Watermark scanning: The wet method

I don't know about others, but I find it useful to work with scans of watermarks, where I think there is evidence of a variety. I don't have any sophisticated 'Photoshop' type software, so I have tried a couple of different manual methods to find one that works reasonably successfully. No doubt there will be those that will take a dim view of this method, but I have had no adverse effects.

It is quite a simple method, which only requires lighter fuel (Ronsonol in the US ?), or a watermark detection fluid; and a stamp mount. The mount should be one of those similar to the Leuchterm type, that can be bought in specific sizes or in strips that can be cut down. The main attribute of these mounts is that the fluid used remains trapped in the mount and only soaks into the stamp.

Those black cardboard backed stock cards will not work.

The method:

Insert stamp face side down in the mount.

Lift the clear strip.

Squirt fluid over stamp quite liberally and working quite quickly, express as many air bubbles as possible.

Lay mount on scanner, ensuring the black backing is at the top facing you. Or if using clear-backed mounts, ensure you lay a black card over it.

Close scanner lid and apply a bit of pressure to the lid with your fingers (or a heavy book).

Then scan. 

Here is an image of the strip I used for this method, with the stamp in position, showing some of the air bubbles before I applied pressure:





Here is the cropped image of the stamp, which shows a reversed Crown over CC watermark:





Using this method is not the be all and end all of watermark detection; certain watermarks, paper thicknesses and coloured papers will still present the usual difficulties.