Heptane For Stamp Glue Removal

Family,

Does anybody know if heptane works to remove glue from the back of modern British stamps? I tried it and it didn't work. Is the glue different than that used on USA stamps? The attached website makes it look so easy!



Jack Kelley

Gotta say that there is a difference between loosening the bond between the stamp and the paper to which it is attached as opposed to removing the glue from the stamp.

I've never heard of any chemical that safely removes PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) from the stamp.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey (who is still using orange-flavored Pure Citrus)

I use lighter fluid or naphtha it removes the gum and leaves the paper without a stain .

Did you mean naptha?

Naptha, or white gas. Now that is playing with "fire."

Then again so is heptane and n-heptane.

Make sure you use ventilation and gloves as it causes reddening and rashes of skin, also effects the nervous system.

Be safe, be careful.

Mike

Lighter fuel/fluid, such as Ronsonol, which seems to be the only remaining brand, here, is or was naptha, the most recent one I have calling it 'Light Petroleum Distillate.' Naptha can also be purchased in larger cans from a paint or hardware store. Naptha (not Fels Naptha soap) will remove self-adhesive stamps from paper. I have never tried soaking them in it completely but only applying some to the stamp on the paper and gently prying it away with the blade of a small pocket knife, adding more naptha under the stamp as necessary. Once the stamp is dry, it will still have the adhesive on the back. I suppose it can be rubbed off with more naptha, but it has been suggested that talcum powder be applied to prevent re sticking. If doing much of it, do it in a well ventilated area, and remember it is flammable.

By the way, naptha, as Ronsonol, is all I have ever used for checking watermarks.

Many people have excellent results from orange air freshener sprays. Apparently the citrus oil helps soften the glue even on self-adhesive stamps. I can't recall if it allows you to remove the glue from the back of the stamp, but I know it allows you to lift the stamp from its backing paper. And it smells great -- and there is no fire danger or danger from noxious fumes that rot your brain. Breathing dangerous chemicals is not a good thing to do to yourself.