Removing Stamps From Envelopes?

Is the generally accepted process to remove gummed stamps from envelopes still soaking in cold water until they separate?
I remember doing a lot of this back in the 50's.

Chris

Yes... clear, cool water. Change if you soak a lot stamps or if the water begins to discolor.
http://stampsmarter.com/learning/Ho...kStamps.html
Don

Be aware that modern self-adhesive/self-stick stamps, including U.S. will usually not soak off in water.

There are threads (individual discussions) on Stamp Community Forum about removing these stamps from envelopes.

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Keywords to search:

- Solvents, eg, Pure Citrus, Ronsonol

- PSA = Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (requires a solvent)

- WAG = Water-Activated Gum (what you remember)

One thing that has changed, however, is that some folks have become a little more interested in preserving usages (stamps to make a rate for a particular service), postmarks from less common points-of-origin, slogan cancels, GPU (Genuinely Postally Used) stamps that you normally/only see as CTO, etc.

"Every cover tells a story".

But, okay, some are pretty dull.

Cheers,

/s/ ikeyPikey

Thanks, folks. I just wanted to know if there was any new development and I see there is none. I do have a lot of pressure sensitive stamps but my focus is not on them as yet.

Chris

Can you keep the stamp on the envelope and just cut around it?

Lots of folks collect postally used self-adhesives on paper, just cut the piece close. This can bulk up an album or stockbook pretty fast, though.

Pure Citrus in fact does work great at removing those stamps from paper, but then you have to rub the gummy stuff off of the back, and possibly sprinkle with unscented talc to keep any remaining residue from sticking to things.

Why even remove them? Leaving them on cover paints a much bigger picture with sender, receiver, postal markings, etc. Removed it's just a stamp with no idea where it came from or who sent it. Just my .02¢

Hey stallzer, 99 more of these would be your 2 cents!

But seriously, though...

When using Pure Citrus, I facilitate the "rubbing off" of the goopified gum with a little plastic razor blade. A tissue can be used for a final pass to get any remaining bits.