Postage stamps are relatively easy to use. If you have inherited an expensive stamp collection and are unsure of how to take proper care of your collection, this blog can help you. Stamps are thin pieces of paper that can be damaged quite easily. It is essential that you’re protecting your investment in the best way possible. Century Stamp Co. Ltd. offers stamps, stamp supplies and coins from around the world. With this article, we attempt to help you understand how to look after your stamp collection.
Factors That Affect Your Stamp Collection
Humidity: When you are storing a stamp collection at your house, humidity is the most critical factor that you should be looking into. If your home is prone to humidity changes, it’s feasible to install a control such as a humidifier or a dehumidifier to keep the moisture level between 35% and 55%.
Temperature: Extreme high or low temperatures can damage your stamp collection. It’s better to avoid storing stamps in the attic, garage or basement where the temperatures can drastically change.
Light: Excessive sunlight will cause fading and colour changes in stamps. It’s best if the stamps are kept in a controlled environment.
Water: Water can cause extensive damage to stamps. If you live in a flood-affected area it’s best to keep your stamp collection on a top floor.
Chemical exposure: Store stamps in an airtight container to limit their exposure to chemicals.
Force: Ripping and tearing can damage your stamp collection. It’s good to flip through your stamp collection once in a while to avoid the risk of the pages sticking together.
Pests: Mice and other microorganisms are attracted to papers. Avoid storing your collection in cardboard or other paper containers. Make sure your house is pest free and take proper steps to avoid infestations.
How Do You Keep Stamps in Good Condition?
It’s better to buy a waterproof stamp album where all your stamps can be featured.
Use good quality materials to help preserve your stamps.
Keep the album away from pets and children’s reach.
Keep the work area clean. Food, drinks and cigarettes are disastrous for your collection.
It’s best if you avoid sticking the stamps directly to the album. Use plastic mounts or hinges to store your stamps.
Avoid touching your stamps directly. This will help avoid the soiling of the paper. Even clean hands may leave an amount of dust and oils on the stamp.
Don’t rush while putting new stamps into the album; you are prone to make mistakes and damage stamps.
Use acid-free paper while putting your album together. The traditional paper will degrade over time making it yellow which is not good for your stamp collection.
Stamp mounts will help display stamps safely in an album with plastic strips that are gummed on one side.
Stock sheets have horizontal compartments that can keep your stamp collection safe. The clear plastic sheets are preferable for display purposes.
Stamp accessories: It’s good if you make use of stamp supplies to handle your collection. Accessories like stock books, magnifiers, mint sheet files, and binders can keep your stamps in a good condition for a long time.
Stamp mounts will help display stamps safely in an album with plastic strips that are gummed on one side.
Stock sheets have horizontal compartments that can keep your stamp collection safe. The clear plastic sheets are preferable for display purposes.
Accidents may happen when you preserve your stamp collection. If you are storing stamps on both sides, it’s best to use plastic sheets to prevent them from tearing into each other. You can use protective plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene for the same. You can incorporate these practices in caring for your stamp collection. Century Stamps & Co Ltd. offers great expertise and customer service that help you find stamps and coin collections. If you are looking for stamp accessories, visit our website or contact us today!
