Buzz
To detach a used postage stamp from its envelope, you'll require a bowl of lukewarm water and a pair of scissors. Lay ordinary paper towels flat on a cookie sheet to facilitate the drying process. Afterwards, press the stamps dry between the pages of old telephone books.
Steps
Utilizing Water
Choosing Whether to Preserve or Remove the Stamp Some stamps might hold greater value if left on the envelope. While an individual stamp may hold a modest monetary worth, its historical significance within the context of the envelope could substantially elevate its value.
Trim the stamps from the corner of the envelope using scissors.
Submerge the trimmed corner in a bowl of warm water and allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes. Consider using cold water if there's a concern about the ink bleeding. Historically, some stamps were designed to be ruined by soaking to prevent unlawful reuse on new mail.
As most of the stamps will float away, carefully place them face down on a paper towel blotter. Take care to prevent tearing or creasing of the stamps. Certain stamps may need gentle encouragement to detach from the paper, especially newer 'peel and stick' varieties.
Leave the cookie sheet of stamps in a dry location, such as an unheated oven, overnight.
Once dry (and possibly slightly curled), lay the stamps flat between the pages of a large book and apply weight if necessary.
Allow them to lay flat for 3 weeks to facilitate handling and sorting into your collection, or for future use.
Utilizing a Microwave
Empty the envelope. Remove the contents from the envelope.
Put it in the microwave. This step is solely to soften the adhesive on the stamp.
- >1000 watt- Microwave for approximately 10 seconds
- 700-950 watt- Microwave for approximately 15-20 seconds
Remove the stamp. Peel the stamp off the envelope. If it doesn't come off easily, repeat step 2.
Use tape or glue. Since the adhesive on the stamp is no longer effective, you'll need to use tape or glue to affix the stamp to the new envelope.
Through Peeling
Insert your fingernails. Position your nails beneath the stamp and lift it slightly using two fingers.
Pull. Employ your finger to lift the stamp.
- Pull gradually and cautiously to avoid tearing the stamp or envelope.
Use tape or glue. When peeling, a small portion of the envelope's paper might adhere to the adhesive.
Helpful Advice
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For certain stamps, particularly those dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, retaining them on the envelope maintains their value.
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If you intend to reuse washed stamps on an envelope, a glue stick is suitable for affixing them. Ensure the stamps haven't been postmarked. Reusing stamps for mailing multiple times is illegal in most countries.
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It takes longer to remove plastic stamps by soaking.
Cautions
- Exercise caution with colored envelopes as the ink may bleed through the stamp.
- Avoid rifling through others' mail as it can provoke anger. Always seek permission first, regardless of how rare the stamp may be.
- Keep food and beverages away from your stamp collection.
