Removing self adhesive stamps from paper

Subject: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:28 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I have been using the "Pure Citrus" spray for some time now. It has a pleasant smell and is all natural, 100% Orange peel oil.

I have been doing this for some time now, and it has worked wonderful with no problems. It only works with the self adhesives. Also works wonders with the UK Machin stamps without damaging the U-shaped security slots.


The Pure Citrus can be purchased at Home Depot for about $4 or $5 a can. Its in the air freshener aisle.




Last edited by kacyds on Thu Apr 04, 2013 12:58 pm; edited 1 time in total

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:44 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I haven't had to deal with self adhesive stamps from any other countries other than Canada. I have to say, they are VERY easy to remove using the standard methods.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 8:46 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Wish the US would be that easy, but not at all. You can forget about soaking them in water. They will never come off.


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:17 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I use lighter fluid for all of them but it drys so quickly that it is difficult to remove the adhesive. I will give the air freshener a try.

The manufacturers of the US ones could learn a thing or two from other countries, but I don't foresee that happening. We stamp collectors take a back seat to their profit margin. I did have a lady in power at the USPS tell me that if I wanted nice copys to collect, that I can purchase them mint from them.

That attitude confirms the line (as mentioned in another post about hand cancellations) that they are in business to sell mint stamps and could care less about what happens after they are purchased and used.

Sadly to say, that is probably the reason that they keep raising the price so frequently and still cannot get out of the red.

If you bite the hand that feeds you, odds are that you will eventually go hungary!

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 9:28 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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All I know is that until this year Canada Post made a profit every year for 16 years till this year. Supposedly there was an unusual expense in that they lost a rather large lawsuit regarding wages last year, thus the loss. We will see when they post their financial statements next May.

Yes our post office here post financial statements as they are a Crown Corporation and not an arm of the government, but owned by the government.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 03, 2012 10:07 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:4423="stampdays"]I use lighter fluid for all of them but it drys so quickly that it is difficult to remove the adhesive. I will give the air freshener a try.

The manufacturers of the US ones could learn a thing or two from other countries, but I don't foresee that happening. We stamp collectors take a back seat to their profit margin. I did have a lady in power at the USPS tell me that if I wanted nice copys to collect, that I can purchase them mint from them.

That attitude confirms the line (as mentioned in another post about hand cancellations) that they are in business to sell mint stamps and could care less about what happens after they are purchased and used.

Sadly to say, that is probably the reason that they keep raising the price so frequently and still cannot get out of the red.

If you bite the hand that feeds you, odds are that you will eventually go hungary![/quote]

Very well said!!!

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:53 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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great write up!! i will have to try this out!!!

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Jul 04, 2012 4:48 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:405e="kacyds"]Wish the US would be that easy, but not at all. You can forget about soaking them in water. They will never come off.[/quote]

Agreed... the old tried and true simple soak in water simply won't work.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Jul 05, 2012 2:34 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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lighter fluid and a straight edge.



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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Jul 05, 2012 1:09 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Jay, I hope you not smoking when you are using lighter fluid!!!! Surprised

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:22 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Well the other half got a lesson in removing the US SA stamps... one that he lost Sad

Envelope that I got from Bear that I passed on to him and he attempted to remove them using the tried and true soaking methods... he learned. Bear... look out for a PM... Laughing

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:23 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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AWW MAN!! no worries .. what cover?

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:25 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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The Louisiana battle forever stamps. Will chat in PM with you about them.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:39 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Ross, let me know if you need another one, I can send you one. Also remember all US self adhesives will never come off with water. Either try the above method, or trim it closely to the stamp.


PostSubject: Cheap alternative Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:55 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Just go down to "Home Depot" or your local hardware store and buy a pint of denatured alcohol, it works fine. I just keep a big, wide jar with an inch or two in it sitting around to throw clipped stamps into, it does the job in a few minutes and doesn't dry too quickly.
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Subject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Aug 01, 2012 8:58 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:8b39="jerryjensen"]Just go down to "Home Depot" or your local hardware store and buy a pint of denatured alcohol, it works fine. I just keep a big, wide jar with an inch or two in it sitting around to throw clipped stamps into, it does the job in a few minutes and doesn't dry too quickly.[/quote]
that is a great idea!! thanks man!

