Removing Stamps From Paper By Soaking

     Removing used postage stamps from paper or envelopes requires several easy steps.  Set up 3 bowls or containers that will hold water.  In the first bowl add warm, not hot, water and place the envelope paper containing the used stamps.  You can add a fair amount of paper as long as it is covered by the water.  After several minutes of soaking you should start to see the stamps separate from the paper.  Some stamps require a much longer time because the gum used during certain periods was better than in others.  When you see a good quantity of loose stamps you can start removing the stamps that are soaking and placing them in bowl #2 containing warm water.  This bowl will help in removing even more of the gum and get the stamps away from the murky waters of bowl #1.  After a few more minutes of soaking start removing the stamps from bowl #2 and place them in the clean water of bowl #3.  This should eliminate most of the gum that may have still been on the stamps.                                                                                        

     On the table or a flat surface place a large piece of white blotter paper.  Remove the soaking stamps from the last bowl and place them face down just in case a small amount of gum still remains on the stamp.  This will keep the stamp from sticking back to the blotter and having to soak it back off.  After the stamps have been placed on the blotter, allow them to dry completely.  Once dry they can be placed in glassines and pressed flat between the pages of heavy books.

     If you prefer a quicker method of drying and flattening the stamps you can purchase a stamp drying book from your local stamp dealer.  With this special book you can place the wet stamps from the bowl between the blotting pages of the book and the stamps will dry without creases or wrinkles.  You should be able to purchase one for about $20 to $25.  Once dry you are ready to start adding your new stamps to your collection.