If they are soakable stamps, I place a wet paper towel over the stamps. They eventually lift off.
Bob
For the self adhesives, squirt some lighter fluid (naptha) over the stamp(s), then after a few seconds you should be able to start to peel them off. If they seem to be a little stubborn, squirt some fluid under the stamp as you go.
Clean the remaining adhesive away with a paper towel and more lighter fluid, being careful not to crease the stamp.
This method has worked without fail for me, without damaging the package, the stamp, or the collector.
Thank you all for your good advice. And Bob (Woodstock)...how about removing scotch tape from stamps. I heard that lighter fluid may work, but it doesn't always get good results and may stain the stamp. It can also damage your lungs if you breathe it in. Best wishes, Lionel
I took some tape off some stamps recently using a product called "Goo Gone". Worked fairly well. Label says it removes grease, gum, stickers, and crayon. Contains petroleum distillates - likely naptha.
Brian
Lionel, I have had some limited experience using lighter fluid to remove Scotch tape, none of it very successful. Also, in my humble opinion the "lung damage" issue is highly overrated, unless one were to be using the fluid in a very confined area.
Hi to you all. Does anyone know an easy way to safely soak off US stamps from packages or boxes. I didn't want to rip the box apart...maybe there is an easier method. Thanks and best wishes, Lionel
lotreetops@msn.com
re: Soaking stamps off packages or boxes
If they are soakable stamps, I place a wet paper towel over the stamps. They eventually lift off.
Bob
re: Soaking stamps off packages or boxes
For the self adhesives, squirt some lighter fluid (naptha) over the stamp(s), then after a few seconds you should be able to start to peel them off. If they seem to be a little stubborn, squirt some fluid under the stamp as you go.
Clean the remaining adhesive away with a paper towel and more lighter fluid, being careful not to crease the stamp.
This method has worked without fail for me, without damaging the package, the stamp, or the collector.
re: Soaking stamps off packages or boxes
Thank you all for your good advice. And Bob (Woodstock)...how about removing scotch tape from stamps. I heard that lighter fluid may work, but it doesn't always get good results and may stain the stamp. It can also damage your lungs if you breathe it in. Best wishes, Lionel
re: Soaking stamps off packages or boxes
I took some tape off some stamps recently using a product called "Goo Gone". Worked fairly well. Label says it removes grease, gum, stickers, and crayon. Contains petroleum distillates - likely naptha.
Brian
re: Soaking stamps off packages or boxes
Lionel, I have had some limited experience using lighter fluid to remove Scotch tape, none of it very successful. Also, in my humble opinion the "lung damage" issue is highly overrated, unless one were to be using the fluid in a very confined area.