and Welcome to Stamp Bears!! we hope you will post an introduction so we can get to know your collecting interests better... i look forward to your posts.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Mon Sep 03, 2012 9:49 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Greetings Fellow SB Boarders
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This last week I've been removing used self-adhesive stamps from paper. I used both lighter fluid and Pure Citrus. A few comments:
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Both get the job done for the most part. The hardest part of the job is using a straight-edge (metal ruler) to scrape the goo from the back of the stamp. It takes at least two swipes. And if the stamp is wider than the straight-edge then even more swipes are required. I'm thinking a two-inch putty knife will work a lot better than a steel ruler.
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It is awkward keeping the straight-edge clean from the goop. Some how a trace of goop seems to spread, mainly because the goop eventually becomes invisible.
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It feels that Pure Citrus leaves a coating on the face of the stamp. However, after a day or two I can tell no difference between the ones I used lighter fluid or used Pure Citrus.
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Ronsonol Lighter Fuel is getting harder and harder to find. Most places like 7-11 stores, K-marts, Quicky Marts, and Wal-Marts don't carry it any more. I did find a store that had a couple of 8 oz. bottles, but the cost has soared in the last couple of years.
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Pure Citrus, on the other hand, is readily available at almost all stores and major groceries. Seven fluid ounces cost right at $4. (I see that it is made down the trail here in Texass.) Thus, the cost edge and availability goes to Pure Citrus.
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However, both Ronsonol Lighter Fuel and Pure Citrus leave the stamps tacky. But the lighter fuel is a tad less so.
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The use of either is much, much better than soaking. The drying time takes minutes versus a day or more. Plus, there is little need to flatten the stamp after the process. One must, however, be careful not to crease the stamp with the tongs while removing it from the paper, or dig the corner of the straight-edge into the back of the stamp while scraping the gook off.
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My mode of operation from hence is to remove the stamp from paper by spraying it with Pure Citrus. After letting the stamp set for an hour, or even a day, I then give the stamp a quick dip into the lighter fluid bath and wipe the residue tackiness off (both back and front) with a clean rag.
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Does anybody else have feed back on using Ronsonol or Pure Citrus?
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Respectfully,

Gordon Lee

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Mon Sep 03, 2012 10:05 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Mr. Lee, I like you, have used both and I prefer the Pure Citrus. Everything you note above is spot on in my opinion. I have had the same problems with sticky goop accumulating on the straight edge and everywhere else if I am not careful. I have tried multiple times to find Ronsonol lighter fluid here in Michigan to no avail. I am told it is sold at Ace Hardware Stores locally but I can never find one that has it in stock. I usually use Zippo which is readily available.

Another thing that has always bothered me about using lighter fluid was the thought that my brain was eventually go to turn into mush from inhaling the fumes. I am happy to now only use lighter fluid for watermark detection.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 7:03 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Thank you both for your observations.. i have not tried either yet so i love reading on these methods for when ( IF ) i ever decide to do this.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 7:07 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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As for the goo on the straight edge, after removing the glue from a couple of stamps, I spray the straight edge with the pure citrus and wipe it with a rag. This seems to help me. Also after using the removing the glue from the stamp, I spray the back of the stamp again and wipe it with a rag. This seems to remove all the sticky from the stamp.

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 9:38 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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The only other thing I have heard in regards to the goop on the back, is to use talcum (baby powder) on the back... it will adhere to the gunk on the back and remove the tackiness.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 11:08 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:6e99="kacyds"]As for the goo on the straight edge, after removing the glue from a couple of stamps, I spray the straight edge with the pure citrus and wipe it with a rag. This seems to help me. Also after using the removing the glue from the stamp, I spray the back of the stamp again and wipe it with a rag. This seems to remove all the sticky from the stamp.[/quote]

I have been doing this also...but that rag sure gets sticky after a while...I think if I threw it against the wall it would stay up there permanently. I try to just wipe off the excess without spraying more. It is easy to go through a couple of bottle really quickly. Oh and lets make sure we don't tell the manufacturers of Pure Citrus of this specialized use of their product. I am sure they will find a way to double their price.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 1:16 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:f88e="RossTO"]The only other thing I have heard in regards to the goop on the back, is to use talcum (baby powder) on the back... it will adhere to the gunk on the back and remove the tackiness.[/quote]

I have used the talcum powder before, but since I live in a high humidity climate, the powder absorbs the moisture. Once that happens the goo on back of the stamp now sticks to the album page.




PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Sep 04, 2012 1:20 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:1333="Darkormex"]I have been doing this also...but that rag sure gets sticky after a while...I think if I threw it against the wall it would stay up there permanently. I try to just wipe off the excess without spraying more. It is easy to go through a couple of bottle really quickly. Oh and lets make sure we don't tell the manufacturers of Pure Citrus of this specialized use of their product. I am sure they will find a way to double their price.[/quote]

Sometimes I will use a hefty paper towel so that after it gets to be a mess, I throw it away and use a fresh one.

As for the price, dont tell anyone what we are doing with it.......




PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:34 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Have removed a bunch of stamps with the Pure Citrus today. Now I smell like oranges, now only if I had some Vodka.....

Back to the store this week, to get another can of Pure Citrus.

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 11:13 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Thought I would give this thread a bump, with some recent US stamps that I removed from paper this morning. If you are new here to Stamp Bears, and been having trouble removing the newer self-adhesive stamps from paper, please read this thread from the start. Any questions, please ask them here.

Thanks, Kris




PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 1:34 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Hi All
I use the same method as shown here [color:ff93=#006699]http://youtu.be/nWMcVYgIZjM[/color][/url] it works well for USA stamps Australia are a bit harder UK and some others I have tried are France Spain Netherlands all OK
It is messy and you need to take your time and work in a well ventilated area
I collect USA stamps and have used this method on 200/300 stamps so far and minimal loss.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 1:41 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Me again I have just posted to this topic and thought I had added an image using Host an image, but it does not show I tried in the welcome topic also no image!

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 1:46 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Try watching this video Tony.........



PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 2:30 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Can I not use the 6th icon "Host an image" and use an image straight from my PC?

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Subject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:08 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Yes, you should be able to upload images straight from your computer. Any problems, let me know.
Kris

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:26 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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they upload to a third party host (imgserve on this site) and then you need to grab the URL and link it ..

Mr. kacyds - may i make a request sir? perhaps the video is not as helpful as i had intended. may i trouble you to do a text and screen shot tutorial for our members?

something along the lines of the write up RossTO produced for the reputation function of Stamp Bears..

feel free to say no i just thought i would ask

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:38 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I can do that Bear, as time permits.


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 7:50 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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of course man i FULLY understand time constraints.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:43 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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It works with photobucket

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 8:49 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Looks good Tony. Now that you know how to post images, we are now waiting to see the rest of your collection.........

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:02 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:f135="kacyds"]Looks good Tony. Now that you know how to post images, we are now waiting to see the rest of your collection......... [/quote]
That is what I am trying to do but it is all on my PC not Photobocket I have been trying to use the forum host "Host an image" but it will not work for me!!
Any chance of a spell checker I have ieSpell but it will not work here.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:08 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Tony, I am working on a tutorial right now, on how to use the Host an Image button. Been on the lookout for it....


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 9:45 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Will do thanks

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Apr 04, 2013 10:25 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Hi folks, ive soaked off US. stamps first with very hot water ,the self adhesive ones, it only removes the stamp from the paper , then i put them in a jar of lamp oil , it works great, once i take them out i just wipe them lightly with a paper towel and let them dry and they are perfect. the stamps have no staining affect, and the smell goes away after they dry. its seem to be the fastest way to clean them off for me. Johnnyo

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Apr 07, 2013 4:03 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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One difficulty I have been having with Pure Citrus is the effect on the cancellation on the front of the stamp. The cancellation ink smears and then if you rub the stamp with a soft cloth, the ink will smear across the face of the stamp and stain it. After I remove the adhesive with a straight edge I flip the stamp over and only blot the remaining citrus liquid so as not to smear it.

On some stamps, however, this seems to be unavoidable. If the face of the stamp is left too long in the pure citrus, the cancellation ink diffuses across the face of the stamp and stains the stamp and gives the stamp an overall bluish hue.

Any suggestions on how to avoid this?

JohnnyO, how long do you leave the stamps in the lamp oil? Do you encounter the smeared ink problem at all with the way you remove self adhesives?

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Apr 07, 2013 4:19 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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hi Darkormex, i soak the stamps for a minuite or less ,the oil doesnt remove any of the cancel or the stamp ink. ive even rubbed the stamp over with a cloth to see if it would and it dont., so its safe, i use clear lamp oil i buy from the hardware store. 7 buck a bottle. ive used this oil on all adhesives including the new 2012 and 2013 uS stamps and its safe. the stamps paper stay firm aswell, they dont become soft or brittle. johnnyo

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Apr 07, 2013 4:22 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Any particular brand? You said you use the lamp oil only after you soak off the paper in hot water...will the paper not come off directly in the lamp oil?

