Introduction to Safe Stamp Mounting
Preserving the physical integrity of your postage stamps is a critical responsibility for any collector. When transitioning stamps to a permanent album, the attachment method matters immensely. Using improper adhesives can permanently ruin a stamp, destroying both its historical value and its aesthetic appeal. To keep your collection safe, you must avoid household adhesives entirely and rely on specialized philatelic tools.
The golden rule of stamp mounting is reversibility. Any attachment method you choose must allow you to remove the stamp from the album page in the future without causing tears, thinning, or discoloration. This is why experienced collectors use either stamp hinges or stamp mounts. These tools are engineered specifically to secure your stamps while protecting their delicate paper.
What Are Stamp Hinges?
Stamp hinges are small, thin, folded pieces of translucent paper or plastic that feature a special, light gum on one side. They act as a flexible joint between the back of the stamp and the album page. Because the gum is formulated to be peelable, a properly applied hinge can be gently removed from both the stamp and the page after drying, leaving minimal residue.
Hinges are highly economical and have been a staple of the hobby for generations. However, because they require a small amount of moisture to activate the gum, they are generally recommended for used stamps rather than pristine, unused stamps. Applying moisture to the original gum of an unused stamp can lower its value, making hinges less ideal for mint-condition items.
What Are Stamp Mounts?
Stamp mounts are clear plastic sleeves or pockets designed to hold a stamp securely without any adhesive touching the stamp itself. The back of the mount has an adhesive backing that adheres directly to the album page, while the stamp remains completely dry inside the protective plastic sleeve. This makes mounts the preferred choice for valuable, rare, or mint-condition stamps.
By keeping the stamp entirely isolated from moisture and adhesives, mounts preserve the original gum in its pristine state. While mounts are more expensive than hinges and require precise cutting to fit individual stamp sizes, they offer maximum protection against physical wear, dust, and environmental factors.
How to Apply a Stamp Hinge Safely
To apply a stamp hinge safely, you must work with completely dry stamps on a clean, flat surface. First, identify the pre-folded hinge, which has a short fold and a longer portion. Lightly moisten the short end of the hinge. It is crucial to use only a tiny amount of moisture; excess moisture can seep through and damage the face of the stamp or cause it to stick permanently.
Press the moistened short end of the hinge to the upper back of the dry stamp, placing the fold approximately one-eighth of an inch below the top edge. Next, lightly moisten the larger, lower portion of the hinge. Carefully position the stamp over the designated spot on your album page and press down gently to secure it. This creates a neat flap, allowing you to lift the stamp to inspect the back.
How to Use Stamp Mounts Correctly
Using stamp mounts requires a different approach since the adhesive never touches the stamp. First, select a mount that matches the dimensions of your stamp. Slide the dry stamp carefully into the clear plastic sleeve. If you are using a mount that needs to be cut to size, always remove the stamp from the sleeve before cutting to avoid slicing the perforations.
Once the stamp is safely inside the mount, lightly moisten the adhesive strip on the back of the plastic sleeve. Carefully press the mount onto the album page in the desired position. Because the stamp remains dry inside the sleeve, there is no risk of the stamp gum reacting to moisture during this process.
Choosing the Right Method for Your Collection
Deciding whether to hinge or mount depends on the type of stamps you collect and your personal preservation goals. For common used stamps, hinges offer a cost-effective and space-saving solution. For mint stamps with original gum, or for highly valuable classic issues, mounts are highly recommended to prevent any degradation of the stamp's original state.
As you organize your collection, you can use the StampSnap app to create a digital record of your stamps, helping you identify look-alike varieties and keep track of which items are mounted in your physical albums. Whether you choose hinges or mounts, maintaining a consistent and safe mounting routine ensures your collection remains protected for future generations of collectors.
Safe Handling and Moisture Control
A critical aspect of mounting is ensuring that your stamps are completely dry before they ever come near an album page, hinge, or mount. Wet or softened stamps—such as those recently soaked off paper—are incredibly fragile and susceptible to tearing. You must never attempt to mount a stamp that is still damp, and you should never use stamp tongs on wet stamps, as the metal tips can easily puncture or gouge softened paper fibers.
Always allow your soaked stamps to dry completely overnight before handling them for mounting. Once the stamps are entirely dry, you can safely use smooth-tipped stamp tongs to pick them up and position them. Keeping a clear distinction between wet processing and dry mounting is the best way to prevent accidental damage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular household tape or glue to mount my stamps?
No, you should never use household tape or glue to mount stamps. These adhesives will permanently damage the paper, cause discoloration, and severely decrease the stamp's value. Instead, always use specialized, peelable philatelic hinges or clear plastic mounts.
Should I use hinges or mounts for mint-condition stamps?
For mint-condition stamps with original gum, you should always use stamp mounts. Hinges require moisture to apply, which will disturb and damage the original gum on the back of an unused stamp, reducing its value.
Can I use stamp tongs on wet stamps during the mounting process?
No, you should never use stamp tongs on wet or damp stamps. Wet paper is highly fragile and easily damaged. Tongs should only be used on completely dry stamps to prevent tears, punctures, or thinning.
What is the difference between a stamp album and a stock book?
A stamp album typically features specific pages designed for particular stamp categories, often with pictures of the stamps that belong on each page. A stock book contains plastic or paper pockets on each page, allowing you to organize your stamps in any order you wish without using hinges or mounts.