My first post. Recently a friend gave me several hundred used stamps along with an envelope that contained 8 to 10 mint stamps. Unfortunately, the mint stamps are glued together - some more than others. Does anyone know a method, short of soaking them in water, to separate the stamps? Any help is appreciated.

Welcome EasyOne!

If they're not too badly stuck you could try a sweat box. The saturated humidity will loosen the gums and then you can very gently pull the stamps apart with your tongs. Carefully remove any excess gum from the tops of the stamps with a moistened cotton swab. If the adherence between the stamps is minor the results will be almost as good as they were before they were stuck.

If your stamps are really badly stuck together soaking may be your best option.


In case you are unfamiliar with this technique, this is my sweat box.



You moisten the absorbent paper that's below the screen, place the stamps on the screen, put the lid on the box and leave it overnight.

I'm sure you could make your own box using a plastic container, something absorbent such as a paper towel to hold the moisture, and something to separate the stamps from direct contact with the water. Toss the paper towel after use so you prevent the growth of mold.

Good luck!

Karen

Hello Easy One, welcome!

Karen's idea is the best one. There is a thread / topic on here SCF that describes how to make one somewhere, use the search button perhaps. I am lazy tonight sorry.

Sometimes putting the stamps in the freezer helps pop them apart also, but for well stuck stamps the sweat box is best.

Welcome "EasyOne" to SCF

@Kehess

I like the idea of sweat box

I didn't know that actually sweatboxes were manufactured and sold! Pretty neat. I
do the same thing but with a sponge and a small plastic butter container. It works
just as good, I think.

I've been using this one since I was 7 years old. It was a gift from my grandfather.

K

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I'll stick them in the freezer first and see what happens. If I can't find a sweat box at the Toronto show this weekend, I'll use Karen's suggestion to build one. I wondered if a high humidity atmosphere would help and now I know. Thanks again
EO

What size is this sweat box? Will a block fit?

You can make your own sweat box. I have made a couple, one large enough to handle a full pane. You need a pan, a sponge, a mesh shelf to elevate the item in the box and a cover, mine are clear. The largest one was made from the rectangular aluminum baking pan a bent heating vent cover for a shelf and a clear baking pan cover.

Put wet sponges in the bottom of the pan
Put the mesh shelf in above the sponges but not touch them.
Lay the item on the mesh (Gum up).
Put the lid on
If the lid is not clear you can set the pan in the sunlight.
Optionally - You can put the pan on a heating source like a warming tray (NOT a hot plate)...

That will raise the temp and humidity in the box which softens the gum. You should practice on a couple inexpensive pieces first.

It does not take long.

After the gum has softened carefully separate them with tongs then let the stamps/item dry.

Starting out many moons ago, I bought a "Stamp Lift". Same principle but I don't think these are made anymore. Might find one on ebay though. It is large enough for a block. I still use mine for singles.



I have not used stamp lift fluid but I know Supersafe makes some.


Jeff

They're listed in the current Subway catalog for $6.95.

Filechaser - Good to know. Thanks

Over the years, I've tried numerous methods to separate mint stamps from each other or paper to which they have adhered. I've found nothing that worked satisfactorily and have invariably ended up soaking them and ending up with ungummed stamps.

I've tried the freezer method with some success, but never tried a sweatbox. However, in my humble opinion, if they are stuck together, once they are unstuck, they are no longer mint. If they're not too old (i.e. rare) they might just be considered postage.

I generally consider them "Mint - Disturbed Gum" unless there is damage to the face. Although it can leave the gum intact, sweating can change the gum's appearance.

jamessw - I've heard of the freezer method but never tried it. Does that work with heavily stuck stamps or just stamps that are lightly stuck? In you're experience what's the effect on the gum's appearance?

I think the stamp lift fluid would damage the gum for sure. Did anybody try to blow the stuck stamps with a high temperature drier (just like you blow your hair after the shower). Usually the gum would start melting and you can separate the stamps. I used this method to remove the adhesive labels from the shipping box before. Not sure if it works for stamps. Make sure you do the experiment with penny stamps. Please do not blame me if it does not work. LOL

Sometimes it's surprising how the stamps turn out. I think most of us figure they're ending up as no gum otherwise, so it's worth a try. It doesn't cost much, that's for sure.