Pressing Mint Stamps

I did a quick search but didn't see anything on this. How can I flatten a mint previously hinged stamp that has curled?

I just got the stamp lift sweatbox, and found I can put the curled stamp in the box for 30 minutes and it will uncurl, but the gum is damp at that point. If I try to press it with the bottom of the plastic sweatbox, it sticks to the box (which is where it is now ).

I think I May be able to steam the stamp off the box, but once I get it off, how do I let the damp gum dry without it sticking to something?

The sweatbox has been an interesting acquisition, but is definitely an advanced tool requiring some skill and practice.

Matt

I suggest you deal with the curl and leave the gum alone.

Thanks Canada. How does one keep the stamp from curling without messing up the gum?

Matt

Hi Matt,
Sorry Matt I didn't reolise that you edited your post to inform me further, im just about to go offline until later on tonight or tomorrow, I would advise you to research how to 'chill' or 'cool' a stamp, so that the gum hardens again, but this will be a tricky challenge as you cannot let the stamp get too cold as this may induce water or dampness, im sorry I cannot research that at present due to my time is tight, good luck in your search and post back any findings. Take care
Turbo

Can we sell these stamps in auction?

I steam only mint stamps that are stuck together or on paper - and only as a last resort. I'll make every effort to eel the stamp off first. But if I must seam, I lay it face down until it dries and then compress it under a mountain of stock books. If that doesn't work it's into the postage book with it (though I have also soaked the stamp and sold it as unused on occasion).

Thanks all for the suggestions - after several hours the stamp actually fell off the bottom of the stamplift all on it's own, so problem solved.

Matt

Glad to hear,
Turbo