Mounting Self Adhesives

I seem to have settled on close trimming used self adhesive stamps rather than soaking or whatever.

Since there is a paper backing, are you more inclined to use a hinge as opposed to the more expensive mount when putting the stamp in an album?

I also wonder if there is a rule of thumb that you need to use another mm or two of mount size if you mount a mint variety?

It seems to me that if you choose to leave your SA stamps on a paper backing, then hinges would be a perfectly acceptable way to mount them. Having said that, if you have a mix between mint and used stamps on a page, and the mint stamps are in mounts, some may strive for consistency in having the same look on a page, which would dictate that you may want to use mounts strictly for appearance purposes.

Of course, I've always been in the minority by suggesting that even a mint SA stamp with a hinge on it should not detract from its value as the stamp has not been harmed in anyway, only the backing paper. But I've been shot down on that theory by many collectors, so what is really comes down to is a matter of choice.

As for mounting SA mint stamps in mounts, I bought these at a discount from a stamp store, as they were an odd size at 40mm x 27mm. Actually, these are designated as being the right size for UN Stamps, but the fraction of a millimeter in additional size also makes for a nice display for US Mint SA stamps:



However, for those who prefer Showgard mounts (which are more popular) their size for the same "Type N" mount is 41 mm x 27 mm (slightly larger). Consistency and album page size are key to what to use, though, as some mounts may cover the black border provided for the stamp and others may not, and collectors may wish to keep consistent by using one or the other type of mounts.

No rules here. Do it your way.

To me, it makes little difference if the stamp is mint or used, I'll cut the mount to about the same size. I use Scott Strips of various widths and cut to size.

Art

Hi Art

A tip I once got from Showgard themselves. Measure the item perf tip to perf tip, or side to side, in millimeters. Then add 3mm to that measurement and cut the mount to that size. The theory is that the extra 3mm tends to give an appearance that the stamp is bordered by an even black border (the top and bottom welds are almost 1.5mm each). If using clear mounts then it just affords a little more protection to the stamp.

In regards to use or not use a mount for used stamps.I will use a mount for Mint, Used, Covers and whatnot on a page for consistency. I also use blank quadrilled pages exclusively.

Jerry B

Part of the reason I bring this up is that I seem to recall from the recent Mystic catalog that they have a different mount for self-adhesive sized stamps. I assume that is because of the thickness.

I think if you further check into the Mystic catalog sizing, you'll find that it is similar in dimension to the stamp mount size I posted earlier. I don't think it has anything to do with thickness. As a practical matter, a self adhesive stamp (with backing) would need a fractionally larger mount to comfortably fit the stamp in or else it could warp or wrinkle as suggested earlier in this thread. A self adhesive stamp may be the same size as a gummed stamp, but the fact is that the backing paper and perforations between the stamps are just ever so slightly larger, resulting in the need for a slightly larger mount for proper fit.