To properly store stamps and preserve them, you should keep them in a stamp album or on loose-leaf paper stored in a binder.
Storing stamps correctly is crucial for protecting their condition and value over time. Utilizing specialized storage solutions helps prevent damage from handling, light, moisture, and environmental factors.
Recommended Storage Methods
Based on best practices for preserving philatelic collections, the primary methods involve dedicated albums or secure binders:
- Stamp Album: A book specifically designed with pages to hold stamps. These often have pre-printed spaces or blank pages suitable for mounting.
- Loose-Leaf Paper in a Binder: Using acid-free loose-leaf pages that fit into a standard binder. This offers flexibility in organizing your collection.
These methods provide a controlled environment, keeping stamps flat and protected from external elements.
Methods for Affixing Stamps
Once you have your album or binder setup, you need a way to secure the stamps to the pages without causing damage. Two common methods are used:
- Stamp Hinges: These are glassine strips with gum on one side. One part is applied to the stamp, and the other to the album page. While simple and inexpensive, they can sometimes leave a mark on the stamp gum.
- Stamp Mounts: These are clear plastic sleeves designed to hold stamps. They offer excellent protection, especially for unused stamps with original gum, as the gum does not come into contact with the page or adhesive. The mount is typically affixed to the page, and the stamp slides into the sleeve.
Using appropriate affixing methods like hinges or mounts within an album or binder ensures your stamps are safely stored and organized for years to come.
