Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
As a result, I propose a trading arrangement whereby I send recent stamps on paper to someone who is an expert in soaking them. Once the stamps are soaked, the expert would keep a portion of them, and return the rest. I haven't thought through all of the details of the arrangement, but I am open to suggestions.
Please contact me at frank.garmon.05@cnu.edu if interested.
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Dear Frank,
Many of the recent (2000 onwards) issues of the US are 'unsoakable' - meaning not removable from the piece they are used on. It is better to leave such stamps on close cut piece and add them to your collection.
At Virtual Stamps Club they tried listing these unsoakable from 2008 upto 2010 US issues, they had probably given up the project because almost all the recent ones are difficult to soak. As you view the listing at the link below you can see there is a traffic light like symbol at the left - the green indicates that the stamp could be soaked easily, yellow indicates that care has to be taken to soak these, they come off with some difficulty and the red light indicates that these can not be soaked off paper.
Check out the 2010 issues link here:
http://www.virtualstampclub.com/2010usnew.html
For 2008-09 just click on the year at the top of the page.
(Modified by Moderator on 2012-09-23 14:27:29)
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03:07:59pm
I posted most of this elsewhere so in some ways it is a redux, but I believe that enough new collectors are encountering the USA stickies that it is worth reposting it.
The self sticks issued by the USA can present a problem and many collectors have chosen to go the close clipping route because, if things do not work out, very nicely cancelled stamps can be accidentally destroyed.
----------------- Now for the good news. --------------------
They can be removed as can most US and even the Aussie's sticky stamps. But it does take some time, some practice and always some careful handling.
First you need a suitable work space that is well ventilated.
I use small bottles of inexpensive Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) available at pharmacies and supermarkets through out the USA. Some collectors use lighter fluid but I feel safer with the Rubbing Alcohol. I understand that in Great Britain it goes under a name like "Spirit soap" or something like that, but the technical name is the same.
I happen to have an eight inch square black marble block that I salvaged from a broken lamp years ago which is great for the job. Otherwise, select something, such as a small watermark tray, that will not be ruined over time by the alcohol soaking into the finish.
I also have about six different stamp tongs nearby to use for different purposes. My favorites for handling stamps are very sharply pointed and in fact are called "Lethal # 908" which probably refers to the occasional collector who decided to scratch his or her nose while still absently holding these tongs. (Glasses are a good investment after all !)
Lethal Tip Tongs, Showgard #908s
Of course I have some safer spade tips and round tips, even one old mangled tip that I proffer to the grand kids to use to do unspeakable things to tiny screws and little dolls that need repair.
But for this process I prefer the tiny ends to get the stamps loose.
I spray the Rubbing Alcohol on the front and reverse of the stamp on paper and give it a minute or two to work in. Then with the stamp face up I start to work the tip under one of the corners, usually the top away from those nasty die cuts found on recent British stamps. Once the tip is a tiny bit under the top of the stamp it can usually be slid or worked slowly from side to side, along the top till the stamp is almost half clear. At this point comes the tricky part, I begin to slip the tip of the tongs along one edge or the other, sometimes both sides one after another, up and down the side, still being careful not to get too close to the "U" shaped die cuts on British stamps.
The security die cuts look like this.
They are put into the paper in pairs on either side of the Queen's Profile. While making it difficult it is not impossible to remove the stamps from the paper.
Finally I select one side and place the tip along the loosened edge about midway between the "U" and its inverted brother and work my way in and then up or down to loosen the area of the die cuts from the middle out.
Once one side is loose, the other has to be worked also.
Then, of course, the loose alcohol soaked stamp can be placed face down on the classified section of an old newspaper to dry.
Now sometimes the stick-um is still there and so I have an old wide bottle cap with a shot of talcum powder (Johnson & Johnson's works well) in it handy so that a little dab can be placed somewhere convenient and the dried stamp can be brushed though the little trace of talcum. the result is that the gum molecules become too busy playing with the talcum to be a further problem.
Now there is one more complication. With some of the stickies (Not the British Machins so much) you will notice when you have the stamp face down that the gum has remained in a layer on the back of the stamp despite the use of the solvent. This can usually be tugged gently with the tip of the tongs and once a bit is pulled back the rest can be rolled back much like you would roll up a rug in a room. Unfortunately with some of these beasties a layer of the paper stays with the gum which makes the stamp that remains quite thin and even more delicate. Again, with care collectable used stamps can be salvaged although the stamp will have become a bit thinner.
I recently acquired a large envelope of recent USA commemoratives and out of about two hundred collectable used stamps only damaged one or two that then had to be discarded. The trick is, patience while awaiting the alcohol's efforts to loosen the gum and extreme care in working with the pointed tongs.
