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How to Remove Old Stamps

All stamp collectors want to ensure their collection is pristine and undamaged. When removing stamps from their original envelopes to place in a book, use warm water and exercise patience to collect the stamps without ripping them or leaving envelope residue on the stamp. The reason this works is that the adhesive for old stamps is water-soluble. If they weren't, they would not stick when people licked them.

Things You'll Need

Scissors
Small bowl of lukewarm water
Stamp tweezers
Newspaper
Plastic wrap

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off the portion of the paper or envelope that holds the stamp.
- 2
  Place the stamp in a bowl of water.
- 3
  Check the stamp periodically, testing to see if it removes easily. The soaking process can take anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the kind of adhesive used.
- 4
  Remove the stamp from the water; use stamp tweezers to gently pull the old stamp off the paper.
- 5
  Blot the stamp dry with a paper towel. Blot gently so as not to smear the ink.
- 6
  Set the stamp on newspaper with the inked side of the stamp down. Place a layer of plastic wrap on top. The stamp will dry through the newspaper, while the plastic wrap prevents the residual glue from sticking to anything else.
- 7
  Place a heavy, flat object such as a large book on the stamp. Wait overnight for the stamp to dry.

Stamp Collecting