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Apr 07, 2013 4:36 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Hi yes the stamps will come off in the lamp oil, infact they sometimes peel right off on ther own, i soak the majority of my stamps in very hot water first to clean them and remove them quickly, the adhesive come off easy as well but i recommend the lamp oil for newer stamps. the brand is universal lamp oil and can be bought at walmart ,or hardware stores anywhere. its the oil used in antique oil lamps .

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Apr 07, 2013 8:23 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Heres some of the stamps i did today took only 5 mins to clean.

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Subject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu May 02, 2013 6:49 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Giving this a bump.........

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue May 14, 2013 9:53 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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ok so a few things on this thread. i have finally tried the Pure Citrus and agree that it works wonders. i have found that a quick bath in water with a drop or two of Dawn (dish soap) right after removes the stickyness .. HOWever being a numb i did forget to scrape the backs of the stamps. after re-reading this thread i am glad to see that they can be resprayed and another attempt made.

due to the amount i would like to process at one sitting however i may also drop back and try the denatured alcohol mentioned earlier.


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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Jun 16, 2013 5:48 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[color:f615=#333399][font:f615=Trebuchet MS]What I have not yet seen covered here is the effectiveness of doing this with stamps on cardboard or card stock. I have some US Priority Mail and Express Mail self-adhesives still on bits of box. Does the pure citrus penetrate such a thick backing?

I'm grateful I don't have to deal with this very much, as my main collecting areas (Scandinavia) has self-adhesives with a water soluble layer between the paper and the self-adhesive. Does make life a LOT easier! Smile

~Peter[/font][/color]

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Jun 16, 2013 6:36 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Peter,
Pure citrus will work on cardboard boxes, but will take more time to let it work. Normally on a paper envelope, you can immediately remove the stamp from the paper. But on the cardboard, you will have to let it sit for a few minutes, before you try to remove the stamp.

Hope this helps,
Kris

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Tue Jun 18, 2013 12:07 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[font:a8ad=Trebuchet MS][color:a8ad=#333399]Thanks Kris!

I was actually at Home Depot yesterday (the nearest one is 40 miles from me) and managed to remember to pick up a can of "Pure Citrus." Hoping to test it out a bit this afternoon, after the dust of "regular" work settles...

~Peter[/color][/font]

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Jun 23, 2013 5:14 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[font:e654=Trebuchet MS][color:e654=#333399]Tried using the "Pure Citrus" today, to remove self-adhesives from a range of backings.

From a normal paper envelope: Quite easy; took just a few seconds.

From a heavy manila envelope: Also quite easy-- took maybe 10 seconds for the stamps to let go.

From a Priority Mail box: Took a couple of minutes to get the stamps loose. The cardboard absorbs a LOT of Pure Citrus, and I figure you have to saturate pretty well for it to work.

From an Express Mail tyvek bag mailer: I expected this to take the longest, given that tyvek is a synthetic, unlike paper... but it was as fast as regular paper.

From a hard fiberboard mailer (like the APS uses to send StampStore purchases-- hard cardboard, one side is coated and shiny white): This was BY FAR the most difficult... seemed like the Pure Citrus had a hard time penetrating the white coating. Eventually, I was able to lift a corner of each stamp, and "push" a little Pure Citrus gradually under it... which helped. Wouldn't recommend this, unless you have something you REALLY want to save, like maybe an Express Mail or high value.

Observations: Pure Citrus seems to go "everywhere" and penetrates a lot of materials. Next time, I am going to get a piece of plywood to set down where I am working. And you also tend to get adhesive everywhere, on everything. Soap and water will really not work fully for the goo on your hands. You may need to clean up your hands, your putty knife and your tongs with mineral spirits or paint thinner.

The stamps are now drying... they look a bit grayish and "glassy," but hopefully what remains of the Pure Citrus will eventually evaporate. I feel quite happy to have recovered a couple of Express Mail and several Priority Mail stamps I thought were "goners."

~Peter[/color][/font]

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:27 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Thanks for the excellent post about your adventures using Pure Citrus. I would suggest one thing, that works for me. If your hands or tongs are sticky, just spray them with some Pure Citrus, the goo comes right off. Now your hands smells like oranges............


