Plastic Transfer From Desert Magic Drying Book?

Hi all,

I'm a relatively new convert to the Desert Magic books, and they're great, but I have noticed that there's a light plasticky 'shine' to the backs of some of the stamps, where they've been in contact with the plastic-coated paper. The back of the stamp looks a little glossy - kind of like gum.

Has anyone else noticed this? And is it harmful to the stamp, long-term?

Thanks!

Hi gvol21

I have used the Desert Magic drying books for years. The only time I have noticed something unusual, like 'shiny', is when there was gum residue remaining.

From your post it sounds like it is not on every stamp. Are you sure it is not gum residue on the stamp that is remaining from soaking? I woulds try soaking the stamp again.

Jerry B

Suggestion:
I have noted this glossy appearance on the back of some mint stamps,
that have been stored in certain mounts.

My assumption, is that the mucilage has become less viscous (humidity), then again, hardened / dried, taking on the shine of the plastic mount.

I'd suggest the stamps in your drying book, still have some remaining gum Arabic, that has gone through a similar process.
It does look weird when noted.

I use drying sandwiches, which are cheaper to employ.

Are any of the stamps you noticed this happening with self-adhesives?

Completely different animal.
Self adhesive gum does not appear to move with humidity, it just grabs whatever it gets next to.
With Australian, you have to treat with kid gloves, or the re-use protection slits, can grab and separate.

One has to either mount with backing paper, or completely remove the gum with Bestine.
I am beginning to mount with backing paper.

Definitely gum residue - resoak them and gently rub the back of the stamp to remove the pesky gum and voila! Clean back! Using warm water helps, too. I also use a rinse step.

I've been using those drying books for decades (OMG I'm getting old!) and that seems to be more common on older types of gum.

rod222: Thank you, but my query regarding self-adhesives was addressed to OP. Apologies for not being clear.

Thanks for the replies, all - good to know it's not the drying book to blame, but likely the gum residue. I've been taking apart an old Scott International from the 1890s and, as there's some minor foxing on some of the pages, have been 'cleaning' the stamps and removing hinge remnants, cracked gum, etc by giving them a quick soak in hot water, then a week-long dry in the book.

As I collect worldwide to 1940, I haven't been trying this with any self-adhesives - sounds like it's a gum residue issue. And yes, per philatelia7 - I do find this happening a lot more with stamps from the 19th century as opposed to 'newer' issues that I handle from the 1930s and 40s.

Guess I need to incorporate a rinse step and probably need to start rubbing the backs more often to remove the gum remnants. Thanks again!

I've found room temperature water is much safer with some stamps.

Hot water, warm water....poor husbandry.

Patience is a rare commodity in our modern existence.

Certain 19th century country's stamps have gum that doesn't want to come off. Of course I can't think of any of the specific countries off the top of my end but this is a common issue with gum types. Austria, maybe is one of them. And then they curl too

I've seen it frequently while clearing out old albums

Try Romania.
Possibly the first and only time I have put stamps in the bin.
Some have some sort of shiny gum, that is impossible to move.
I tried everything from boiling water, Bestine, you name it.

I recall possibly a member here Ryan? suggesting something from the Chemist, I cannot remember the name Rubbing alcohol? something like that.

The gum on the 1890-1905 Austrian stamps is particularly stubborn. If there is way to successfully soak these stamps, I'd love to hear how it's done.

Those of a sensitive persuasion, look away now.

Some 19th century, and early 20th century issues had lots of yellowish Gum Arabic.
As I use cold water, it would lie on the back of the stamp in large globs.
I have a system where I lie the stamp on the fleshy part of the thumb, palm up, gum up, and use a small sharp paring knife, to gently lift /scape the gum off.

I prefer this way than rubbing between fingers in the water.
esp good when slivers of old envelope paper is still attached.

"Bring 'em back alive" comes to mind.

The real difficulty comes with those old fellas, that curl up tight like cigarettes, in water.
I have learnt to selectively soak only those I wish to keep and mount, and leave the dirty work to the next in line.

Indeed, I see what you mean.
I use cold water, lift or scrape method.
These fellas can tightly roll, and is quite a stretch to roll them out and clean.

Check Varnish bar issues first, or disaster.

I reserve these if I need to, as do 3 or 4 at a time, no more.

Rod222, When I say "warm" water, I mean warm compared to what comes out of the cold tap. If it is a safe temp for baby formula (test on your wrist) then it's safe enough for stamps deemed OK for immersion.

Also, using cold water means they have to be left in the water longer and the longer the soaking the more potential for weakening. So there are trade offs either way.

That said, soakable modern self adhesives soak better with warmer water in my experience. I'd be leery about hot - running red United States Postal Service cancels comes to mind.