Home >> Collecting >> Stamp Collecting

How Do I Know If Stamps Have Been Washed?

Condition is an important consideration when choosing stamps for a stamp collection. Always examine a stamp closely for faults that could decrease its worth, such as the effects of washing -- or soaking a stamp off an envelope. These problems are often not always immediately visible but can be detected once you know what to look for.

Instructions

- 1
  Compare the stamp to others that have not been washed. If it has been washed, it will not look as glossy as the others or feel as smooth.
- 2
  Examine the color. Stamps that have been washed can lose some of their color in the water so that they look faded when dry.
- 3
  Check for discoloration. Very old stamps may have ink that will run when they are wet. The stamp may also appear to have an unusual tint over its image. This is due to the stamp having absorbed colors from envelopes with deep colors, like red.
- 4
  Run your finger over the back of the stamp to check for the presence of an adhesive. Gummed stamps lose their adhesive in the water. The back will feel rough to the touch.
- 5
  Hold a magnifying glass over the stamp and search for small tears, thin areas and repairs. Stamps tear easily in the water if the handler uses tongs or attempts to slide them off the envelope before they are completely saturated. Some handlers may attempt to fix these accidents.
- 6
  Consult a professional philatelist. If the stamp is potentially valuable, it is best to have a professional inspect it to learn its true condition.

Stamp Collecting