Is It Possible To Remove Self Stick Stamps From Envelopes?

I would like to caution that products like WD-40 contain organic molecules of a variety of chain lengths & molecular weights & non-CHO elements. The result is that some molecules are highly volatile (will leave the stamp), some are not volatile at all (the penetrating oil / lubricant component), and lots of which are in-between (will act as solvents, be reactive, and not quickly leave the stamp).

If we're going to be nuts about archival mounts (etc), WD-40 is best avoided.

Lighter fluid (Ronsonol etc) should have a much narrower range of chain lengths and molecular weights (eg is a more highly-refined product) and is much more likely to leave the stamp completely ... but you could let them 'air' for a few days before you re-albumized the stamps.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Genuinely glad I don't collect these stamps- seems like too much mishegausse

shermae,
What does "mishegausse" mean. Is it Yiddish?

Don

Yes it is yiddish for craziness or being driven mad.

But he meant to say 'narishkeit'.

I asked the same question a few months back. I have been using the Pure Citrus Orange spray ever since. One thing I have learned: use only a small amount of spray on the back of the paper over the stamp. Using too much spray will allow it to soak through the envelope and get on the stamp. Some white or light colored stamps will get stained, and if the spray touches the cancel, the ink will run. But if used carefully, it only takes a few seconds for the stamp to come loose from the paper. I lightly scrape the back of the stamp with a razor blade to remove any remaining glue, then rub a little powder to neutralize any adhesive residue. I couldn't find any talcum powder, but a store clerk recommended Gold Bond Ultimate, and I have been satisfied with the results.

I've had 70% positive response with hot water and a drop of anti-bacterial soap. Stamp either falls directly off the paper, or not. Some sticky-gum occasionally remains, and I'll apply a very light bit "baby powder"- don't bury the stamp. Sometimes it takes two soakings. Two gum-types appear to be used on the US $2.00 Jenny Airmail reprint. I've lost several copies, so I've stopped. (with the Jenny's)

King, Gold Bond's good for my chaffing. (Is that Too Much Information?)

Interesting information here; I have two questions.

First: are some types of solvents better for some stamps and other types of solvents better for other stamps, or do most countries/printers use very similar self-adhesive compounds?

Second: are there any long-term ramifications about the talcum powder? I've had some experience buying this in medical contexts, and every bottle I've found is scented (usually pretty annoyingly, which is why I - or more precisely, my wife - noticed in the first place). I haven't seen "pure" talc in years. Also, even an extremely fine powder is going to be at least slightly abrasive; could this be a problem down the road?

http://www.amazon.com/Aqua-Suit-Wet...p/B0000DCVYU ... unscented wetsuit talcum powder

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Cup-Pr...p/B005U4A9KW ... unscented Silver Cup Premium Talc Powder for billiards players

I cannot vouch for either product, especially as there is no telling what rules exist (or do not exist) for what you can call 'talc', and what you can/not include in the mix and still call it 'talc'.

(I recently learned that, unlike club soda, seltzer cannot contain buffering agents ... but I have yet to hear of anyone going to jail over the difference.)

The laboratory chemical supply houses sell a wide variety of talcs, which will sell at a price which reflects their assured purity.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Using talcum power will remain for the long term and will stuff your stamps!

In humid Aussie many stamp club instructors recommended to sprinkler talcum power on top of the collection book to stop fungus or rust as we call it here.

Greasy looking, stained stamp rubbish is the result for the top 2 or 3 strip on the page.

I use a product called CitraSolv which is a cleaning agent to remove SE stamps from envelopes. It works like a charm. I then use a bit of talcum powder to help with residual stickiness.