Admin
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Post by Admin on May 19, 2015 16:40:41 GMT
Probably the USMC training  rod222 They have a special knack of being able to get things all clean and presentable. I would love to see a picture of his stamp room, come on Steve take a picture  |
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rod222
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233 
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Jun 15, 2015 6:49:40 GMT
Thanks Ryan, I respect your knowledge on soaking /stamp care. Here were my results The squarish ATM's are hanging on like a rock climber on a needle. I think because from a plastic coated Postcard, water takes time to get in. I failed with both water and Fuelite They are still in the saucer. Update: Another 10 mins in water and they fell off Thanks Ryan.  |
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,589
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Jun 15, 2015 8:03:01 GMT
Here were my results The squarish ATM's are hanging on like a rock climber on a needle. I think because from a plastic coated Postcard, water takes time to get in. I failed with both water and Fuelite They are still in the saucer. Update: Another 10 mins in water and they fell off Thanks Ryan. You make a good note about the plastic coated postcard - when I'm doing time-limited soaking (I don't like to let stamps soak too long in paint thinner because it messes up my work schedule if some stamps are ready in 5 minutes and others need 30), I use my thumbnail to peel the image portion of the postcard away. Water / paint thinner then soaks through the remaining paper much better. The Gee's Bend quilt stamps show in my database as being able to be soaked off in water. The Star Wars stamps need paint thinner - I remember having minor success with water soaking but more problems than it was worth so I list them as needing paint thinner. I don't have any notes about the Gee's Bend stamps so that means I expect 95%+ success when just using water, no paint thinner is needed. I'll send you my work-in-progress database of self-adhesive soaking notes, let me know if they do you any good. If any other forum members want it, let me know, just keep in mind that YMMV (your mileage may vary) - what works for me might not work for you! Ryan |
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,589
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Jun 15, 2015 8:06:11 GMT
PS - about the curling with the Denmark ATM stamps, my database notes don't show any problems for me. I soak everything in water after using paint thinner (and after scraping / wiping off all gum remnants) unless there are problems caused by that. That probably means they curl as soon as I put them in the water but given enough time, they'll relax and straighten out without causing any permanent wrinkling to the surface. Some US stamps curl too much with the post-soak so they don't get their bath after using paint thinner.
Ryan
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rod222
Member
Inactive
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Feb 9, 2016 21:52:04 GMT
Hi Rodney Besides colored envelopes I have had problems with some Manila envelopes. Some did not stain and some gave an eerie yellow color to the stamps. The box I made did work rather well with "normal" stamps. Jerry B Yes I am having problems with the yellow manila envelopes. I cannot source stamp lift The WD40 video has lost the link. I can get the yellow stain removed from the manila envelopes with "Napisan" a mild bleach, but I'd rather not use it, especially with souvenir sheets I have some great souvenir sheets on manila pieces, but they lay dormant right now, until I can get a solution. |
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lisag
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It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis
Posts: 63 
What I collect: Worldwide collector
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Post by lisag on Feb 10, 2016 13:35:00 GMT
Has anyone tried soaking in ammonia? It is good as a mold remover. The ammonia is actually in the gas, not the liquid, so one has to work quickly to get the stamps into the ammonia before all the gas is gone. I don't know how it would work on all stains, but people have had good results with getting foxing to disappear.
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rod222
Member
Inactive
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Feb 10, 2016 14:37:33 GMT
Has anyone tried soaking in ammonia? It is good as a mold remover. The ammonia is actually in the gas, not the liquid, so one has to work quickly to get the stamps into the ammonia before all the gas is gone. I don't know how it would work on all stains, but people have had good results with getting foxing to disappear. From preservation of philatelic materials: Foxing, which is a stain caused by fungal growth, can often be removed by using a potassium permanganate solution of five drops per pint of water. Caution: keep away from kids, high in the overhead cupboard, avoid contact with skin. or.. Normal Chlorox household bleach 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, hold stamp in togs and immerse for 1 minute rinse with cool clean water, dry and remount (of course, loss of gum) |
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Post by jaysee on Feb 11, 2016 6:13:14 GMT
" hold stamp in togs and immerse for 1 minute" Quite right too! Those naughty stamps shouldn't be allowed to swim around all over the place naked.  |
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rod222
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Feb 11, 2016 10:40:01 GMT
" hold stamp in togs and immerse for 1 minute" Quite right too! Those naughty stamps shouldn't be allowed to swim around all over the place naked. Hahahahaha Ladies and gentlepersons, please read "tongs" for "togs" (Australian swimwear) |
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bobby1948
Departed
Rest in Peace
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Sir Edmund Burke
Posts: 690
What I collect: WW to 1945; US mnh 1922-1990; US used and unused to 1922
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Post by bobby1948 on Feb 11, 2016 13:58:17 GMT
" hold stamp in togs and immerse for 1 minute" Quite right too! Those naughty stamps shouldn't be allowed to swim around all over the place naked. "Skinny dippin' stamps," now I have heard everything!  |
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rod222
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 1, 2016 9:20:35 GMT
I am having success with the buff / brown manila envelopes that bleed.
