Stamp Restoration Question

First off, I am not planning doing on any restoration work on a valuable classic. I have a few very nice, somewhat common, classics valued between $10.00- $30.00 that are well centered and lightly canceled. But a few have overall toning. Does anyone know of a process that will brighten the paper without damaging it or the ink?


Marty

Yes, there is a process that will do as you want for most (not all) stamps. However, it will affect the gum on mint stamps, and will still affect certain inks.

No offense, but my policy is that I don't provide the actual method unless someone wants it to do the same philatelic research that interests me -- DETECTING altered/restored/forged stamps.

However, I can tell you that the information is published in several books and research papers, and is also available online in bits and pieces. The literature is out of print, but some stamp dealers are willing to sell you old copies, some will not.

If you do it right, the restoration is not easily noticed by the unaided eye. However, the restoration can almost always be detected under a UV lamp of the proper wavelength range, because the surface of the paper is irreversibly affected.

But I know what you are getting at. I have several wonderful toned stamps that have huge sentimental value.

Thanks khj. I can understand your hesitancy in providing the process. I don't plan on doing any research at this time. I try googling stamp restoration.