Stamp Collectors .... a question please

[FirstGreenIsGold]

If you clean your used stamps, what method do you use?

Do you use a drying book?

[suesjools]

Good question, never heard of a drying book myself, (OK I'm a little thick, I admit it). I used to collect stamps many years ago but haven't done so recently. It will be interesting to see what the stamp collectors have to say.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[cornishmaid1961]

I soak mine and leave them to dry on some newspaper. What's a drying book ?

[FirstGreenIsGold]

I am sorting through an accumulation of used stamps. I don't know a thing about stamp collecting, so am on a learning curve. Have joined stampboards.com and have been reading there but am on a learning curve.

My dad collected stamps and I seem to remember him soaking and leaving them to dry on paper towel. But Dad has been gone for a couple of decades and I'm really not certain.

From reading on the stamp forum, I'm gathering that collectors use a quick hot water bath with a drop of dish soap and then dry. Some use a Desert Magic Drying book to press them flat.

[FirstGreenIsGold]

I see these books on the dark side. Didn't see any on eBid though.

[sherlock07]

Is blotting paper still available? we used to use it with fountain pens.

Perhaps putting the wet stamps between a couple of sheets would be an effective drying book.

[FirstGreenIsGold]

Maybe Sherlock. I've got a flower press that I'm using, but those books look interesting. Can't say that I know much about stamp collecting.

[tony41]

I soak mine and leave them to dry on some newspaper. What's a drying book ?

A drying book is made up of two different kinds of sheets. Onekind is just like blotting paper: the other kind has a glossy finish. To use, put the stamps, after soaking, face up on the glossy sheet. The "blotting paper" sheet then sits on top. The glossy sheet stops the stamps sticking as they dry. I always used to find that this was a problem when I used blotting paper on its own.

[FirstGreenIsGold]

Thanks for the information, Tony. I might have to get one.

I've been sorting through this accumulation of stamps. Busy with my Scott's Catalogue. Had a lot listed and then decided that I would revise my prices a bit. Some of my prices were too high, I think. So I closed my stamp listings and am just starting to relist.

[gonzo45]

Hi guys

Forum on Desert Magic Drying Books can be found here:

http://www.stampboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=3329

Steve