How to Care for your Stamps

The first and most important thing stamp collectors are told is simple:

DO NOT TOUCH THE STAMPS

Fingerprints may never be the same, but one thing they have in common is the grease, dirt, fat and grime that covers them.    Always use stamp tongs – not tweezers  – to handle the stamps.  These tongs have smooth jaws which prevent tearing and are thin enough to pick up a stamp.

10 “agents of deterioration” have been identified by the US National Postal Museum:*

• Humidity, specifically high humidity
• Temperature, specifically changes in temperature
• Light – excessive sunlight can cause fading, colour changes, yellowing and cracking.
• Water – very obvious that this can cause warping, deterioration, fungal infections and gum damage.
• Chemical damage caused by aerosol sprays and  perfumes in the air
• Force – damage can be restricted by proper handling including the use of tongs.
• Pests – Pests such as mice, insects, specifically fishmoths and microorganisms are attracted to organic material such as paper.
• Fire – Fire and smoke damage are obvious hazards to any stamp collection.
• Neglect – Neglect can take the form of poor record keeping, poor storage, exposure to the elements …
• Theft – regardless of the value of your collection, avoid displaying it in an ostentatious way.

I hope that this helps when next you look at handling, processing & storing your stamp collection, and should you have anything to add, please feel free to leave a comment a below.