I've been using it more regularly for my used stamps for about 1 year now, and have completely stopped using hinges now that the Scotch 811 is readily available locally. Yes, it is made by 3M. I'm familiar with the wide range of 3M adhesives from my research days. They are well-researched and they know their product very well. I have a lot of confidence in their research and product development -- otherwise I would never have considered this option.
It's completely removable, and the newer (current) formulation does not leave any detectable residue. The older formulation (from a few years back) did leave a slight residue that could be easily removed by gentle rubbing.
Another collector I know has been using it regularly for a few years, even on mint never hinged stamps, with no problems. I currently use it for mounting used stamps, but have also seen no immediate after-affects from using on mint stamps. However, since gum-formulation varies considerably among nations and over the decades, this application should still be considered absolutely experimental. I will begin selectively using it on a regular basis for some mint never hinged stamps in the near future (i.e., within 10 years
).
The only problems we have run into so far:
1. You have to make your own hinges, by cutting or tearing. My buddy just tears it off a dispenser and sticks/folds it on the stamp on a as-need basis. I've cut my roll into strips mounted on thin strips of cardboard. I then stack ten strips together, and use a paper cutter to cut stacks of peelable hinges, which I then peel off as needed, using the cardboard as a holder to apply/fold the hinge. Once you get the hang of it, it's really not any different/tedious than fumbling with hinges/mounts; maybe even faster, especially if you don't bother making the cardboard hinge applicators like I do.
2. While you can reuse the hinges, I don't recommended doing more than a few times because it will pick up dust particles, fibers, finger oil...
3. I do not recommend using on stamps with fragile/damaged paper (e.g., thins). The removable tape will sometimes pick up some loosely held paper fibers from the thin or damaged part if/when you remove the tape. You can't soak the tape off, like with a hinge. Of course, even a peelable hinge will actually take off a lot more than the removable tape if you peel it instead of soak it.
4. It takes a little time before the 811 hinges will stay "folded", even if you "press" the fold down. So don't be surprised if the stamps seem to say "hello" to you as you flip the pages the first couple of days. It only pops up a little, not enough to worry about the stamp getting creased as you turn the page. And in time, the fold will stay in position (DO NOT press the stamps, simply having the album closed for a week while standing upright is sufficient).
I purchase the Scotch 811 in rolls of 1296inchesx0.75inches., and cut them into hinges about 0.25inches wide. Yeah, I know that's thin, but it's more than good enough for most of those early small size stamps. It's a habit that carried over from my days of continuing to use those now-expensive Dennison's; I would cut the new Dennisons in half to cut my expenses by "50%"
I've forgotten, but I think that size roll costs about $3-$4. After I felt comfortable with a trial roll, I went on and bought a dozen or so rolls and used a coupon from Office Depot, so they ended up costing me about $3 a roll. Originally it was only in certain locations. It's even more widely available now, so you should be able to check any local office supply store (ordering just one roll online is not really economical).
I'm still experimenting, so I'm only into my 2nd roll. My wife has apparently went off with a roll or two, so I guess that would be drawback #5.
Posted 08/03/2010 11:14 am
Welcome Edwin.
