it off. You still might have to clean the back using an ear swab with xylene, but it works just fine.
Philatalia, if you would like me to remove those cardboard stamps for you, mail them to me and I’ll mail them back. Doesn’t take long. Just tell me which Star Wars stamp to put on it.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
For those who like to collect stamps on paper this one is a must, roughly the thickness of about 10 US commemorative stamps combined.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Those Austrian lederhosen would go well with my Austrian toilet paper souvenir sheet!
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I use a product called Shellite,I drop the stamps in it for a few seconds and they peal straight off ,you have to be careful though as the Australian stamps have cuts near the corners which tear off very easily.As I stated earlier they come off but they still have the gum on,a few more seconds in the Shellite and i scrape off the gum with a phone card or similar card.
Brian
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Shellite, the camping stove fuel?
https://pastoutdoors.com/en-us/products/ ...
(Modified by Moderator on 2023-01-03 14:21:52)
Login to Like
this post
I recently received about 50 different used recent US self adhesives purchased from the approval section of SOR. All had the adhesive "removed", not sure what method was used. They were mixed together inside an envelope and sent through the mails to me. When I opened the envelope, I saw that most of them were stuck to the ones below. Ended up with a "block" of stamps.
Spent some time slowly separating those I could without risking damage. All of them will require that I remove the remaining adhesive using Pure Citrus Orange. I think all had some sort of talc or baby powder applied to the gum side which doesn't work too well if there is still residue left.
My suggestion to any members who sell recent used US issues to either remove ALL of the adhesive OR leave them on paper, not too close cut.
Tad
8 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Good advise!
Login to Like
this post
Interesting thread! I've been wondering in the back of my mind where I have a wee bit of room left for such things was this very topic!
While I don't really care for some of the chemicals involved...at least this gives me a start.
Mike
Login to Like
this post
I had a couple of US self adhesive stamps on paper on my counter. There was also a bottle of Vodka.. which got me thinking.. nope, didn’t work!
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
You're wasting good Vodka unless you use it right.
First shot of Vodka in mouth
Second Lick Stamp
Repeat as many times as is necessary.
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
I guess I was doing it wrong! I put a stamp in a shot glass of mediocre vodka! Didn't budge!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Careful you don't choke on the stamp Tom when you're doing shots after...
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Well, at least I got to have a haircut in the Penny Lane barber shop.
30 Dec 2022
11:19:00am
I've been using Pure Citrus Orange Air Freshener to remove self-adhesive stamps from envelopes. I tear off a section of the envelope -- large enough to keep my fingers from getting wet -- and spritz through the back where the stamp is. After less than five seconds, the stamp lifts off easily. I let the stamp sit on wax paper, sticky side up, for awhile then drop it into talcum power. Blowing or rubbing the powder off gets the stamp ready for a hinge.
Stamps treated this way from a few years ago don't show any discoloration, but I worry about the long run. Luckily the classics were never self-adhesive!
Have you used this product or something else that works well?
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I use it but only on stamps that will go into my collection, don't use that talcum powder, just scrape the residual gum with a sharp edge and done.
Have this advised from a fellow member, it works for me.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I have used it with mixed success. If the stamp is on something impenetrable then the only way to lift it, is to spray the front. Which typically turned into a big mess for me. Also that stuff eats plastic. Keep it well away from anything plastic.
I just decided to trim around the few that I collect and mount them like this:
8 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
This is my diabetic cat OBI! I think, therefore I am - I think! Descartes, sort of!
30 Dec 2022
01:05:56pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
"I just decided to trim around the few that I collect and mount them ..."
To me this seems like the obvious thing to do rather than using chemicals. But then I'm one who doesn't care what's on the back of stamps anyway. So, I guess my opinion is a bit biased. I don't collect newer stamps anyway, but if I did, I'd just trim the stamps!
3 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Well, at least I got to have a haircut in the Penny Lane barber shop.
30 Dec 2022
05:15:48pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Thanks for your thoughtful replies.
On a few duplicate arrivals, I'll try the scraping technique instead of talcum powder.
Front spraying does work -- barely -- on some stamps affixed to something like Tyvek. On thick paper or cardboard, I have had luck peeling the layers apart before spraying.
