How to remove postage stamps from paper using steam?

Question

I've heard many people talking about teapots and steam to remove stamps from paper and envelopes. All I ever do is the dish and lukewarm water technique.

Does anybody know how to use steam? And if so, what do you need?

Answer 1

Are you wanting to remove old "lick and stick" stamps, or the current peel and press variety?

Removing stamps by steam was was more effective before they changed the adhesive. For the lick and stick, I would carefully hold the stamp corner of the envelope over the steam hole of a slowly boiling tea kettle. Move it around a little, with particular focus on the edges and corners of the stamp. As these start to come unstuck, you can encourage them a little by gently separating stamp from envelope with a table knife. Then very, very slowly peel it off.

Steam works less well with the "peel and press" variety. However, I have found that I can still remove them, usually by again using a table knife or finger nail to lift a corner, and then very sloooooowly and evenly peeling it away. Good luck!

Answer 2

The main point about using steam is for example to soften the gum that's sealing an envelope so you can sneak and read the contents without tearing it open.

For removing stamps from paper, you're better off clipping the paper off and soaking it. Steaming would be a waste of time and likely to get yourself burnt. For information, see
http://www.linns.com/howto/refresher/soakingstamps_19990920/refreshercourse.asp?uID=#

If you need to keep the envelope intact, then another technique is to apply some damp paper toweling over the stamp and wait until the gum softens enough for the stamp to be removed. The paper will dry a bit wrinkled but at least it won't be torn.

Answer 3

boil water in a teapot. when the pot starts to blow, hold the postage stamp over the steam bursting out of the spout and it will loosen the adhesive on the back of the stamp enough for you to pull it off. But gently. If you feel like it is still will not loosen, just repeat steps. Fool proof plan.

Answer 4

Boil a pot of water...hold the envelope in the steam from the pot until the glue on the back of the stamp becomes liquid enough to remove it (remove the envelope from the steam before you try to remove the stamp)

Answer 5

Well: it takes time & effort to remove an postage stamp from
paper ! because moisture could get both items ruined try some
thing else alot easier just by very slowly peeling that off after it's
been damp an little bit with sponge ok ? refer http://www.how.toremove.postagestamp.com