Keeping a stamp collection safe from dangers of natural surroundings
One of the topics wished for last month’s survey was the question how I keep my collection. Let’s begin this journey with a topic that is IMO essential, but far too few discussed question – how to keep a stamp collection safe from dangers of natural surroundings.
First, I keep my stamp stock books stored vertical position in multiple filing cabinets. Vertical positioning is important as it enables the stamps and stockbooks to breathe. It also doesn’t flatten out possible impressions on stamps. And finally, it makes the stock books last longer as the binders don’t get too much weight on them.
Part of my worldwide stamp collection
Being able to close the cabinet door somewhat tight is important as it protects the collection from exposure to dust, light and other dangers of natural surroundings. In a sense stamps (like any achievable items) are like spices – they ought to be stored in cool, dark and dry place.
Light
Light is one of the treacherous allies a stamp collector has. The larger and longer term the exposure of light, the more imminent the damages in a stamp will be. Most stamps will endure moderade light somewhat well, but there are some colors / stamps that will start fading away for a very little.
In general, even very small amounts of consistent light will eventually cause damages such as dull colors. The problem is that changes usually happen over time, so collector’s usually never realize the difference before it’s too late. To see some example of what light can do, please check out one of the very first posts in this blog about Cyprus stamps altered by sunlight. Keeping stamps stored in a dark place is a definitive best practice.
Dust
Dust is something any stamp collector will end up battling. And there’s no escape from it… As dust does provide aesthetic and health related issues for both the collector and collection, keeping “stamp room” as dust free as possible should be a top priority. And alas, this does mean vacuuming “the stamp room” several times a week as well as regular wiping of surfaces.
Bugs
Bugs are something I think nobody likes, but like in case of dust there’s no escape from bookworms such as “book louse”. They will hit any “paper collector” eventually – especially if you buy lots from old estates. These nasty little creatures fest with paper and glue leaving nothing but holes behind them. There are substances (like camphor) to prevent bookworms, but the only real medicine to avoid possible losses is constant observation of your collection.
Moisture related damages
As I live in somewhat dry climate, moisture related damages (like fungal growth, mold etc.) are not a big issue for me. That said, I do try to avoid items with visible foxing as they may contaminate other stamps and cause problems in the future. Personally I throw away these to junk bin ASAP.
Some foxing on a 1930's New Zealand postage stamp
As a side note about moisture related damages, I’d like to highlight that several collectors (in moister climate conditions) use slipcases to protect collections in stock books; and with good success.
Closing words
IMO it is important to highlight, that these environmental hazards do not apply just to stamps. They affect on everything made of paper – including stock books, stamp albums, catalogues etc. Getting over-paranoid with this subject is very easy. Under any circumstances, the only thing any collector can do is to be aware and be prepared.
These are some methods I use to keep my collection safe. Now it’s your turn to share opinions about the subject.
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Here in Buenos Aires, moisture is the biggest issue by far.
The best solution I’ve found is “air” the stamps frequently: At least every month, I look every page of the album, taking the time to enjoy the stamps and also keep them from too much moisture.
When collecting mint stamps, that could be a great deal also.
Illuminating article. I wrote a similar one about stamp preservation, but forgot to mention vertical positioning.
You might like to check out my blog, which is mainly stamp investment tips.
Best, Alex
Hi Alex,
and thanks…
I like your blog a lot. Plenty of good topics.
I’m interested in more information regarding the moisture issue. My father-in-law just passed along a large stamp collection to my children. He lives in Northern Canada (very dry) and we live in Queensland Australia (very humid). We are collecting nubies and don’t want to damage the collection. Any more suggestions?
Thanks, Liz
Hi Liz,
More than anything, you should try to create stable (24/7) conditions (both humidity and temperature wise) as it is usually back-and-forth changes that create most severe problems. Getting a proper climate control equipment (anything from simple room air conditioner, humidifier, and/or dehumidifier to a central, building-wide system that filters, cools, heats, humidifies, and dehumidifies the air) would be IMHO recommendable. Experienced climate control engineers are the best source of advice for recommendations.
best,
-keijo-
Hi Liz, hi Keijo,
a very interesting website about stamp care.
http://www.stampsrart.com/temperature-humidity-preservation-of-stamps-philately-philatelics.html
have a look.
Best regards
Gerd
Some of my acquisitions have smelled musty. The mold can be smelled, but not seen. Air circulation kills mold. This can be achieved outdoors in a breeze or indoors with a fan. Avoid exposing stamps to prolonged light, especially sunlight, because the colored inks will fade.
Thanks Carol….
Few nights ago I stumbled to Archival Advisor’s webpage, and there’s plenty of good articles about topic. Though the articles are about scrapbooking, the knowledge can be applied pretty directly to any “paper-made” collectible / archival item like stamps.
Thank both of you, Gerd and Keijo for the helpful links. It would serve me well to take some time to read their contents.
Really helpful, Keijo. Answers the question I asked today about stockbooks. Thanks!
Accordling to this website of how to preserve stamps from uv rays, humidity, etc. soon the stock books will be useless. Keijo, I’ll recommend to buy heavy crystal frames (stamp size)and keep them on top of the mantelpiece and dinner tables…the same way as the family pictures!…L O L!
Hey how about watering those plants on top the book case full of stamps
@Michael… Actually those plants are no longer there. I moved them out of the way to different room; instead I’ve got a large box of misc kiloware up there
I have a rather large collection that has some history with it. My dad started, and then i took an interest in stamps. My collection is big, although right now I am starting to find the values. I have also bought stamps dating back to 1800’s.
My collection was in Australia on the Gold Coast. Unfortunately some of them just a few have been attacked and some edges have turned light brown. I am led to believe the temp/Humidity are big factors as the Gold coast is a hot place and stamps need a cool place to be in. I have to remove stamps from the old books and buy new ones and place them in a new book with a close glass cabinet (at the moment I have them in an air tight container/box.
I feel if you trade stamps they should be in good condition. If not do not lie or give stamps in bad condition.
@Mike… Ouch. Sounds as if you’ve been hit by “tropical staining”, which is a type of fungus that thrives in hot & humid conditions…. Placing stamps in cool & dry conditions will stop further growth, but it will not save the already ruined / contaminated stamps and accessories.