Releasing Self-Adhesives

I've seen a video on Youtube and seen elsewhere that you can use a product called Fuelite (I guess the equivelant of Coleman Fuel here in the States), and lighter fluid and other such products. My question(s) is...wouldn't these chemicals harm the stamps?, wouldn't they leave a nasty smell, especially after mounting and closing up in an album?, should you soak/rinse them in water afterwards?, anyone have experience with these methods?, should I let my chain-smoking uncle near my collection? Any help would be appreciated.

Peace,
Chad

Fuelite or shellite is mineral spirits. Not sure if Coleman fuel is the same, that is naptha I think isn't it?

The lighter fluid Ronsonal does Not leave residue. Some other lighter fluids do.

Using orange air freshener leaves an orange smell and a bit of a residue I think.

Alcohol (for drinking, like Vodka) woks good.

All of these are flammable or will catch fire, and the fumes will also. Use in well ventilated conditions. Open the windows, turn on the fans. Don't smoke!

There are threads / topics on SCF here that talk in detail about each of these and give user's opinions and ways and means and other names for them. I do not have the links handy, perhaps should gather them all up one day into one place.

Hi Puzzler



One side advantage of this method is that if one gets frustrated at the stamp not releasing one can always take a swig

Jerry B

They soak of with hot water, it is all a matter of technique, rather than fancy materials.

I think you'll find some don't but if you have found a new technique then please do tell.

Sure Anthony,
Boil the kettle.
Pour boiling water onto the 'piece' not the stamp.
The extreme heat soaks into the more porous envelope faster than anything else and merely softens the gum.
Take everything out of the water and 'slide' the stamp of the quickly dissolving envelope. The gum remains tacky for some time.
I have had 100% success with this method including the little oval cut ins that are punched into the machins at present.
I find boiling water so much more affordable than all these wonder fluids, that are heralded as discovery of the day.
No permanent effect on the stamp either.

@xyL--about the only thing I've tried so far is hot water-it DOES take awhile, but it seems to make the stamp rather weak(?) Not every one comes out this way, but I've let go of a few like this (thank goodness they were doubles).

Anyway, I saw the youtube video and it seemed a fairly simple process, but I was just curious I guess about the lingering smell in the albums, or will it finally disappear? Oh well, I guess there's only one way to 'skin' a cat...err, stamp. I'll have to pull out the doubles bin again.

Peace,
Chad

chadn,
Maybe it depends on the nationality of the stamps when you note that hot water weakens them, it has no efect on English stamps. I also note you say it takes a while, the whole point of the water being boiling is that the heat really reduces the gum softening time to a mere few seconds.
Yopu hit the nail right on the head about the aroma of alternatives, not to mention the health and safety aspect!
Other solutions tend to be flamable.