Locating Grills Using Lighter Fluid

Sometime ago a site member suggested using lighter fluid to find grills on the old classics. I'd never tried that method before. Recently purchased a #97 and couldn't visually discern any grill on it. Actually thought about sending it back to the dealer, but thought I'd try the lighter fluid technique. A few drops on the stamp and the grill jumped right out clear as a bell! Thanks to whoever suggested that method. Now some questions: is there any downside to using lighter fluid for checking watermarks or grills. After repeated use, does it eventually leave any oily residue or damage the paper?

Since lighter fluid is frequently used for watermark detection- I'm thinking of Ronsonol here- one would think there should be no concern.

I hadn't heard of using it for grill detection- I may need to try it.

I've used Ronsonol in the past. Some say it does not leave a residue, but I'm not sure. I found it takes more than 20 minutes for the smell to completely leave the stamp--that's too long for me. I use Clarity watermark detection fluid now (some drawbacks though: Clarity is more expensive, not as available as Ronsonol, and dissipates pretty quickly so more than one application may be required).
Cheers, Robert

I've used Ronsonol on mint never hinged US 1900's era Washington heads and have never had an issue.

Putting any sort of chemicals on postage stamps is something which will render the stamp valueless when it comes to selling.
[In England anyway]

Are you referring to lighter fluid ?

I've used Ronsonol 30 years on all stamps mint to used and to help me identify paper types, especially soft porous paper stamps with small margins. I can find no residual from Ronsonol. Any "chemical" liquid would leave some chemical trace, even ink and glue. Hardly detectible with the human eye. But I still buy and sell stamps without seeing any visible traces. Even watermark detection fluid contains chemicals. Keith

You guys are playing with fire, using Ronsonol will have serious side effects...... this is what happened to my uncle after he used lighter fluid to detect watermarks on his Washington Franklins...........

Bet he could see the watermarks a lot better after.