Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
I just received a package from Jersey. It is franked with a great group of stamps with many pound stamps including a gold 10 pounder! The stamps are all on cardboard. My question is this. I have soaked stamps off cardboard before, and they tend to come out all wrinkled like the cardboard. These stamps are keepers, and I want to add them to my collection. Any tips on soaking them off the cardboard without them having the wrinkles like the cardboard?
Thanks!
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Gee, I wonder where those JERSEY stamps came from...........hee hee hee........
This is a great question as I also have some stamps that are on the same type of material. I was going to soak the usual way, but now maybe I'll wait for another suggestion.
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Will a sweat box not work? How about Goo-Gone?
Tedski
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09:30:40am
I wouldn't try using Goo-Gone. Who knows what the chemical will do to the stamp.
Michael - are the creases actual wrinkles? Or is the stamp just formed to the shape of the cardboard?
If you're not talking about actual creases, I would soak as normal. Dry face down on a sheet of paper. Then cut open a freezer bag or use some other form of similar plastic and lay the stamps gum side down on the plastic. You can stack this depending on how many stamps you have...plastic with stamps, another sheet of plastic with stamps, etc. place a piece of plastic or paper on top and then stack books on top. I use 3-4 Textbooks from my nursing days so you want a lot of weight. Leave them for at lease 48 hours. I've left some up to a week and they just come out nice and flat and lovely. I hope that helps!
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10:49:41am
Might try Pure Citrus. The October 2010 article in the APS magazine recommends it for removing self-adhesives (article on page 910 - available on APS website in the archives) and I don't see why it wouldn't work on water activated stamps as well. I've never tried it as most of my soaking is limited to removing old hinges or paper adhesions.
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These are all sheet stamps. The 10 pound stamp has 22 carat gold on it, and a 5 pound stamp has silver. I don't want to use chemicals in fear that the gold or silver may come off. If I soak them, I'll have to do it in the bathtub as they are closely attached to what was the top of the package, which is over 1 foot in length.
The stamps all show the ripples from the corrugation.
Just FYI, the package was posted on June 6 and arrived on June 11. Not bad. I wish my mailings to Europe took only 1 week, instead of the at least 2 weeks or more (or never even arrive). I still have a package to Russia that shows it sitting in St. Louis Customs since 2011. Post Office can't get Customs to move it out of there. Probably lost there.
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There are two types to consider when soaking, gummed and self adhesive. You need to separate them. The self adhesive stamps do not like water and are usually destroyed. I have soaked thousands of stamps and do it in my laundry tub. Some people suggest warm or hot water, but I do not as it makes colors run. I prefer plain every day out of the tap cold water, let mother nature work. Another suggestion is to remove anything on colored paper and do those separately. Many of the inks in paper can run and destroy everything they touch. Even stamps on manila paper can be an issue at times and I also put those separate. I also put all cardboard in a separate pile to soak and even try to peel the top layer of paper off the cardboard before soaking to reduce the amount of glue. You also need to be careful of some foreign stamps as their ink can run as well. When soaking, I only do 25-30 stamps at a time to reduce the possibility that the whole batch could get contaminated from some foreign substance. Change water between each soak. If you have something of significant value, soak it all alone to protect it. I let these soak until the stamps lift freely by themselves and then carefully remove from the tub and place face down on a smooth surface (granite, formica, glass, etc) and let air dry, usually takes 1/2 hour or so. When dry they will lift off the surface with ease. Some will curl, but are easily flattened. A little bit of experience with the process goes a long way.
For self adhesives, use lighter fluid. Squirt the fluid on the face of the stamp and paper from the back and within seconds you can remove the entire stamp with adhesive gum intact. The adhesive will still be on the stamp and needs to be removed. Use something flat, like a small putty knife to remove the adhesive(it will ball up). You may need to squirt a bit more fluid during the process because it evaporates quite quickly, and then wipe the back of the stamp with a rag, paper towel, klennix, etc, also squirted with a little bit of fluid. I also suggest you do this outside in a garage, porch, lanai, etc. The fumes of the fluid can really offend others you have to live with. Tedious process, but you can have a pristine stamp with no adhesive and undamaged in appearance.
Try it, I think you will like it.
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02:07:38pm
Michael,
I would cut as much cardboard off as you can, but if that's not possible, it's okay. I would soak with tap to luke warm water and let them float off as DSC stamps mentioned. Then dry them, I would use plastic from a freezer bag for the top and bottom. You should be okay.
