Removing Machin Security Stamps -Solved!

I just removed two Machin security stamps (u-slot-kind) easily and safely. I used the product called "Walgreens lens cleaner for glass or plastic eyeglasses". It worked like a charm! Let it soak for a few minutes and peel off the stamp carefully from the top. Watch the back of the paper for a white spot and spray again until it mostly disappears. It contains isopropyl alcohol, and this might be the main catalyst. I also wonder if using rum or rye would work?Please pass this on to all the collectors who would need to know, but please wait until Tuesday. I want to buy shares of the company on Monday.

Rum and rye contain ethyl alcohol, not isopropyl alcohol. Rum and rye may be effective, but the solubility characteristics of ethyl alcohol vs. isopropyl alcohol are quite different and I would expect that using the former would not be as successful.

Donald

A little rye every now-and-then always helps. HaHa!

Does residue remaining behind after the use of ethyl alcohol affect the papers or inks of stamps?

Or of isopropyl alcohol even perhaps?

There seemed to be no real residue left after I carefully rubbled some paper residue off the back—no more than one sometimes sees after a water removal. Unfortunately there does seem to be some diminishing of postmarks etc. on the face of the stamp, so I put the spray only on the back. Still, the stamps seem to lose some of their lustre on removal of the paper which, perhaps, we are stuck with. Perhaps someone can come up with an even better method or removal. After damaging a few security stamps in experimentation, I felt like testing the other forms of alcohol on myself to assuage my frustration.

Sorry, I mean "rubbed." Too much of any type of alcohol, I suppose.

I'd suggest leaving them on paper meantime... it can only be a matter of time before Stanley Gibbons follows Scott in cataloging used self-adhesives on piece (at least the one third two thirds regarded as not removable).

Waste of <----> good rum and rye!

Terry

I cannot help but think that rum would leave a sugaary residue that would be food for vermin.

Bought my first can of Pure Citrus, but still waiting for a Round Tuit.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

I believe Hexane is the required active ingredient. Coleman fuel works well

Hexane? Are you referring to removing security stamps? If so, would hexane be sold in pharmacies?

Hexane makes up 60% of the composition of Coleman fuel. I'm not sure you can buy it on its own.

I can confirm it works well for removing security stamps e.g. Machins.

Here is an table of fuels that are available internationally and their makeup. We're interested in Col.3 http://fuel.papo-art.com/

Some info regarding working solvents for removing self adhesive stamps - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-adhesive_stamp

Hi

Did you soak the stamp in a bowl of lens cleaner fluid or did you spray onto the stamp?

Are there more recent developments in techniques for removing security machins?

Regards