Watermarks

Family,

I have heard that watermarks can be detected more easily if they are viewed using a transparent colored filter such as a piece of cellophane. Of course, the viewing would be after the stamp is dipped in lighter fluid or clarity. I would like to know if this is true and, if so, what color filter?

Thanks,
Jack Kelley

*** Edited by Staff to remove YELLING. All capital letters is the internet version of yelling. Please don't do it in titles or posts. ***

Can't say that I've heard of, or tried this method. Sounds interesting.

The black saucer, ash tray as the backing is what I use along with the lighter fluid.

If I have a bunch of unclean KGV's I carefully soak them and lay them out face down and at some point in there drying process their watermark will show up.

Only ways that have worked for me.

Hi guys. So I'm reading different threads to learn a bit about stamp collecting.. Am I understanding this right? Dip your stamps in lighter fluid? I have 3 questions.. What are watermarks? Why do this? Does it ruin the stamp? Interesting...

GotStamps5,

You can read about watermarks here http://www.stampsmarter.com/1847usa/index.htm

Watermarking is a technique whereby the paper is "marked" prior to the actual printing of the stamp; ostensibly to prevent forgeries. Not all stamps are watermarked. Watermarks can be detected while wet using Clarity or Ronsonal. Clarity evaporates quickly (and the watermark disappears with no ill effect). Ronsonal dries less quickly and philatelists prefer using this product because it gives them a longer time to find the watermark. Yes they are hard to find. Very hard.

Jack Kelley

Family,

I started this thread with the objective of learning about using filters to more easily find watermarks. Since then, I found a product called "The Philatector"/ It is exactly what I envisioned and is moderately priced.

But then, I discovered the technique of scanning a wet (Ronsonal) stamp. The scanned image can be easily modified using Windows Photo Gallery, etc. You can enlarge the stamp image, you can tint it, lighten it, darken it, etc. And the image always stays wet! This is certainly the way to go.

Jack Kelley

I used lighter fluid, but a long exposure is harmful for the health. Besides that is expensive.
A friend told me that it is possible as well with ethanol, ordinary alcohol.
It evaporates fast, and, yes, it is possible to see the watermark if you put the stamp in a black surface.

Thanks for the info and link. :)