safe postage stamp removal : eBay Guides

Hello fellow Philatelists,

     This is just a little tidbit of information that I expect many of you already know. It is for the ones who don't, especially young beginning stamp collectors. The way to remove cancelled stamps safely is to tear or carefully cut them from their envelope leaving them attached to the paper underneath. They can then be soaked in plain water to release the glue.  This works on the new self adhesive stamps too. The glue usually remains with the scrap paper. I have had trouble with a Santa Claus series from 2001 where the glue refuses to release and the stamp comes off completely thinned. The rest have worked perfectly. Then lay them face down to dry on an old newspaper. This is so they won't stick in case there is some glue remaining. Never try to pull them off dry and don't cut off  the perforation edges. I like to use a dull pocket knife to get under one edge and gently lift the stamp off.  Sometimes they come off in the water by themselves. They can be damaged very easily when they are wet so be very careful.

     One other thing to watch out for is red and orange-yellow envelopes.  The color will bleed out in the water and will stain other stamps that come in contact with the paper if you soak many at a time so I would recommend soaking them one at a time or in separate containers. Don't soak it longer than necessary, maybe 10 to 20 minutes or just untill it releases. The glue seems to  protect the individual stamp for a little while.

     When attaching your stamp in an album don't use glue or tape. Go to a hobby store and get some stamp hinges. They are little squares of  gummed wax paper that are specially made for attaching stamps. They can be pulled off after the glue is dry if you want to move or replace your stamp later. Don't remove them while they are still damp or you may damage the stamp. Don't use stamp hinges to attach new unused stamps because you will damage the glue, especially on the old dry gum type. The glue should be protected because this makes the stamp more valuable. Always keep your album in a safe dry place and you can enjoy it all your life. I like to use a metal container or a metal drawer in a filing cabinet to keep it safe from dust, moisture, bugs, and especially mice.