Best Watermark Detection?

Does a black light detect watermarks?

No

sorry if I didn't read it in this thread, but can I take (cleaner's) benzine for the Washington/Franklins or are there any that are damaged by it?

I would not try gasoline because of the additives used. Use lighter fluid.


Peter

hello Peter,

perhaps it's my english language confusion :), but here in Germany the most common thing is just benzine ("Wundbenzin") which I buy at the pharmacy and has no additives at all. but some stamps don't like benzine, so I asked, if perhaps in the Scott there are any comments about the Franklin/washington and benzine.

Benzine was the fluid traditionally used when I started collecting.

Go ahead and use it. Best thing though is watermark detection fluid. Benzine, gasoline and lighter fluids are dangerous though!


Peter

Benzene is a carcinogen. There are safer alternatives.

This is what I remembered

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthoped...re-168846352

Hihi, yes you better shouldn't use benzene (C6H6) - that has nothing to do with the German "Wundbenzin".
I think the US term is "rubbing alcohol", in GB it's called "surgical spirit".

"Wundbenzin" translates as "rubbing alcohol" or "surgical spirits". Alternatively, it is isopropyl alcohol or sometimes ethyl alcohol. It is not to be used on open wounds or for consumption. There are warnings about inhaling it. Poisoning can occur from ingestion, inhalation, absorption, or consumption. (Thank you Wikipedia) I would suggest not using it for those reasons, totally independent of what it might do to stamps.

In the US, rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol and it is of no value for detecting watermarks. It is good for removing gum from mint stamps however. Do you have access to naphthalene aka "lighter fluid" Leuchtoel? In the US Ronsonol brand lighter fluid is widely used.

Well, I'm glad that this thread is still alive. Alan B: I agree that the other position is more accurate.

I used carbon tetrachloride for many years. Not sure it is available any more, and it's evil stuff but it worked great. Now I use Ronsonol Lighter Fluid as mentioned by essayk, by pouring a small amount over the stamp, in a black watermark dish. For many stamps the watermark is visible by simply placing the stamp gum-side up on a black surface or holding it against a bright light.

Carbon tetrachloride poison and cancer hazard.