Although most internet sites offer positive comments, there are a few negative comments on the internet about the use of powder on stamps. Here's one that specifically recommends against both powder and French chalk:
Quote:
Do not "POWDER"!
There are quite a few myths regarding wise stamp storage. In Queensland especially, the widely believed and widely acted upon old-wives-tale of pouring talcum powder over your stamps "to stop rust" is to be avoided at ALL costs.
And the same goes for "powdering" with the very slightly less destructive 'French Chalk'.
These both make a horrible, messy, oily WRECK of your collection (and albums) in most cases.
Most talcum/baby powder has an oil component, and that being smeared all over your stamps is total madness.
This slippery gunk NEVER gets off the face of the stamps, and indeed in engraved/recess printed issues, such as KGV/KGVI Definitives from nearly all countries, it lodges between the fine recess ink lines.
No amount of huffing, puffing, and blowing and wiping EVER gets it off.
I've bought collections where entire containers of yukky white baby powder have been upended into the storage boxes - "to stop rust".
So if anyone in your Queensland club advises this – please take them outside and beat them mercilessly with a cricket bat!
(I tried to post the website link [obviously based in Australia] but apparently it's blacklisted from this site due to spam.)
Posted 10/20/2013 9:24 pm