I place say 10 stamps, face up, on the sink draining board,
plonk a dripping wet tea towel, on top, wait 40 minutes.
The tea towel will go yellow. Some rinsing may be needed to remove any semblance of yellow stain.
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Post by carabop on Mar 7, 2016 3:16:31 GMT
I am going to try your method rod. Now to find a good way to do ones on red paper.
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rod222
Member
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 7, 2016 4:06:12 GMT
I am going to try your method rod. Now to find a good way to do ones on red paper. Good luck with that. "Stamp Lift" appears the only system advised, but no results have been broadcast. I'll soak these as an absolute last resort. |
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reena
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What I collect: US Federal Duck Stamps
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Post by reena on Mar 7, 2016 11:50:16 GMT
Reading through this great thread I have to ask if anybody had tried the febreeze? I found that interesting.
I do soak stamps to remove all the hinges and remnant's. I find the water gets really yucky looking with older stamps, but come out nice and clean. Maybe that is the dust? Anyway, I put them in the drying book, weight it down overnight then I sort and deal with them. I soak about 100 at a time. That amount is manageable for me and I don't get bored.
The S/A's are a pain so I'm starting to leave the paper on them. I just can't handle putting that much time and effort to maybe have a good stamp. Most turn out thin. I've tried the sweatbox, soap in hot water, plain hot water, always cold bath with the last two methods, bestine, and throwing against the wall and haven't come up with an easy way. So they sit and wait for me.
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rod222
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 7, 2016 14:19:16 GMT
The S/A's are a pain so I'm starting to leave the paper on them. I have used the "Fuelite" method for several years, on stamps, labels, etiquettes. Works perfectly. Does take time and effort, I use on specially selected stamps that I intend to mount in albums. |
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reena
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What I collect: US Federal Duck Stamps
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Post by reena on Mar 7, 2016 15:46:51 GMT
Not heard of fuelite. Will check out and see what's available to me.
Question of the day (because you are expecting weird questions from me!) Do you use regular tap water from the faucet that has all the chemicals that the city/county believes should be in the water, or do you use filtered water?
I'm so weirded out about the chlorine and florid and whatever the county puts in the water for purification that I have a tendency to use filtered water. At least I think I'm removing part of the chemicals.
Thoughts?
Just watched the video, that's not hard at all! Off for the hunt for fuelite! |
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rod222
Member
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 7, 2016 16:08:02 GMT
reena Use ordinary tap water I assume North America stds are fine. Fuelite (I think) is the same as dry cleaning fluid. Your branding may be different. Please be careful when handling, warnings should be on the bottle labels. Store high out of reach of children. wiki Fuelite is a water white, medium cut, aliphatic petroleum solvent and fuel containing approximately 90% saturated hydrocarbons in the range C5-C10, and 10% napthenes and substituted monoaromatics in the range C6-C10. further info www.tmkpackers.co.nz/index.php/site/product/fuelite
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tomiseksj
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Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,053
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Mar 7, 2016 16:12:08 GMT
For me, the best method for removing self-adhesives is to offer them in giveaways!  |
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rod222
Member
Inactive
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 7, 2016 16:15:40 GMT
You are probably right Steve, Only Ryan and myself, remain, as dedicated stamp soakers.............. I love getting stamps from Ryan, they are always flat and pristine. |
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,589
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Mar 7, 2016 22:25:10 GMT
reena, I use plain old paint thinner for removing self-adhesives. It's easy to find and it gets most stamps off the backing paper without damage, there are just a small handful that use an adhesive that isn't soluble. It's much less flammable than some other chemicals people like to use, and I think the toxicity is relatively low, too. We use a similar chemical labelled "Varsol" in big quantities in the shop, we'll literally wash our hands in it. Many people who remove self-adhesive stamps will leave the gum on the stamp and then use talcum powder to remove the stickiness, but Rodney & I both prefer to scrape the gum off. If there's any risk of damaging the stamp it usually comes in that stage. Some gum comes off very easily, others (like that on Machins with security cuts) needs a bit of tender care to come completely clean with paint thinner, at least - Rod's Fuelite or something like Bestine (a kind of heptane) might be a better solvent for that gum, I don't know. And as far as Fuelite is concerned, I always thought that was more the kind of stuff that we can buy here as camping stove fuel. Or?? I use regular tap water - two sinks full, one for soaking and removal of the paper, the other for removing any gum that stays adhered to the stamp. Some modern water-activated gums are real messy and they sometimes require me to change out the water in the second sink - PVA gum on Canadian stamps and whatever it is they use on German stamps both make the water real cloudy. Old dextrine gums (like we had on Canadian and US stamps back in the '40s, '50s and '60s) dissolve completely in the first sink and don't cause any problems for me in the second sink. Note that our tap water here almost always has chlorine in it and that acts like a bleach, giving a subtle brightening to the stamp paper. If you leave the stamps soaking for hours, you can often see a change in paper brightness when using a UV light. That can be a real problem for identifying some Canadian definitives like Frog's beloved Centennials (ha ha), with all the different grades of fluorescence (none, dull, low, medium, high, hibrite). But get them out of the water within a couple of hours and you should be fine. Ryan
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reena
Member
Posts: 299
What I collect: US Federal Duck Stamps
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Post by reena on Mar 7, 2016 23:33:34 GMT
I went to two stores today as well as searching on the net and came up with a big goose egg. So I'll go back to bestine and see how my old buddy is doing.
