Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
Discussion - Member to Member Sales - Research Center
As I have been looking through my collections, and especially the MNH stamps I have mounted over the years, I have realized I have made more than my share of mistakes in mounting them into my albums.
I would like to pass along some lessons I have learned so that others here DON'T make the same mistakes I did.
1) Don't moisten both sides of the mount if you can help it. I have sadly come to realize I can't get the stamp off the page without cutting the mount for those stamps I have done this to.
I am now in the process of remounting stamps (being careful not to damage the stamp).
Believe me, it is a LONG, arduous, and MESSY
task!(The only time I will moisten the bottom of a mount down would be on a souvenir sheet where I need to keep it in place when turning a page, and then only enough to hold it down, and then only if I am able to pull it out without difficulty if needed.)
2) Use the best size mount possible and be consistent. I used to use whatever I had available and I have a mishmash of odd size mounts, stamps that look "swallowed up" in their mounts and inconsistencies.
(I have started to move away from pre-sized mounts and get the strips where I can use a cutter. I bought a Fiskars mini-cutter from an office supplies store and it works great!)
3)I will no longer buy Showgard or Schaufix mounts as I have found that over time, they crack or warp.
This is especially true for me since I live in Florida. From now on, I am only buying Scott/Prinz mounts where I can close the container after taking out the mounts I need. (I highly recommend Global Stamps 
for buying mounts! --on their order sheet)included with all shipments) they give a nice reference for determining what size mount is needed, especially helpful for souvenir sheets ).Thanks--BOB
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A great set of tips for mounts. If I may, when it comes to moistening the mount I use an envelope moistener that I found at Staples. It's a small bottle with a sponge on the lid. You turn it upside down to moisten the sponge and I can control the dampness of the sponge without too much trouble. I just swipe to top portion of the mount across the bottle as it sits stationary on my table.
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Envelope-Moistener/product_160788
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Bob - I agree with your assessment and is exactly the same approach I use, except I more often than not still use hinges to the back of the mount. When using mounts directly to a page, I only moisten a little bit of the top edge, not the whole back of the mount. - Dan
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I also just moisten a tiny bit of the top side of the mount.
But I did read a tip for removing mounts from pages: use a hair dryer on low setting, just warm, not hot. First take the stamp out, then turn the page over or hold the hair dryer underneath the page so that the air is directed on the side of the paper away from the mount. Gently warm and the mount can be pulled off without much damage (the article said no damage but I can't reproduce that reliably).
Sometimes a little bit if the mount remains on the page but the mount is essentially undamaged and can be reused. Just make sure not to warm the mount.
Sally
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Sally - what you are doing is heating the humidity in the air and condensing it. The hair dryer is actually forcing the moisture through the paper to soften the mount adhesive. You certainly want to make sure you have removed all stamps with gum before doing this, or you will end up with MNG/MDG instead of MNH you started with. Not a good practice.
I also have had to remove mounts and re-apply to a new page because of up-dating. I have also experienced losing some of the adhesive from the mount when removing, but in most cases it is only a small amount because I did not moisten a lot to start with and I just re-moisten a little further down on the mount, or add a hinge. Mounts are not cheap, so I try to preserve them however possible.
I have also removed the stamp, flipped it upside down to expose the pristine portion of the mount for re-application. The damaged part of the mount adhesive cannot be seen, so is not an issue. You do this too many times, you end up with a new mount, but it like pushing the mileage on your car. Go as far as you can with it..
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Thanks, everyone, for your comments. 
I too have learned that "less is more" when moistening the back of the mount. Just enough on the top to get it in place.
I will have to consider getting a moistener -- great suggestion!! 
BOB
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I have seen many collections where the stamps were mounted with Showgard (split back-style) mounts and fastened by the collector moistening both halves of the mount. You will usually find a line of disturbed gum across the back of the stamp where the split of the two halves of the mount are caused by the moisture leaking into the mount.
I agree that the material used to manufacture Showgard mounts is rather thick and not pliable. I too use Prinze/Scott mounts as they are thinner and conform to the album page better than Showgards.
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This has been incredibly helpful Bob, and others! Thank you!!
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I use the Hawid top loading mounts. No split back, no worry on moisture getting to the back of the stamp. Also much easier to insert and remove the stamp. They can also be cut to any size or shape you need.
I guess the big fear of using these is the increased chance of stamps falling out of their mount. I have not had that experience.
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I do want to clarify one thing--when I would moisten the "bottom half" of the mount, it would only be a small portion--it has still been amazing to me how much that portion is stuck down when I have gone to remove it.
Also,when mounting,I have found it better to have more room than less. That is, don't try to "stuff" the stamp into a mount. Bent perforations happen that way.
I am not that familiar with Hawid mounts-don't see them offered that much.
BTW, another plug for Global Stamps--just ordered $40 worth of mounts (blasted Swiss/Thai S/S!!
) on Friday and they arrived today--I don't know how Vance does it!!
(from WA to FL) (Franked with a nice $5.60 Arlington Green Bridge stamp, too!!)