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Why not just trim them and leave the backing on? Is the packaging thick (e.g., bubble wrap)?
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The stamps are on a flap of a cardboard box at least 1/8 of an inch thick. Can't put them in my album this way.
I'll do the tried and true method, but use the bath tub for the work.
Thanks all.
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"I'll do the tried and true method, but use the bath tub "
First time I've heard of someone substituting stamps for their rubber ducky.
Tedski
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I am sure that my next comment will cause a ripple of laughter.
I spent some time experimenting and one of the most successful applications was
Warm water and liquid hand soap.Now I have applied this to stamps from all over the world and seem to work with them all.
I also use 2 sheets of clear acetate and when the stamps are 80% dry I place them between the two sheets and apply weight.
Cheers Dave
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Dave, I thought you were going to say "warm water, liquid hand soap, and I'm washing my hands of this whole soaking business!" 
What do folks think of the commercial product, whose name I can't recall, but you apply it like watermark fluid and it separates stamps from paper or each other? I've used it but it leaves a residue and is expensive.
Peter
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06:50:35pm
Peter -
If you mean Stamp Lift - it's crap! Ruins everything that I ever tried to use it on 
Kelly
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06:53:30pm
Ummm, Kelly...you have an opinion on that? 
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Yes, that is it; Stamp Lift. It seemed to work on some stuck together issues, but the film it left was not welcome.
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I tried Stamplift long ago, and have the same opinion as Kelly on that product.
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I quit the stamp lift 50 years ago. It was useless, time consuming, and certainly not the right thing to do for the hobby.
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So, then, do we have a consensus on StampLift?
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10:57:15pm
Yup - two thumbs down!
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I'll drink to that.
Mike
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But don't drink the Stamp Lift fluid! 
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Michael,
You could try affixing a few low value stamps on cardboard as a test before you soak the valuable ones.
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Hmm. There are a couple of low-valued stamps on the package that are damaged. Didn't think of using them as test "subjects". Thank you!
(I told you I don't think about soaking!)
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If you have self adhesive stamps on the package and soak them, you will have some more low value stamps. They do not like water much.... A lot like my cat taking a bath, just does not work out very well for either of us.
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04:39:17pm
Usually double layer cardboard with a corrugates filler will separate so that you can discard the back and filler.
Self stickies, with a few exceptions, frequently separate using Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropenol).
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These are all sheet stamps. No self-adhesives.
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Well, then soak away!! You should be fine. Just separate colored paper from the lot. CDJ is correct, cardboard layers will fall apart when soaked, just make sure you use enough water because cardboard has a lot of glue and other residue materials, usually made from re-cycled paper that has a lot of different unwanted attributes. Good luck with your project.
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10:32:21am
" .... make sure you use enough water because cardboard has a lot of glue and other residue materials, ...."
Absolutely, use enough water. In actuality I will watch the discoloration and as it appears, I tip the container and drain the water, watching that the stamps stay put. Then I will refill the container with fresh luke warm water, occasionally twice, so that the glue and other residue does not settle on my precious stamps.
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Speaking of soaking... the "combination" of stamp/base I have not yet seen covered... how to get perfectly good Priority Mail self-adhesives off cardboard Priority Mail boxes. Do the solvents and citrus air fresheners still work on thick card stock like that?
~Peter
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03:48:09am
Here's an area that I don't dive into much, soaking stamps. I soak maybe one or two stamps a year.
I just received a package from Jersey. It is franked with a great group of stamps with many pound stamps including a gold 10 pounder! The stamps are all on cardboard. My question is this. I have soaked stamps off cardboard before, and they tend to come out all wrinkled like the cardboard. These stamps are keepers, and I want to add them to my collection. Any tips on soaking them off the cardboard without them having the wrinkles like the cardboard?
Thanks!
Login to Like
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APS #222602 and Internet Philatelic Dealers Association #439
11 Jun 2013
07:03:14am
re: Soaking Question
Gee, I wonder where those JERSEY stamps came from...........hee hee hee........
This is a great question as I also have some stamps that are on the same type of material. I was going to soak the usual way, but now maybe I'll wait for another suggestion.
Login to Like
this post
re: Soaking Question
Will a sweat box not work? How about Goo-Gone?
