How to Soak Self-Adhesive Stamps

Self-adhesive stamps are relatively new but extremely popular. The trick is to get the adhesive to off the stamp so you can put the stamp into your collection. Each stamp has a layer of binder material that protects the stamp from the adhesive. This layer makes it easier for you to soak the self-adhesive off your stamps.

Things You'll Need

• Stamps
• Hot water
• White paper towels
• Weight, such as a book

Instructions

1. Pour hot water into the sink. The water must be hot to the touch. The stamps can withstand fairly hot water so the water temperature shouldn't be a problem.

2. Make sure the water is deep enough so you can swish the stamps around a bit as they soak. Also, make sure the stamps separate from the other stamps in the water.

3. Wait at least 15 minutes for the stamps to soak. Some stamps may be ready at 15 minutes, but others may need to soak longer than that.

4. Hold a stamp between your forefinger and thumb. Try to gently free the stamp from the adhesive by sliding it to the side. This maneuver can take a bit of practice, so try it on less valuable stamps to start. If you're lucky, the stamp and adhesive should separate into two separate pieces.

5. Pry the self-adhesive off the stamps that it doesn't slide off them. Make sure you get all the glue off.

6. Turn the unglued stamp face down on an absorbent white paper towel to dry. If the drying stamps are curling around the edge, you can put some weight on them.

Tips & Warnings

• If the water cools before the self-adhesive peels off, replace it with additional hot water.