Checking For Watermarks ...with Lighter Fluid??

Hi all,

When I was a kid, I remember the local stamp dealer checking for watermarks by placing the stamp in a tiny tray and then squirting something on it from a little can that I thought for sure was lighter fluid.

My questions are:

1. Did anyone actually do this?? It seems to me this can't be good for the stamps.

2. What do people use these days? Is there an industry standard liquid that everyone uses? Are there any other methods to see watermarks without wetting the stamp?

Thanks!

Ronsonol lighter fluid is still widely used. Will not harm the stamp or gum.
Clarity watermark fluid is a safe alternative.

There are optical watermark detectors. Signoscope.

I use Ronsonol

I did it back in the 70's and still do it today, also with Ronsonol.

Hi

Ronsonol was the choice since it did not have a chemical in it that made it "greasy", so I have been told.

However, I read someplace that the "brand" had been sold to another manufacturer and the composition had been changed and now it is no different than any other brand of lighter fluid.

Can anyone verify this?

Personally have been using Ronsonol for years.

Jerry B

Clarity is good for watermark detection, but it's a lot more expensive than Ronsonol fluid. When I had small children in the house I used Clarity exclusively. However, I've found that Clarity is inferior to Ronsonol when it comes to detecting flaws such as thins and pressed-out creases.

I use clarity and a 20 dollar bottle lasts quite a long time depending on how generously you use it.

-Jake

I use Ronsonol but....



Don

I use Zippo lighter fluid! (Not easy to find where I live!)

I use Bestine. It can be found in Art Supply stores for about $9.00 a quart.

I thought Bestine was used to remove stamps from envelopes or paper.

Jack Kelley

Bestine is Heptane. Extremely flammable.

http://www.subwaystamp.com/WATERMAR.../ZGKWATTF16/

Zippo bought Ronsonol a few years ago. (If you look at a container of Ronsonol purchased in the last several years, you'll see the Zippo ownership in the fine print.)

There was a discussion (on here) several years ago about whether or not Zippo had changed the formula of Ronsonol. I'm not sure a conclusion was reached at that time.

Both brands are still sold by Zippo. Who knows if it's because the products are different, or just because there is legacy brand loyalty.

The conclusion last time was that Ronsonol and Zippo have slightly different formulas and both are fine for watermarks. Zippo did not change the Ronsonol formula.

I have the rare, unhinged 80th anniversary edition. With distinct raised triangle design on the front...





Haven't swallowed any, so can't talk about that...but clearly I've inhaled a bit too much?!

Clarity- Non-toxic, non-flammable

Part of the argument depends on how important it is for the collector to work with a non hazardous formulation, especially if one is watermarking every day, contacting the solution and inhaling the vapors, as I do.

By age fifty, the lungs, liver, and skin have already absorbed much in the environment that is not healthy.

I suspect most spouses and those that care about the collector would prefer a non-toxic, non-flammable approach.

Having been trained in organic chemistry, and as a physician by profession, I would agree with them.