Soaking And Drying Kiloware

I feel really silly asking this question, but the last time I did a soaking of stamps on paper and subsequent drying, many of the stamps did not dry flat and have a wavy appearance in the paper.

Can anyone suggest the best method(s) for soaking and drying, as well as possible tools to use in order to get nice, even, flat stamps?

Also, what about the stamps I have now that are warped? Do I just need a stack of heavy books to lay on top of them?

Thanks,
Jeremy

There are many various methods of flattening but basically I use an old stock book and then weight on top leave alone for a few days and usually woks fine. I do tend to put the more curled ones curl down to help promote flattening.

I like to use my husband's biology text books. I fill one up with stamps, then put 4 books on top. They are such heavy books the stamps get flat in no time!! Encyclopedias would work well, too.

I use big thick pictures book, so after the stamps are dry for about one day. I then put them in the books, maybe 3 to 4 books depending on the number of stamps I soaked and leave them there for about two days. And no more wrinkles.

spanishmoss, do you mean you put the wet stamps in between pages of the biology text book?

Jeremy:

I've had problems with "wavy" stamps as well. I think the key is to finish the drying process first, then move on to the pressing stage.

Let them dry on (paper) towels, newspaper, or whatever absorbent surface you choose (including a drying book). After they are dry, then press them in/under/between heavy books.

Rod has a great explanation that involves wax paperfreezer bags. You should read it.

Soaking has been discussed here several times and there are some great suggestions.

Here's one where I mention the "wavy" stamps:
https://goscf.com/t/6959

And here's another with Rod's explanation:
https://goscf.com/t/12959

Finally, try the search button at top and search for SOAK

Good Luck
KirkS

Thanks Kirk. I'm going to try Rod's sandwich idea!

Yirmeyahu,
I can guarantee that will work,
and work for your lifetime.

I have 4000 stamps currently under press
in a stack of books 20 or so high.
The stamps that were the first soaked
are arriving at the top of the stack
and I cannot remember which stamps they were

So every time I am redy to take stamps
out for mounting, it is a delightful surprise.

I have found stamps of the self stick style
and employing the NZ "white spirits" removal system
do not need pressing, they remain flat as a halibut.
I do not know if white spirits damages the stamps
they look fine at the moment.

PS: after years of soaking kiloware
I find the best way is soak a little, but often
I usually do 30-50 at a a time, usually around brekky
takes a few minutes and doesn't become tiring
like soaking 500 or 1000 at a time.

Rod, what is the "NZ white spirits" method? Sounds like New Zealand vodka ...

One of our members posted a link to a NZ collector
who made a Youtube video on using "shellite" I think he called it,
I transposed this to "white spirits" in Australia, used it
and it works a treat.
I have no idea if it leaves any residue however.

It will be under a "soaking" thread on SCF
you shall have to use the "search" option (title only)

Crikey!
you are in luck,
there was a soaking post recently that identified your request

It was Perf 14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWMcVYgIZjM

Thanks Rod! I will check these out ...

Yirmeyahu---No, I let them dry on an old bath towel first. Then, I put them in the books.



Rod---- Since I've started reading Paddington Bear to the boys, this is their new favorite word.

Find that all recent stamps need to be pressed.
Aussie stamps are getting so thin.

If you have trouble with a set of
recent stamps try to double soak them.
Just totally dry them out again and
soak again it works wonders.

Wow KGV! Double-soak stamps? I don't know whether I have that much motivation. Great idea though and one I had never considered!