Stamp collecting..Why are the very old stamps purchased from companies cleaner & new looking than stamps I hav

Question

What is the difference with the old stamps purchased from companies and the ones you soak and removerm covers.Mine appear old. but the stamp company ones are very white, clean and very flat

Answer 1

The stamps you have may just be dirty. Do you use stamp tongs to handle them? Touching them with your hands leaves fingerprints that dull and discolor the stamps, even if your hands seem clean. Does anyone smoke in your house? That can make stamps get brownish in a hurry.

Answer 2

I think its because when you soak them, all the adhesiveness and such are removed. After time, the stamps will also age.

Companies, sometimes use a chemical to remove stamps from the paper without using water. Other times, the chemical is used after removing the stamp from water to make them look clean.

I'm not really sure, but this is what I think happens.

Answer 3

your stamps will be cleaner if you store them in plastic films like most philatelic companies. Chemicals in the atmosphere naturally give paper a yellowish/brownish color. Take for example and old books you might have. Over the years the pages get browner. Hope this helps. :)