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@Saleem: Thank you for the information. The virtual stamp club looks like a great website; very informative!
@Charlie: Thank you for the advice. I will have to try using rubbing alcohol, but I doubt I have the patience that you do. It sounds like you are quite an expert at removing them. I will let you know how it goes, and maybe we can work out a trade if I am unsuccessful.
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04:58:02pm
One thing that I should have added is that besides a well ventilated area, I think it is best to limit the process to about 80-100 stamps at a sitting. I've used rubbing alcohol for many years, starting as a watermark detector, and never had any problem but I can imagine that several hours of the fumes at a time might not be the greatest idea.
That is especially true on the recent British stamps with those pesky security cuts as that process does require a certain amount of dexterity.
But the result, to me seems far more attractive than a postally used stamp mounted with closely clipped paper of undetermined and varying thickness mounted in the albums.
Oh, yes, another thing is that the current US illegible spray cancellation ink is very soluble and may blur into an even less meaningful blob if soaked for more than a few moments.
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Just to be fair and balanced here. There is considerable discussion & viewpoints on this matter. Just key in "soaking" on search up there at the top. I find the lighter fluid method to work ,myself.
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Thanks for the information, Stampaholic. I have never tried lighter fluid, but I wouldn't really want to experiment with it because I live in an apartment complex and I don't have a well-ventilated area to work with.
I recently tried using the rubbing alcohol method, and it works pretty well. I still need a lot of practice, however, as I ended up damaging about a third of them.
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I have found that lighter fluid works well. First, soak it off the paper (in the fluid). Then, to get the gooey stickum off the stamp, I find Clothes dryer sheets work well. My wife goes thru a lot of them, so I always get clean ones. The fibers do not come off and stick to the stamp, I get a clean stamp every time.
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Hi Riccon,
Thank you for the information. I have heard that lighter fluid works well, but I do not have a well ventilated area to work with.
Frank
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Frank,
I actually find the lack of ventiltion when working with lighter fluid enhances the stamp collecting experience
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06:43:14pm
That business about a well ventilated area is not just a helpful hint, Frank, it is a necessity.
I use common rubbing alcohol as it is less expensive than lighter fluid and doesn't seem to leave a residue.
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Maybe the lighter fluid keeps the cat away from the stamps?
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BTW: how to soak stamps the hard way. have your house catch on fire, then the fire dept.
comes and hoses it down with water. some of them actually did come off the envelopes,
at least the of the few that were left. BTW: fire wasn't the fault of the lighter fluid.
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Charlie I prefer my alcohol with a couple ice cubes and a splash of water
The cat has new interests, my wifes house plants and the fringe on the bed spread. She learned being on tables could be hazardous to her health
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Carl:
I really envy you your sense of humour - a great weapon for overcoming catastrophes, and for enjoying life no matter how the cards may have been dealt.
I suppose that a few of those stamps you salvaged from your house fire now take pride of place in your stamp collection.
John Derry
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08:21:50pm
Actually, thanks to Carl's largess, many of the stamps he salvaged from the fire now take pride of place in my collection! 
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This issue was brought up a few months ago, but is certainly in need of repeating, since it is a very important aspect of our favorite hobby and we have so many new members on board.
I was shown how a product called "Citrus Magic - Natural Odor Eliminating Air Freshener" removes the gum from the Self-Adhesive stamps. And it makes your stamp room smell fantastic, for quite a while. I have contacted the company and they told me that all of the Ace Hardware - True Value stores throughout the U.S. should have this product in stock.
Good hunting and if you need the number of the company, because you can't find the product in your area, here it is:1-800-451-7096. This product is actually made in the USA, in the Peach state.
Mike
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10:11:51pm
All of the Citrus Magic products can also be found online. I easily found them online at Amazon, Target, Walgreens, Vitacost and more.
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I'd like to add my 2c.
I use both lighter fluid and alcohol (91% Isopropyl).
For recent GB stamps, the lighter fluid does not seem to work, but alcohol does.
However, when using alcohol (on any stamp) there is a risk that it can make the ink run/smear or will dissolve the cancel.
For Canada and USA, alcohol does not seem to work, but lighter fluid does. I have not had any problem with the lighter fluid making the ink run/smear or dissolving cancels.
Best to experiment on a single stamp if possible.
And some self adhesive modern USA stamps can be removed with a water soak still. The Flags of our Nation series comes to mind. I soak them over night in warm water and that seems to do the trick.
Dave N.
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As most members are aware, recent stamps issued by USPS are very difficult to remove from paper because the gum does not dissolve easily in water. I have tried a few different methods for removing the stamps, but I find I am not very good at it. Because I live in an apartment complex, I do not want to experiment with lighter fluid or other chemical solutions.
