Tutorial - Modern Used Self Adhesive Stamp Removal

Tyvek envelopes are the worst using this method in my experience. For really stubborn ones, the edges will release, but the stamp will still be firmly attached. I squirt a little under the edge (between stamp and envelope. With patience, you can get them off without damage. I have removed scotch tape from stamps using the Pure Citrus.

I've not noticed any lingering smell on the stamps. Some people have noted the smell of the baby powder and therefore search for unscented talc. I haven't found this to be an issue.

Thank you for the great information!

Scouter said:


I was kinda wondering that myself... How long have you been using this method?

Scouter also said:


Could you place a small piece of paperboard (think cereal box) over the stamps as a sort of shield, and just spray the edges? Then carefully work your way in?

I've been doing this for the past 8-9 months or so. I don't see how there could be any adverse effects. The Citrus naturally dries/evaporates and doesn't stain and if the baby powder is good enough for babies, it's good enough for stamps.

You can also use Goo Gone for the actual stamp removal. Contrary to what you would expect, that stuff smells quite a lot, and STAYS smelling if you get some on your skin... sink... clothes........

I am still a little suprised that the goo gone, or citrus spray, isn't a bit better at removing the sticky residue, as that is what it is for.

Now then, is talc a stable product? I think real talc is actually a mineral. Someone may want to check on that, as I may be thinking of another household product. Is there any acid level in talc?

One thing the talc may HELP with... is making a musty stamp album smell baby soft!

Plain and simple: modern US stamps STINK to soak. SO far, most foreign self sticks seem FAR easier to soak.

If you don't want to use the talc or baby powder but want to completely remove the adhesive, try this modification. Use a straight edge (I use an old credit card) to scape the sticky residue off the back of the stamp once the orange citrus has done its job.

Matt

If you don't want to use the talc or baby powder but want to completely remove the adhesive, try this modification. Use a straight edge (I use an old credit card) to scape the sticky residue off the back of the stamp once the orange citrus has done its job.

Matt

Talc (magnesium silicate) is a mineral and is resistant to acids.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talc

The lighter fluid tutorial has you soak the stamp and then scrape off the excess glue with flat object of some kind. I wonder if you could spray the back of the stamp once it's off the backing paper and squeegee the glue off with a plastic spatula of some kind eliminating the need for the talc?

I'll have to test once Easter is over.

Great post!

Here is another useful link for removing PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) stamps. This process is a bit slower, but the gum is also removed. I use it only for high value stamps. First class stamps I have become fond of just trimming around them squarely.

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Technical-S...38049/g.html

Also when scraping the softened gum off the back of stamps after wetting (I typically use Ronsonal) ... an old credit card seems to work best in my experience. The bendable nature works wonders.

This is useful information as is the link to another method. I've been leery of trying various solvents but will feel more free to experiment on low value stamps. I've found some older US SA stamps come off after a long soak in hot water, but newer ones won't. Same with most newer UK stamps. I collect primarily Canadian stamps and they soak off in hot water. I read somewhere they use an adhesive "sandwich" that allows the stamp to be released from the adhesive, but leaves the adhesive on the paper. Seemed like a modicum of consideration for collectors. . . . . .

Let's see if I can do it, I will try. :)

But how come someone decided to test these products on stamps? I could never associate one thing with another!

Thank you for the nice guide. I have quite a few stamps to soak off... both self adhesive and normal stamps. This should really help me!

Rats! Is that the end of the BBQ!

Has anyone experienced any "fading" or "bleaching out" of the color of the ink using this method? I wouldn't think so, but just curious!