PostSubject: Tried and True Stamp removal Thu Jul 25, 2013 3:16 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I see a lot of methods to remove self adhesive stamps. After trying a few of the suggestions I think that most of them stink - literally.
Here is is my 25 Cent contribution.
I recently soaked some US and Canadian stamps the usual way (I use some reasonably hot water). When it came to remove the stamps from the paper, I found that there were some of the self adhesive type that did not come off lightly. However, I noticed that the adhesive, instead of dissolving, had softened from the hot water and was only partly giving way - sort of a gummi stretch. Since hot water seemed to do a partial job I came up with a successful way that did not involve smelly or harmful solvents and baby powder etc.
I use an old square electric frying pan and put in about 1/2" of water. Set the temperature to "simmer" or just below boiling. Dump your stamps in and wait 5 to 10 minutes. (I have never found a stamp that can not tolerate very hot water!!!) Some stamps will lift off easily without pulling. Most will come off by using your tongs and slowly peeling the stamp off. The adhesive will stay in one piece on the paper in most cases.
With some stamps , the adhesive just stretches and the paper tears partially away. With those, I remove as much adhesive and paper as comes off easy and put them back in to soak some more. I use heavy blotting paper for drying. I weigh the blotting paper down by putting a piece of 1/4 inch acrylic plastic on top and a book or other weight on top of it. On my last job, I did not lose a single stamp and they came off clean and flat.
Happy soaking!
Rudi



PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Jul 25, 2013 3:24 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Thanks Rudi!

Not sure if my wife will appreciate me in her kitchen but I will save up a small group of P&S and give that a try.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Jul 25, 2013 3:56 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:3463="stampdays"]Thanks Rudi!

Not sure if my wife will appreciate me in her kitchen but I will save up a small group of P&S and give that a try.[/quote]


If your wife objects, try a second hand store or garage sale to get a frying pan cheap (do you have those down there???)

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Fri Jul 26, 2013 9:29 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Oh man....I can hear the family now. Mom has lost it What a Face she is cooking stamps.

Just kidding. Thanks for the idea.


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Fri Jul 26, 2013 9:33 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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We (okay John, as he soaks the stamps) basically do the same thing... but we just boil water in the kettle and pour it into the soaking bowl.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:25 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I nuke (microwave) them in a glass dish sometimes.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:32 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Really, butterflies? with water i assume? does this work well or mixed results?

just wondering as i have not hear of this before and it sounds interesting.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Jul 27, 2013 7:22 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I do this mostly with a half cup or less (much much less if red colored, so the run can be aborted before the dye bleeds away too much) of water on old Austrian stamps that have a special adhesive that sometimes has turned to cement. (possibly derived from old cow hides rather than gum arabic?, in which case some sort of prolonged enzyme soak would likely be best.)

With self-adhesives it is a desperation measure after finding that a regular soak isn't working. (I'm unfortunately not endowed with the extreme patience required for a prolonged soak.)

I think the heat at boiling temperature has a detrimental effect on the 21st century stamp images, making them very sensitive to rubbing, etc., so often I ruin the stamp in my attempt to get the gum off.

I would probably be better off letting the stamp and paper redry and then go to mineral spirits or pure citrus, leave the gum on, and apply talcum powder to remove the stickiness.

My preferred solution now is to give all the self-adhesives away.

Bear, don't be surprised to find a large packet of very modern world-wide stamps, on paper, with emphasis on US and Canada, in your mail box one of these days. Twisted Evil

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Subject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:14 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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oh !?!?! i am all excited now man!

and thank you for the tips.. i may have to try with some duplicate i have around.

you sir are the best!!

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Jul 27, 2013 8:57 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Thanks for the great laugh, cq!

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Mon Jul 29, 2013 5:42 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Re the use of Pure Citrus: Anyone know the long-term effects on the stamp? Residue, acidity, etc.?


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:26 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I have not heard of any long term effects and suspect they will not be known for a while.
Since the pure citrus is a proprietary product the composition is unknown. (likely limonene and propellant, both of which evaporate with very little residue and minimal acidity)

Just for fun I sprayed some onto both wet and dry pH paper, allowed wet portion of the paper to dry and pure citrus to evaporate then wetted it again with distilled water. No change in pH observed, so there is likely no short term problem.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:57 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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thank you for testing this Butterflies.


