›

Re-gumming stamps

Dave ShultzDDave Shultz
in Questions 1 LikesVote Down
I've notice not only here but Ebay as well stamps being sold without gum. Is there a safe way for re-gumming stamps. What would be used and what's the best method for doing this without damaging or ruining the stamp?

Comments

  • 12 Comments sorted by Votes Date Added
  • Richard PaulsRRichard Pauls
    0 LikesVote Down
    Why would you want to re-gum the stamps? For use as postage I presume (and hope)?

    For older lick-and-stick stamps that have become stuck to other stamps or stuck down, I soak them in water to separate them and remove any residual gum. A glue stick then works fine for applying the stamps to envelopes as postage.
  • Tania RadleyTania Radley
    0 LikesVote Down
    Another question - I found a very old dealer stock-book with hundreds of MINT New Zealand stamps ranging from Queen Victoria to King George VI including officials. About 70% are OK to sell but 30% have "toning" to the gum. I understand that you should not really sell or collect stamps with toning. Should I just bin them or are they worth anything with the gum soaked off? Do people/collectors buy mint no gum stamps? I saw the title of this post - so thought I would ask.
  • Henry BrooksHHenry Brooks
    0 LikesVote Down
    I regularly sell no gum through about 1940 at between 10 and 25 percent of Scott. Depends on vintage, freshness and availability of full gum examples. On the early issues I collect no gum only as most others are either toned, messy or regummed.
  • Tania RadleyTania Radley
    0 LikesVote Down
    Thanks Carol - saves tossing them into the trash. They might be worth placing in boiling water with 1 or 2 tiny drops of bleach? I Think in NZ climate has a lot to do with the condition of older mint stamps?
  • Henry BrooksHHenry Brooks
    1 LikesVote Down
    Warm. not boiling, not even hot. I add a couple of drops of regular dishwashing soap. Think I would be afraid of bleach. Try it couple of ways with the cheap stuff before moving on to the QV's.
  • Rod TilyardRod Tilyard
    1 LikesVote Down
    Tania, noooooooooooo, not bleach, you'll change/fade the stamp colours. As Carol says, a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Then a second quick rinse to remove any soap, gum and grime residue. (I do prefer very hot water, without any issues).
  • Tania RadleyTania Radley
    0 LikesVote Down
    OK got the message!
  • Michael GeneraliMichael Generali
    0 LikesVote Down
    Dave, regumming stamps is verboten in philately.
  • Dave ShultzDDave Shultz
    1 LikesVote Down
    Thanks Michael...useful info.
  • Paul MolloyPPaul Molloy
    0 LikesVote Down
    Some sellers offer stamps that have already been regummed. This could save you a lot of work. :wink:
  • Dave ShultzDDave Shultz
    0 LikesVote Down
    Thanks Paul. I guess if you're using for mail you re-gum. If looking to resell you leave it as is.
  • Michael GeneraliMichael Generali
    0 LikesVote Down
    If it has no gum, and you want to use it for postage (legal issue: provided it hasn't been used in the mails before regardless of whether it is canceled or not) then use any glue that works with paper (Elmer's Glue, etc.)
Sign In or Register to comment.