Removing Stamps from Manila Bubble Envelopes

[MikeC99]

I have many yellow manila bubble padded envelopes with stamps on them. There are probably a few hundred stamps on these envelopes but when I try to soak the stamps from the envelopes, the yellow color transfers to the stamps. The stamps are stuck to the manila paper which in turn is glued to the bubble pack liner.  Stamps don't release from the paper readily because of the plastic bubble liner.  Has anyone found a way to soak the stamps from the envelopes without a color transfer?
Mike

[Admin Bear]

yes i have!! with older and newer stamps...

first thing i do is pull off that bubble liner.. the glue is not that strong so you kind of peel them apart...

once that is done if they are older stamps i soak them in COLD water - it takes a bit longer but worth the wait IMHO... i tried hot water 3x and you have to be ninja quick to get the little buggers off there before the color runs. this is not practical when soaking a couple hundred at a time.

For the newer stamps its a little more tricky.. again peel off that bubble plastic but use Pure Citrus the moment that stamp is free remove it and put it in a nice soapy warm bath...

its all about speed on these ones.

[FairyFoot]

While you are waiting, you could relieve stress and burst those bubbles!

[MikeC99]

bear, thanks for the suggestion. I will try to separate the bubble liner and then a cold water bath. All of my stamps are older and not the self sticking type.
Mike

[Gordon Lee]

Greetings Fellow SB Boarders (especially those not living in the United States)
.
"Pure Citrus" is an all natural non-aerosol air freshener that comes in a seven fluid ounce metal spray can. It is distributed by Blue Magic, Inc. It is the Orange, not the Lemon, Vanilla, nor Blend, that is recommended for adhesive stamp removal.
.
bluemagicusa.com/
.
You'll see that Blue Magic, Inc. deals mostly with automobile parts/accessories, thus I don't know if the Europe-based "Winplus Limited," Australia-based "AFC International," or New Zealand-based "Griffiths Equipment Ltd." would be a source for a "Pure Citrus" (or similar) supply. (The Griffiths Equipment Ltd web site showed no air freshener that looked comparable.)
.
Of course, for removing the adhesive from stamps one can always use Lighter Fuel/Fluid.
.
As for the bubble padded envelopes, yes, pull the bubbles from the paper before soaking. Some manila paper bleeds more than others when soaked. It's always best to soak them a few at a time (and quickly) and not in hot water.
.
Respectfully,

Gordon Lee

[MikeC99]

Mr. Gordon Lee, thanks for the additional info.
Mike

[kacyds]

I agree with Admin Bear, cold water is the best and do only a few at a time.

The ones I have trouble with is the plastic bubble wrap envelope. It take a little Pure Citrus and a lot of patience.