Lighter Fluid And UV Lights

Any suggestions or how to info on checking watermarks with lighter fluid? I have read the online instructions, but am scared that I will ruin the stamps. Would be nice to hear from real life people what they think.

Also, I need suggestions on a UV light to check tagging. I have been using one that we use for crime scenes but it does not make the tagging show up.

Tonya...be brave..douse the stamp with lighter fluid..i have only had one negative experience...with a Netherlands 8 cent bright lilac that bled badly...try it with a cheap stamp first ..you will see it shows the watermark well and drys very fast !!

As far as the UV lights go, you definitely need to get one that is specific for stamp collectors, as the wavelengths of the light differ from any other application you can think of. I know their kind of pricey, but if you're interested in this stuff, they are definitely worth the price of admission. You will need both a long wave and a short wave UV light.

-Allen

Those are the wrong wavelength. For tagging on US stamps, you will need a UV lamp that emits in the 254nm band. Most commercial UV lamps emit at longer wavelengths (300nm+). You will need either a philatelic short wavelength UV lamp (not cheap) or a research grade short wavelength UV lamp (even more expensive, but excellent results). The filtered UV lamps give the best results, but is not a must.

Tonya,
You could also look into purchasing Watermark fluid and tray at hobby stores such as Hobby Lobby or online at a philatelic supply company such as Amos or Subway. The same would hold true for a UV tagging detector light.

While U.S. tagging is seen with shortwave UV, Canada's tagging is seen with longwave UV lamps. Longwaves are cheaper, decent ones less than $20.

i have a double wave length made by UVP cost about 60 bucks..i am no expert with it so I check my stamp with both long and short wave..short wave may burn unprotected skin or eyes !!

I wonder why short wave UV's do not burn stamps but can damage skin & eyes? I have never used them myself.

I am an instant gratification girl so I bought lighter fluid while I was out running errands. I will experiment tonight. Keep your fingers crossed!

I will look for the correct UV light.

Thank you!

Oh, both the long and short wavelength will damage the skin and eyes. One of my former coworkers found out the hard way, and he was using long wavelength UV light. He didn't pay attention to the safety data sheets. When I spoke with him regarding these safety issues of not wearing goggles, he realized why he had recent vision problems, when he previously always had perfect vision. Unfortunately for him, the eye damage is irreversible.

The short wavelength UV has a higher energy per photon, so it can cause a lot more damage a lot faster. If you were to test it on a stamp, you will find out that the stamp heats up faster under short wavelength UV.

While you don't have to wear goggles (philatelic UV lamps are much lower wattage than research grade lamps), it is not wise to look directly at the lamp for prolonged periods of time, or leave it on next to your hand (fortunately, most philatelic UV lamps I've seen have a hold-down on button, not a toggle button).

You don't have to overdo it in terms of precautions, but at the same time, don't look at the lamp like a deer looking at headlights, and don't be using it to get a suntan.

Enjoy your foray into watermarks and tagging! I know that Tom (nr-notrare) has had a blast with his UV lamp!

k

Tonya.......


Here's a link for UV lights.......L80 (longwave) & L85 (shortwave).......#1 & 3 on this list.
http://subwaystamp.com/products.asp?dept=136

For watermark fluid.....
http://subwaystamp.com/products.asp?dept=40


Many of us here have bought things from Subway and I don't think anyone has ever had any problems.

My Father has been using Lighter Fluid since the 40's. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, no long term ill effects.