As a result, I propose a trading arrangement whereby I send recent stamps on paper to someone who is an expert in soaking them. Once the stamps are soaked, the expert would keep a portion of them, and return the rest. I haven't thought through all of the details of the arrangement, but I am open to suggestions.
Please contact me at frank.garmon.05@cnu.edu if interested.
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Dear Frank,
Many of the recent (2000 onwards) issues of the US are 'unsoakable' - meaning not removable from the piece they are used on. It is better to leave such stamps on close cut piece and add them to your collection.
At Virtual Stamps Club they tried listing these unsoakable from 2008 upto 2010 US issues, they had probably given up the project because almost all the recent ones are difficult to soak. As you view the listing at the link below you can see there is a traffic light like symbol at the left - the green indicates that the stamp could be soaked easily, yellow indicates that care has to be taken to soak these, they come off with some difficulty and the red light indicates that these can not be soaked off paper.
Check out the 2010 issues link here:
http://www.virtualstampclub.com/2010usnew.html
For 2008-09 just click on the year at the top of the page.
(Modified by Moderator on 2012-09-23 14:27:29)
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
23 Sep 2012
03:07:59pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
I posted most of this elsewhere so in some ways it is a redux, but I believe that enough new collectors are encountering the USA stickies that it is worth reposting it.
The self sticks issued by the USA can present a problem and many collectors have chosen to go the close clipping route because, if things do not work out, very nicely cancelled stamps can be accidentally destroyed.
----------------- Now for the good news. --------------------
They can be removed as can most US and even the Aussie's sticky stamps. But it does take some time, some practice and always some careful handling.
First you need a suitable work space that is well ventilated.
I use small bottles of inexpensive Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) available at pharmacies and supermarkets through out the USA. Some collectors use lighter fluid but I feel safer with the Rubbing Alcohol. I understand that in Great Britain it goes under a name like "Spirit soap" or something like that, but the technical name is the same.
I happen to have an eight inch square black marble block that I salvaged from a broken lamp years ago which is great for the job. Otherwise, select something, such as a small watermark tray, that will not be ruined over time by the alcohol soaking into the finish.
I also have about six different stamp tongs nearby to use for different purposes. My favorites for handling stamps are very sharply pointed and in fact are called "Lethal # 908" which probably refers to the occasional collector who decided to scratch his or her nose while still absently holding these tongs. (Glasses are a good investment after all !)
Lethal Tip Tongs, Showgard #908s
Of course I have some safer spade tips and round tips, even one old mangled tip that I proffer to the grand kids to use to do unspeakable things to tiny screws and little dolls that need repair.
But for this process I prefer the tiny ends to get the stamps loose.
I spray the Rubbing Alcohol on the front and reverse of the stamp on paper and give it a minute or two to work in. Then with the stamp face up I start to work the tip under one of the corners, usually the top away from those nasty die cuts found on recent British stamps. Once the tip is a tiny bit under the top of the stamp it can usually be slid or worked slowly from side to side, along the top till the stamp is almost half clear. At this point comes the tricky part, I begin to slip the tip of the tongs along one edge or the other, sometimes both sides one after another, up and down the side, still being careful not to get too close to the "U" shaped die cuts on British stamps.
The security die cuts look like this.
They are put into the paper in pairs on either side of the Queen's Profile. While making it difficult it is not impossible to remove the stamps from the paper.
Finally I select one side and place the tip along the loosened edge about midway between the "U" and its inverted brother and work my way in and then up or down to loosen the area of the die cuts from the middle out.
Once one side is loose, the other has to be worked also.
Then, of course, the loose alcohol soaked stamp can be placed face down on the classified section of an old newspaper to dry.
Now sometimes the stick-um is still there and so I have an old wide bottle cap with a shot of talcum powder (Johnson & Johnson's works well) in it handy so that a little dab can be placed somewhere convenient and the dried stamp can be brushed though the little trace of talcum. the result is that the gum molecules become too busy playing with the talcum to be a further problem.
Now there is one more complication. With some of the stickies (Not the British Machins so much) you will notice when you have the stamp face down that the gum has remained in a layer on the back of the stamp despite the use of the solvent. This can usually be tugged gently with the tip of the tongs and once a bit is pulled back the rest can be rolled back much like you would roll up a rug in a room. Unfortunately with some of these beasties a layer of the paper stays with the gum which makes the stamp that remains quite thin and even more delicate. Again, with care collectable used stamps can be salvaged although the stamp will have become a bit thinner.
I recently acquired a large envelope of recent USA commemoratives and out of about two hundred collectable used stamps only damaged one or two that then had to be discarded. The trick is, patience while awaiting the alcohol's efforts to loosen the gum and extreme care in working with the pointed tongs.
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re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
@Saleem: Thank you for the information. The virtual stamp club looks like a great website; very informative!
