Buzz
Depending on what's inside, opening an envelope can be a wonderful, exhilarating, or even intimate experience that's worth doing properly. However, if you see an envelope that's supposed to be closed but is just begging to be opened, there are ways to peek inside without anyone knowing the difference.
Steps
Using Steam to Open Envelopes
Preparing the Steam: Begin by placing a tea kettle on the stove and bringing water to a boil. The steam produced will be utilized to loosen the adhesive of the envelope you wish to open discreetly. Keep in mind that while effective, the steam method may cause slight damage to the paper and can be messy. If preserving the envelope's appearance is crucial, consider using a new one instead.
- To reduce the intensity of the steam, insert a spoon into the kettle's spout to disperse it evenly.
- In the absence of a tea kettle, boiling water in a pot until it emits steam serves as an alternative method.
Expose the envelope seal to steam. Steaming can be intense, so it's advisable to use tongs or an oven mitt to protect your hands while placing the envelope seal in the steam. Hold it there for approximately 20 seconds to allow the steam to dissolve the adhesive.
- For longer business-sized envelopes, ensure thorough exposure to steam for even loosening of the glue.
- Limit the exposure to steam to 20 seconds to prevent paper warping.
Utilize an envelope opener to release the flap. Place the envelope on a flat surface and carefully slide an envelope opener under the flap to loosen it. Open the flap gradually to access the contents without tearing the envelope. Aim for a balance between cautiousness and swiftness to prevent resealing.
- If the flap resists and risks tearing, return it to the steam for further softening.
Air-dry the envelope. Once the contents are extracted or replaced, allow the envelope to dry completely before sealing it. To avoid creases, cover the envelope with wax paper and place a heavy book on top to maintain flatness during drying.
- Alternatively, ironing the envelope flat can prevent wrinkling. Be cautious not to overheat the paper, as it may yellow or scorch.
Seal the envelope anew. The adhesive loses effectiveness after exposure to steam, necessitating a different sealing method. To achieve a seamless reseal that conceals any tampering:
- Opt for a gluestick, which offers discreet resealing due to its relatively dry adhesive. Apply glue to the flap's edge and press to close.
- Alternatively, wet glue such as school glue or superglue can be used sparingly to avoid moisture-induced wrinkling.
Unlocking an Envelope with Freeze Technique
Secure the envelope within a plastic freezer bag. Shielding the envelope from ice and moisture is vital as these factors can distort it, potentially revealing tampering.
Place the envelope inside the freezer for several hours. The extreme coldness of the freezer will cause the adhesive to lose its grip. Ensure it remains in the freezer for a minimum of a few hours to guarantee the adhesive weakens sufficiently.
Unlock the envelope. Following its time in the freezer, attempt to open the envelope manually. If it resists, employ an envelope opener or knife to gently pry open the flap. If unsuccessful, return the envelope to the freezer overnight and retry.
Re-seal the envelope. With the freezer method, the frozen adhesive loses its effectiveness, but it regains tackiness upon thawing. To reseal the envelope seamlessly, allow it to reach room temperature, then press the flap shut. The envelope should now be sealed without any indication of tampering.
Helpful Hints
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Minimize handling of the envelope. Any crease, tear, or mark will raise suspicion of tampering.
