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How to Remove the Paper on Used Stamps

Just because a stamp has gone through the postage system doesn't mean it's destined for the trash can. A great way to expand your stamp collection is by searching out used stamps that are postmarked with ink cancellations and still stuck to their envelopes. You can free the stamps from the paper by soaking them in water and dissolving the glue. After the stamps dry, they will be ready for your album.

Things You'll Need

Scissors
Bowl
Paper towels or uncolored newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  Use scissors to trim the excess paper away from the stamps. Be careful to avoid the stamps' perforated edges.
- 2
  Fill a shallow bowl with cool-to-lukewarm water. Float the stamps in the water with the picture side up. Make sure the stamps have room to float and don't stick to one another.
- 3
  Leave the stamps in the water until the glue dissolves and the paper slides easily off the stamps. Rinse the back of the stamp gently in fresh water to ensure all the glue has been removed.
- 4
  Dry the stamps by putting them on paper towels or newspapers. Place the stamps in a single layer, without touching one another.

Stamp Collecting