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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:52 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Okay, I took the advice and used some hot water on some duplicates that I had laying around.

Put the stamps in the sink and poured boiling water from a tea pot. Let them sit for 5 minutes and tried to remove the paper. No luck..... Let them sit for a total of 15 minutes and finally removed paper, but had too rub the stamp in between my finger and thumb to remove every little piece of paper.

Let the stamps dry and now Im not happy at all........... Although the paper is off, the stamp is very sticky.... So now I will have to use Pure Citrus to get the rest of the gum off the stamp.

So, in my opinion, I will stick to the Pure Citrus and skip the hot water bath.....


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Jul 31, 2013 8:43 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I heard that mineral spirits would give better results than pure citrus because of less damage to the stamp face, so I tried it on some liberty bell forever stamps.

I didn't see any damage with either one, but don't doubt that for certain issues the pure citrus may do more damages, as it appears to be the stronger of the two solvents.
In particular, for this issue, the pure citrus softened the gum considerably, making gum removal fairly easy. The mineral spirits hardly softened the gum, making removal was quite difficult. Also mineral spirits are slower to evaporate and somewhat messy to deal with, unless you enjoy working with solvents and things like diesel fuel.

Dinner calls, more later maybe.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:18 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Have been using the Pure Citrus for a few years now. Have never seen a problem with destroying the face of a stamp. With that said, Pure Citrus does make the cancel on the stamp bleed. That's the only drawback I have seen, using the Pure Citrus.

I never spray the Pure Citrus on the face of the stamp, but on the back, where the glue is. The stamp comes off immediately and then I scrap the glue off with a straight edge. So what I am getting at, is that the Pure Citrus in only on the stamp for 10 to 15 seconds. Within minutes the stamp is dry.


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Aug 01, 2013 7:46 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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The few stamps that I did manage not to destroy with the hot water, I notice that once they are dry, they are very wrinkled. I removed the rest of the glue this morning with Pure Citrus and pressing them now.

Might have to get out the iron to get all those wrinkles out.............

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Aug 01, 2013 7:59 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I also tried hot water on the liberty bell stamps and ended up destroying several of them. Results were highly variable, indicating a variety of different manufacturers and/or printers involved.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:01 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I don't remember off had, but I believe there was 3 or 4 different printers for the liberty bell series.

Although I have them all used in my album, that's one series that I really disliked......... affraid


PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:13 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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I could send you a another hundred or so....maybe you would begin to start liking them.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:17 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Would make a great fire starter for the fireplace............

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:26 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Hey guys,
The hot water method works but you have to use VERY HOT water. Pouring hot water and waiting is not good enough. The water cools too fast. That is why I use an electric frying pan that is temperature controlled.
If you follow my instruction on my firs post, it will work.
I have tried it since on Austrian self adhesives and it was also successful.
Rudi

PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:31 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Just another addition to my previous post.
I had one instance where someone overlapped two adhesive stamps on an envelope. Here the hot water method did not save the stamp on the bottom. The adhesive which normally stays in one piece on the paper, was stuck on the front of the bottom stamp and did not come off.
Rudi
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Subject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Yesterday at 8:09 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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Rudi,
I will be on the lookout to add an electric frying pan to my arsenal of stamp tools.
I'll post results when I get the opportunity. I do have issues with the solvent methods of paper and gum removal and want to explore all the possibilities.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Yesterday at 8:23 pm Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
I normally use hot water from a tea kettle when I soak stamps because my tap water isn't hot enough (we keep it turned down to prevent burns). I "usually" have pretty good luck getting even the self adhesives off the covers. There will always be stubborn ones though.

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PostSubject: Re: Removing Self Adhesive stamps from paper.... Today at 4:38 am Select/Unselect multi-quote Reply with quote Edit/Delete this post Delete this post View IP address of poster Report post to moderator or admin Lock post for new reports
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[quote:7cb0="kacyds"]The few stamps that I did manage not to destroy with the hot water, I notice that once they are dry, they are very wrinkled. I removed the rest of the glue this morning with Pure Citrus and pressing them now.

Might have to get out the iron to get all those wrinkles out............. [/quote]


Because of such a hassle with the self adhesive stamps. I try the traditional water soak.. If the adhesive doesn't come off the first time. I just pitch the stamp into the trash can along with the damaged stamps. Used stamps have such a small, if any value anyway, unless they are extremely old. They just aren't worth messing with.

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