Stamp Drying Books -- Are They Worth It?

[Phil]

I'm sure like many of you here, I have boxes and bags of stamps that are still on paper that need to be soaked.
What I usually do is have a few soaking when I'm doing something else at my desk. About a dozen at a time. The problem isn't the soaking, it's the trouble of dealing with them while they are drying to be the most time consuming.
So I've been thinking about a drying book and was wondering what people here think about them?
Yes, I know placing the stamps in books is the most practical. But for me, it just turns into a big hassle at times.

So does a drying book simplify the process?

[kacyds]

Phil, I dont have any experience with drying books, but here is a couple of threads that you might be interested in.

stampbears.net/thread/1850/stamp-drying-books

stampbears.net/thread/44/drying-soaked-stamps-type-surface?page=1

stampbears.net/thread/2653

[Phil]

Thanks kacyds,

Hey -- did you make the Cresent City Club Show this year?

[kacyds]

If you talking about the one in January, yes I did.

[Phil]

How was it? I was actually out of the country working and missed it. And I think I missed the Baton Rouge one too!

[kacyds]

It was good, seems to be getting smaller and smaller as the years go by.

[khj]

If you are soaking the soakable self-adhesives, it's definitely worth it. However, you should get a good one with the special non-stick pages. Don't just get one with blotter pages.

I have 2 that are very very nice, although I rarely use them anymore. One is the Imperial, and I can't remember the other one -- maybe Showgard Desert Magic? I'll have to confirm the latter. Also forgot which one worked better. I'll see if I can find them when I get home and check.

[MikeC99]

Phil, while I don't have any drying books I have seen them in the stamp store and didn't think they were worth buying. I want to save my money for stamps so I put the soaked stamps on sheets of bond paper pressed between pages of an old Scott stamp catalogue.
Mike

[Phil]

After reading those threads the general consensus seems to be that you can get by without it.
But that's not the issue. It seems most people have this certain blotter-paper/newspaper/beach towel/heavy book approach. And I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. But to me it's all very elaborate and time consuming and again, if you have the time to do it ...... great.
But what I'm looking for is a quick and easy way to put a dozen or so wet stamps into while i'm sitting at my desk. Looking at Ebay I can pick up one for about $12.
I guess I just want to know if they actually work or not.

[katie333]

The supplies always get you!

With that said, I've tried the cheaper options and honestly, I really prefer my drying book. I've got the Imperial one, I think it cost me $8. I don't consider that too much to spend to avoid the risk of ink running, stamps sticking or just general frustration. I like the combination of artist quality blotting paper and slick plasticy surfaces in between. I don't tend to soak a lot at once because I lose patience with the whole process so this suits me just fine.

[JerryB]

Hi

I use the Desert Magic drying books by Showgard. I find they are very helpful. If there is residual gum after soaking the stamp will not stick to the special paper.

After a while, with use, they get a little "worn". However, they are cheap enough. I feel that $12 is too much for eBay. Subway sells the Desert Magic for $8 and change. Make sure you get the full size book. They do make a 1/2 size book, but it is not worth it.

Jerry B

[john6625]

I use the desert magic all the time and find it pretty good. Helps to eliminate any creases the stamp may of had as well. My 2 cents worth is invest in one, you won't look back.

[Phil]

Well I broke down and got one. $12, but that was with shipping.
I'm trying it out as I type.
For what I want to do, that is, soak and dry stamps while I'm at my desk it just may work.

I'll let you guys know in a week or 2 how it goes.

[belti]

Since you said you would by soaking a dozen stamps at a time, Desert Magic Drying Book is a very good product. I usually soak abut 200 stamps at a time, so normally i place them face down on a towel and use some heavy books on top.