I try not to leave stamps in water for very long, at least 20 minutes from start to finish. For the stamps that don't want to soak, I tried they didn't want to, so they get put to the side for further work.
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tomiseksj
Moderator
Woodbridge, Virginia, USA
Posts: 6,053
What I collect: Worldwide stamps/covers, Cinderellas, Ohio Prepaid Sales Tax Receipts, U.S. WWII Ration ephemera
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Post by tomiseksj on Mar 7, 2016 23:39:49 GMT
What were you searching for that you couldn't find?
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reena
Member
Posts: 299
What I collect: US Federal Duck Stamps
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Post by reena on Mar 8, 2016 0:06:03 GMT
Fuelite sold at a local store here in Florida. I see I could get it in NZ, and the little packets from Amazon, but I was looking for the regular sized bottle. Should have made my thoughts a bit clearer.
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rod222
Member
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Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 8, 2016 0:07:28 GMT
Opinion.
Absolute NO. NO. If there is the slightest tiny spot of that gum that survives, the sticky stamps will be like Seagulls on a hot chip.
they will grab any stamps within Cooee. (As I have learnt to my chagrin)
Better to leave on paper.
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,589
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Mar 8, 2016 1:38:25 GMT
Too right, as the Aussies say! I wouldn't do anything that left the gum behind. Some leave the gum behind and then stick the stamp on a piece of clear plastic film, sort of like Mylar. I guess that allows you to see perforations that you wouldn't see if the stamp was left on a piece of white envelope, but it doesn't seem like it's helping much. I want that gum altogether gone! I have all kinds of copies of that 1975 Christmas stamp that are varying stages of brown because the self-adhesive gum has discoloured the paper over time. I think it's a better bet to get rid of the gum and then soak the stamp in water like normal to remove any residual effect the adhesive removal might have had. (Although it must be said, many U.S. stamps don't tolerate a post-soak, the stamps crinkle in water and damage the surface - I've learned through trial and error which ones can't be post-soaked.) Ryan |
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Post by carabop on Mar 8, 2016 3:04:26 GMT
rod all those stamps listed in the Scott catalog that say do not soak will fuelite work on those too?
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rod222
Member
Inactive
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 8, 2016 3:35:23 GMT
rod all those stamps listed in the Scott catalog that say do not soak will fuelite work on those too? Sorry, cannot say. Once upon a time all "diecut" stamps would be released by Fuelite, there are stamps now, diecut, that are water based. It's all a bit of a shemozzle. What I do, is dip the corner of the stamp in fuelite, and try to insert the long nosed pointy tweezers, betwixt the stamp and the paper. It will become immediately apparent if the Fuelite works or not. Best of Luck. |
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firstfrog2013
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Post by firstfrog2013 on Mar 8, 2016 3:36:29 GMT
You are probably right Steve, Only Ryan and myself, remain, as dedicated stamp soakers.............. I love getting stamps from Ryan, they are always flat and pristine. Rod not quite true.I save every thing that comes my way and soak it all.Any thing that isn't in my area goes to Mom's and she soaks them.I usually wait til I have 1-200 envelope cuts and spend the time then.I try to put the slightly damp stamps onto older manila stock pages cover with paper towel and continue the stack,set on a shelf with a pile of catalogs on them and wait a few days.Been very successful with this method so no reason to change now.I actually enjoy the chore, a great way to add used copies to accent the mint copies, and my favorite used blocks. |
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rod222
Member
Inactive
Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 8,233
What I collect: US Precancels. Belgium Precancels.
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Post by rod222 on Mar 8, 2016 3:47:02 GMT
Right you are firstfrog2013Welcome to the TSF Soakers collective, Nothing escapes our attention, or our soaking bowl, excepting circa 1970 Romania. The "gum"? on some of those is inert to all known solvents. I liken it to shoe glue. |
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Post by smauggie on Mar 8, 2016 13:34:13 GMT
I watched the video. That is an awful lot of scraping and rubbing on the poor stamp. Aside from all the work to produce one stamp, one worries that the process may actually damage the stamp.
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rod222 