@Charlie: Thank you for the advice. I will have to try using rubbing alcohol, but I doubt I have the patience that you do. It sounds like you are quite an expert at removing them. I will let you know how it goes, and maybe we can work out a trade if I am unsuccessful.
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
24 Sep 2012
04:58:02pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
One thing that I should have added is that besides a well ventilated area, I think it is best to limit the process to about 80-100 stamps at a sitting. I've used rubbing alcohol for many years, starting as a watermark detector, and never had any problem but I can imagine that several hours of the fumes at a time might not be the greatest idea.
That is especially true on the recent British stamps with those pesky security cuts as that process does require a certain amount of dexterity.
But the result, to me seems far more attractive than a postally used stamp mounted with closely clipped paper of undetermined and varying thickness mounted in the albums.
Oh, yes, another thing is that the current US illegible spray cancellation ink is very soluble and may blur into an even less meaningful blob if soaked for more than a few moments.
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Auctions - Approvals
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Just to be fair and balanced here. There is considerable discussion & viewpoints on this matter. Just key in "soaking" on search up there at the top. I find the lighter fluid method to work ,myself.
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Thanks for the information, Stampaholic. I have never tried lighter fluid, but I wouldn't really want to experiment with it because I live in an apartment complex and I don't have a well-ventilated area to work with.
I recently tried using the rubbing alcohol method, and it works pretty well. I still need a lot of practice, however, as I ended up damaging about a third of them.
Login to Like
this post
07:10:22pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
I have found that lighter fluid works well. First, soak it off the paper (in the fluid). Then, to get the gooey stickum off the stamp, I find Clothes dryer sheets work well. My wife goes thru a lot of them, so I always get clean ones. The fibers do not come off and stick to the stamp, I get a clean stamp every time.
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Hi Riccon,
Thank you for the information. I have heard that lighter fluid works well, but I do not have a well ventilated area to work with.
Frank
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Frank,
I actually find the lack of ventiltion when working with lighter fluid enhances the stamp collecting experience
Login to Like
this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
14 Apr 2013
06:43:14pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
That business about a well ventilated area is not just a helpful hint, Frank, it is a necessity.
I use common rubbing alcohol as it is less expensive than lighter fluid and doesn't seem to leave a residue.
Login to Like
this post
Auctions - Approvals
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
BTW: how to soak stamps the hard way. have your house catch on fire, then the fire dept.
comes and hoses it down with water. some of them actually did come off the envelopes,
at least the of the few that were left. BTW: fire wasn't the fault of the lighter fluid.
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Charlie I prefer my alcohol with a couple ice cubes and a splash of water
The cat has new interests, my wifes house plants and the fringe on the bed spread. She learned being on tables could be hazardous to her health
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this post
The past is a foreign country, they do things different there.
15 Apr 2013
08:02:07pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Carl:
I really envy you your sense of humour - a great weapon for overcoming catastrophes, and for enjoying life no matter how the cards may have been dealt.
I suppose that a few of those stamps you salvaged from your house fire now take pride of place in your stamp collection.
John Derry
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
15 Apr 2013
08:21:50pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
Actually, thanks to Carl's largess, many of the stamps he salvaged from the fire now take pride of place in my collection!
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
This issue was brought up a few months ago, but is certainly in need of repeating, since it is a very important aspect of our favorite hobby and we have so many new members on board.
I was shown how a product called "Citrus Magic - Natural Odor Eliminating Air Freshener" removes the gum from the Self-Adhesive stamps. And it makes your stamp room smell fantastic, for quite a while. I have contacted the company and they told me that all of the Ace Hardware - True Value stores throughout the U.S. should have this product in stock.
Good hunting and if you need the number of the company, because you can't find the product in your area, here it is:1-800-451-7096. This product is actually made in the USA, in the Peach state.
Mike
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
16 Apr 2013
10:11:51pm
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
All of the Citrus Magic products can also be found online. I easily found them online at Amazon, Target, Walgreens, Vitacost and more.
Login to Like
this post
re: Seeking an Expert in Soaking Recent USA Stamps
I'd like to add my 2c.
I use both lighter fluid and alcohol (91% Isopropyl).
For recent GB stamps, the lighter fluid does not seem to work, but alcohol does.
However, when using alcohol (on any stamp) there is a risk that it can make the ink run/smear or will dissolve the cancel.
For Canada and USA, alcohol does not seem to work, but lighter fluid does. I have not had any problem with the lighter fluid making the ink run/smear or dissolving cancels.
Best to experiment on a single stamp if possible.
And some self adhesive modern USA stamps can be removed with a water soak still. The Flags of our Nation series comes to mind. I soak them over night in warm water and that seems to do the trick.
Dave N.
Login to Like
this post