I'm not a big post-2000 U.S. collector either, but APS is so generous with their annual album pages that I fall victim to keeping stamps arriving in the mail. Maybe when I can't get that album closed, I'll knock it off and just put 'em on one page per year.
I do get the few USPS FDCs whose designs or subjects I enjoy.
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I bought some of the pure citrus to try out on stamps, never did use it for stamps. it does work great as an air freshener or for getting price stickers off stuff.
I find trying to obtain postally used recent US a challenge. I had sorted through a couple pounds of very recent USA kiloware last year, resorted to the trim method for everything I kept. Using the pure citrus would have been too much work. I mainly sort in 102 cards per Scott number, and like to leave margins on the paper as it can always be trimmed down more later.
Josh
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I can’t use these products because it triggers my asthma. Boo hiss! I’m happy leaving most on paper - I just trim neatly around them, no worries.
But that doesn’t work for stamps on cardboard or too close together. If anyone would like a job, maybe I could pay you to remove them? Anyone interested? I only have 20 or so that I’d like to remove.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
09:06:08pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Soaking in either turpentine or xylene works very well. You still have to wipe the dissolved glue off the back of the stamp with a paper towel. Turpentine is less harsh, but my wife doesn’t like the smell of turpentine so I use xylene mostly. Certain issues require a special solvent to break the glue as harsher solvents ruin the front side. A product called “Un-Glu” works best. This can be found at hobby stores like Michael’s. You drip it on the back of the attached stamp and, after a few seconds, you can pull it off. You still might have to clean the back using an ear swab with xylene, but it works just fine.
Philatalia, if you would like me to remove those cardboard stamps for you, mail them to me and I’ll mail them back. Doesn’t take long. Just tell me which Star Wars stamp to put on it.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
For those who like to collect stamps on paper this one is a must, roughly the thickness of about 10 US commemorative stamps combined.
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Well, at least I got to have a haircut in the Penny Lane barber shop.
31 Dec 2022
12:18:27pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Those Austrian lederhosen would go well with my Austrian toilet paper souvenir sheet!
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
Auctions
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I use a product called Shellite,I drop the stamps in it for a few seconds and they peal straight off ,you have to be careful though as the Australian stamps have cuts near the corners which tear off very easily.As I stated earlier they come off but they still have the gum on,a few more seconds in the Shellite and i scrape off the gum with a phone card or similar card.
Brian
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
Well, at least I got to have a haircut in the Penny Lane barber shop.
03 Jan 2023
10:59:06am
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Shellite, the camping stove fuel?
https://pastoutdoors.com/en-us/products/ ...
(Modified by Moderator on 2023-01-03 14:21:52)
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I recently received about 50 different used recent US self adhesives purchased from the approval section of SOR. All had the adhesive "removed", not sure what method was used. They were mixed together inside an envelope and sent through the mails to me. When I opened the envelope, I saw that most of them were stuck to the ones below. Ended up with a "block" of stamps.
Spent some time slowly separating those I could without risking damage. All of them will require that I remove the remaining adhesive using Pure Citrus Orange. I think all had some sort of talc or baby powder applied to the gum side which doesn't work too well if there is still residue left.
My suggestion to any members who sell recent used US issues to either remove ALL of the adhesive OR leave them on paper, not too close cut.
Tad
8 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
05:48:42pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Interesting thread! I've been wondering in the back of my mind where I have a wee bit of room left for such things was this very topic!
While I don't really care for some of the chemicals involved...at least this gives me a start.
Mike
Login to Like
this post
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I had a couple of US self adhesive stamps on paper on my counter. There was also a bottle of Vodka.. which got me thinking.. nope, didn’t work!
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
You're wasting good Vodka unless you use it right.
First shot of Vodka in mouth
Second Lick Stamp
Repeat as many times as is necessary.
4 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
I guess I was doing it wrong! I put a stamp in a shot glass of mediocre vodka! Didn't budge!
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
10:52:15pm
re: Removing Self-Adhesive Stamps
Careful you don't choke on the stamp Tom when you're doing shots after...
2 Members
like this post.
Login to Like.