Tedski
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this post
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
11 Jun 2013
09:30:40am
re: Soaking Question
I wouldn't try using Goo-Gone. Who knows what the chemical will do to the stamp.
Michael - are the creases actual wrinkles? Or is the stamp just formed to the shape of the cardboard?
If you're not talking about actual creases, I would soak as normal. Dry face down on a sheet of paper. Then cut open a freezer bag or use some other form of similar plastic and lay the stamps gum side down on the plastic. You can stack this depending on how many stamps you have...plastic with stamps, another sheet of plastic with stamps, etc. place a piece of plastic or paper on top and then stack books on top. I use 3-4 Textbooks from my nursing days so you want a lot of weight. Leave them for at lease 48 hours. I've left some up to a week and they just come out nice and flat and lovely. I hope that helps!
Login to Like
this post
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
11 Jun 2013
10:49:41am
re: Soaking Question
Might try Pure Citrus. The October 2010 article in the APS magazine recommends it for removing self-adhesives (article on page 910 - available on APS website in the archives) and I don't see why it wouldn't work on water activated stamps as well. I've never tried it as most of my soaking is limited to removing old hinges or paper adhesions.
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this post
12:56:01pm
re: Soaking Question
These are all sheet stamps. The 10 pound stamp has 22 carat gold on it, and a 5 pound stamp has silver. I don't want to use chemicals in fear that the gold or silver may come off. If I soak them, I'll have to do it in the bathtub as they are closely attached to what was the top of the package, which is over 1 foot in length.
The stamps all show the ripples from the corrugation.
Just FYI, the package was posted on June 6 and arrived on June 11. Not bad. I wish my mailings to Europe took only 1 week, instead of the at least 2 weeks or more (or never even arrive). I still have a package to Russia that shows it sitting in St. Louis Customs since 2011. Post Office can't get Customs to move it out of there. Probably lost there.
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this post
re: Soaking Question
There are two types to consider when soaking, gummed and self adhesive. You need to separate them. The self adhesive stamps do not like water and are usually destroyed. I have soaked thousands of stamps and do it in my laundry tub. Some people suggest warm or hot water, but I do not as it makes colors run. I prefer plain every day out of the tap cold water, let mother nature work. Another suggestion is to remove anything on colored paper and do those separately. Many of the inks in paper can run and destroy everything they touch. Even stamps on manila paper can be an issue at times and I also put those separate. I also put all cardboard in a separate pile to soak and even try to peel the top layer of paper off the cardboard before soaking to reduce the amount of glue. You also need to be careful of some foreign stamps as their ink can run as well. When soaking, I only do 25-30 stamps at a time to reduce the possibility that the whole batch could get contaminated from some foreign substance. Change water between each soak. If you have something of significant value, soak it all alone to protect it. I let these soak until the stamps lift freely by themselves and then carefully remove from the tub and place face down on a smooth surface (granite, formica, glass, etc) and let air dry, usually takes 1/2 hour or so. When dry they will lift off the surface with ease. Some will curl, but are easily flattened. A little bit of experience with the process goes a long way.
For self adhesives, use lighter fluid. Squirt the fluid on the face of the stamp and paper from the back and within seconds you can remove the entire stamp with adhesive gum intact. The adhesive will still be on the stamp and needs to be removed. Use something flat, like a small putty knife to remove the adhesive(it will ball up). You may need to squirt a bit more fluid during the process because it evaporates quite quickly, and then wipe the back of the stamp with a rag, paper towel, klennix, etc, also squirted with a little bit of fluid. I also suggest you do this outside in a garage, porch, lanai, etc. The fumes of the fluid can really offend others you have to live with. Tedious process, but you can have a pristine stamp with no adhesive and undamaged in appearance.
Try it, I think you will like it.
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this post
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
11 Jun 2013
02:07:38pm
re: Soaking Question
Michael,
I would cut as much cardboard off as you can, but if that's not possible, it's okay. I would soak with tap to luke warm water and let them float off as DSC stamps mentioned. Then dry them, I would use plastic from a freezer bag for the top and bottom. You should be okay.
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02:21:57pm
re: Soaking Question
Why not just trim them and leave the backing on? Is the packaging thick (e.g., bubble wrap)?
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04:28:28pm
re: Soaking Question
The stamps are on a flap of a cardboard box at least 1/8 of an inch thick. Can't put them in my album this way.
