How to Preserve your Stamp Collection

What Supplies Do You Need?

You may already have many of the supplies you’ll need to properly preserve your stamps. Here are a few supplies you may want to consider adding to your stamp-preservation kit.

- Archival-grade stamp folders - These acid-free and lignin-free folders are designed to preserve and protect stamps from the elements.

- Archival-grade stamp boxes - These boxes are designed to protect stamps from light, dust, and fingerprints.

- Padded stamp mounts - These clear mounts protect your stamps from damage and allow you to see each stamp’s unique design.

- Stamp hinges - These hinges are designed to protect both the stamp and its mount.

- Barrier blotters - These blotters protect your stamps from moisture and dust.

- Stamp storage boxes - These storage boxes are designed to protect your stamps from light, dust, and moisture.

How to Store Unused Stamps

Stamps that are not currently in use should be stored in archival-grade stamp folders. If you have stamps in albums, be sure to remove them from the album and place them inside the stamp folders. Albums are not designed to protect stamps from the elements and can damage stamps over time. You’ll want to store your empty stamp albums in a cool and dry environment. Avoid storing stamps in attics or basements that are prone to extreme temperatures and moisture.

How to Handle Used Stamps

Used stamps are more fragile and can be easily damaged. The best way to handle used stamps is to use clean hands and store them in archival-grade stamp mounts. Avoid touching the backside of stamps, as oils from your hands can cause damage to stamps over time. If you must handle used stamps, wear clean cotton gloves to prevent oils from your hands from harming the stamps. If you need to use stamps that are already damaged, handle them with extra care to prevent further damage.

Where to Store Stamps

Stamps are best stored in a cool and dry climate. Avoid storing your stamps in humid environments and avoid areas prone to extreme temperatures. Extreme temperatures and high humidity can cause stamps to warp and curl, ruining them over time. Avoid storing stamps near light sources, such as windows. Stamp mounts are designed to protect stamps from light and cannot always block damaging UV rays.

How to Protect Stamps from Light and Heat

Stamps can be easily damaged by excessive light and heat, turning their once vibrant colors dull and brittle. There are a few ways you can protect your stamps from the damaging effects of light.

- Stamp mounts - Using a stamp mount is the best way to protect your stamps from light.

- Barrier blotters - If you have stamps in wooden mounts, you may want to place a barrier blotter between the backside of the stamp and the mount.

- Stamp boxes - You can also store stamps in a light-blocking stamp box.

How to Clean and Repair Stamps

Stamps are best handled with clean hands and clean tools. Always avoid touching the back side of used stamps and avoid using dirty tools, such as hairbrushes, when cleaning stamps. Dirt, oils, and other contaminants can cause serious damage to stamps. You may want to consider investing in a stamp-cleaning brush or other tools designed to clean stamps without damaging them. If your stamps have become brittle or have been damaged by water, there are a few ways you can clean and repair them.

- Iron-on paper - If the front side of your stamp is damaged, you can replace the paper with iron-on paper to protect the stamp design from damage.

- Barrier paper - If the backside of your stamps is damaged, you can use a special kind of paper to cover the damaged areas.

How to Properly Insure Your Stamps

Stamps are like any other collectible item and may be worth a considerable amount of money. You may want to consider insuring your stamp collection. There are a few ways you can do this.

- Stamp insurance - Stamp insurance is the best way to ensure your stamp collection.

- Stamp appraisal - You can also have your stamp collection appraised by a certified appraiser to see what they are worth.

How to Properly Display Your Stamps

Stamps are best displayed behind glass or in a shadow box. Avoid framing stamps on the wall or in an album, as these methods don’t provide adequate protection. There are a few ways you can display your stamp collection.

- Shadow boxes - Shadow boxes are the best way to display your stamp collection. There are many benefits to collecting stamps, including a sense of connection to history and an appreciation for the people and events that shaped the world we live in today. Properly preserving your stamp collection will ensure they remain in good condition for years to come.