How to remove self adhesive stamps?

 Nowadays, more and more countries use self-adhesive stamps, and you may wonder how to remove them from their envelope whithout damaging the stamp in the process.

Some people use a chemical named Bestine (can be purchased in hardware stores or art stores). 

Bestine is a fast-evaporating solvent which won’t damage the stamp even if it is embossed or has foil on it. You shouldn't use this on old, traditional stamps, but the new self adhesive stamps are safe with this product.

 

How to do it

Method 1

Trim the paper around the stamp so is easy to handle, and then apply Bestine to the back of the paper with an eye-dropper. You will see the paper become translucent within a few seconds.

After 10 seconds (bear in mind that the product evaporates quickly) you should be able to peel the stamp off the paper. Place the stamp face down on a flat surface and let it dry. The back of the stamp will remain sticky because the adhesive on the back of the stamp still active.

You can apply a bit of baby powder to the gum side, once it's dry, to remove the stickiness.

Method 2

You should fill two trays with very hot water and put a bit of dish soap in one of the trays, then soak the stamps for about 10 to 20 minutes in the tray with the  soapy water in, until they separated from the paper.

After that time passed, soak them in the tray without soap to remove the rest of the glue, rubbing very gently with our thumb to get it all off. It should be very easy to peel it off.

Finally, let the stamps dry face down on a clean towel or blotting paper.