I'll do the tried and true method, but use the bath tub for the work.
Thanks all.
Login to Like
this post
re: Soaking Question
"I'll do the tried and true method, but use the bath tub "
First time I've heard of someone substituting stamps for their rubber ducky.
Tedski
1 Member
likes this post.
Login to Like.
05:15:50pm
re: Soaking Question
I am sure that my next comment will cause a ripple of laughter.
I spent some time experimenting and one of the most successful applications was
Warm water and liquid hand soap.Now I have applied this to stamps from all over the world and seem to work with them all.
I also use 2 sheets of clear acetate and when the stamps are 80% dry I place them between the two sheets and apply weight.
Cheers Dave
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this post
06:20:51pm
re: Soaking Question
Dave, I thought you were going to say "warm water, liquid hand soap, and I'm washing my hands of this whole soaking business!"
What do folks think of the commercial product, whose name I can't recall, but you apply it like watermark fluid and it separates stamps from paper or each other? I've used it but it leaves a residue and is expensive.
Peter
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A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
11 Jun 2013
06:50:35pm
re: Soaking Question
Peter -
If you mean Stamp Lift - it's crap! Ruins everything that I ever tried to use it on
Kelly
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
11 Jun 2013
06:53:30pm
re: Soaking Question
Ummm, Kelly...you have an opinion on that?
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07:11:10pm
re: Soaking Question
Yes, that is it; Stamp Lift. It seemed to work on some stuck together issues, but the film it left was not welcome.
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this post
07:34:43pm
re: Soaking Question
I tried Stamplift long ago, and have the same opinion as Kelly on that product.
Login to Like
this post
re: Soaking Question
I quit the stamp lift 50 years ago. It was useless, time consuming, and certainly not the right thing to do for the hobby.
Login to Like
this post
re: Soaking Question
So, then, do we have a consensus on StampLift?
Login to Like
this post
A Service Dog gives a person with a disability independence. Never approach, distract or pet a working dog, especially when (s)he is in harness. Never be afraid to ask questions to the handler (parent).
11 Jun 2013
10:57:15pm
re: Soaking Question
Yup - two thumbs down!
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re: Soaking Question
I'll drink to that.
Mike
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12:57:29am
re: Soaking Question
But don't drink the Stamp Lift fluid!
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Dogs are my favorite people. I hang with this one as often as I can.
13 Jun 2013
06:12:07pm
re: Soaking Question
Michael,
You could try affixing a few low value stamps on cardboard as a test before you soak the valuable ones.
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07:06:09pm
re: Soaking Question
Hmm. There are a couple of low-valued stamps on the package that are damaged. Didn't think of using them as test "subjects". Thank you!
(I told you I don't think about soaking!)
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re: Soaking Question
If you have self adhesive stamps on the package and soak them, you will have some more low value stamps. They do not like water much.... A lot like my cat taking a bath, just does not work out very well for either of us.
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Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
14 Jun 2013
04:39:17pm
re: Soaking Question
Usually double layer cardboard with a corrugates filler will separate so that you can discard the back and filler.
Self stickies, with a few exceptions, frequently separate using Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropenol).
Login to Like
this post
06:16:17pm
re: Soaking Question
These are all sheet stamps. No self-adhesives.
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this post
re: Soaking Question
Well, then soak away!! You should be fine. Just separate colored paper from the lot. CDJ is correct, cardboard layers will fall apart when soaked, just make sure you use enough water because cardboard has a lot of glue and other residue materials, usually made from re-cycled paper that has a lot of different unwanted attributes. Good luck with your project.
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this post
Silence in the face of adversity is the father of complicity and collusion, the first cousins of conspiracy..
15 Jun 2013
10:32:21am
re: Soaking Question
" .... make sure you use enough water because cardboard has a lot of glue and other residue materials, ...."
Absolutely, use enough water. In actuality I will watch the discoloration and as it appears, I tip the container and drain the water, watching that the stamps stay put. Then I will refill the container with fresh luke warm water, occasionally twice, so that the glue and other residue does not settle on my precious stamps.
Login to Like
this post
re: Soaking Question
Speaking of soaking... the "combination" of stamp/base I have not yet seen covered... how to get perfectly good Priority Mail self-adhesives off cardboard Priority Mail boxes. Do the solvents and citrus air fresheners still work on thick card stock like that?
~Peter
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