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Don't like the Hawid mounts myself. I know people who buy the larger split back mounts and cut them in half to use like Hawid mounts. After all, Hawid is made by Showgard but cutting the split back mounts in half... Anyway, they say it is cheaper that way as they double the number of mounts that they get. I have never tried to figure that claim out, though.
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06:54:42am
"I know people who buy the larger split back mounts and cut them in half to use like Hawid mounts. After all, Hawid is made by Showgard but cutting the split back mounts in half... Anyway, they say it is cheaper that way as they double the number of mounts that they get."
I have been doing that for many years and the stamps mounted therein fare as well as those mounted in full mounts.
I like the open mounts because it is so much easier to remove stamps and examine them. Also, because the mounts are more easily trimmed to size, I can prepare mounts which exactly fit the stamp. I am not motivated as much by cost of the mounts as by convenience and ease of mounting stamps by this method.
Another advantage of the Hawid type mount is that I can prepare an entire page, affix the mounts (clear) and, in effect, have a "hingeless" album page awaiting the missing issues as I acquire them.
-Bobby
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I realize this may be fairly obvious, but if using the split back mounts you should attach the mount first, without the stamp inside. After the mount is completely dry, then insert the stamp. This avoids damage from excess moisture.
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I think that's worth mentioning, as I made that very error when I first started using mounts years ago.
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I have to confess that's one issue I have not had. I have always put the stamp in the mount first and have not had a problem with moisture. I'll have to possibly rethink how I do this...
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I have used both the Hawid and the Showgard. Hawid mount's tend to let the stamps slide out especially if you frequently remove the stamp. I use the Showgard mounts exactly like hinges by only moistening the top of the mount. Then I can fit the stamp into the mount and lift it just like it was hinged.
Many of the albums I break down will have both sides of a Showgard moistened. Hence the stamp has to be cut out of the mount. The mount is destroyed and frequently the page is damaged.
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For small mounts (up to plate block size) I only moisten the top part of the mount and never near the edges. I print my own pages in many cases and often have to redo a page. I find that I can use small mounts twice. Gently sliding one blade of round-nose stamp tongs under the mount and slowly releasing the mount with a gentle "sawing" motion will release 90% of all mounts pristine enough to flip over and reuse.
For larger mounts (like souvenir sheets) I moisten the top left and top right corners (but away from the edges a bit) and mount the pane. Once mounted, I just moisten a finger and tap lightly on the underneath of the bottom center to lightly "tack" the bottom of the mount down. It doesn't fly off the page when turning the album page, but that tack is easy to release with a gentle sawing motion as before.
As far as brand, I just use whatever Global sends me.
Lars
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I use a glue stick bought from the dollar store in school supplies. The mounts will not fall out of your album if you use the glue sticks. Also you can see how much you are putting on. A little dab will do you.
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My entire collection is in Showguard mounts, albeit sometimes the mount is more expensive than the stamp it encloses. I mount both MHN and cancel alike. I believe it's the display that is important. I use the clear mounts as it allows more room for putting multiple stamps and other items on the page. I have never had a problem with moisture or difficulty with the mount in my books. I attach the mount with Scotch removable double stick tape so I can easily remove mounts from the book if I redesign the page and I've never had a stamp fall out of place doing it this way. I've been using this system for 40 years now and I'm completely happy with the results.
The only error in mounting I can recall is mounting a stamp, putting it down and forgetting where I laid it down.... I've ended up more than once purchasing another copy because of this lack of concentration. Someday I will find those missing stamps, I HOPE!
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I use mounts whenever possible but I no longer wet any of my mounts to attach them.
I use 3M 811 Removable Photo Safe (to ISO 14523 Standards) Scotch Tape. Yes! (I now order it directly via Amazon, saving me the trip to the office supply or the photography shop, it is that easy)
You can now move your mounted stamps anytime you want. You don't fear the wetting the stamp glue problem that occasionally occurs. It is acid free and photo safe (to this rigorous ISO standards).
I am so sold on the technology that I now also use 3M 811 removable tape directly on my stamps instead of hinges (if you want to use hinges), although I admit that being conservative, I won't use it directly on the very expensive stuff. This is just because of the fear of the unknown..the memory of defects due to scotch tape used on stamps and mounts as seen in collections from long long time ago, that we still obsess about. It is not anything rational except fear of the unknown.
But I am sold on it. I make it a temporary usage for working collections (until data for 50 years has been accumulated, and then I will make it permanent 
). I now have almost 10 years of experience with no ill effects. While the very early tape could occasionally leave a residue when you removed it, it rubbed off easily with no mark, the latest technology seems perfect. I will still put everything in mounts eventually when all done, although I am not sure that mounts will not have their own issues as well in 50 years...like ion migration? plastic degeneration? ozone contamination? reaction with pollutants? UV? or whatever else...
But now all my mounts are movable, and my stamps too!
Being able to easily move stamps with or without mounts is a real benefit for the actively aesthetically obsessed collector. Hinges are old technology that mar the stamp, while the 3M 811 leaves no mark...I wish hinges would really go away forever, and we could lobby for a scientifically guaranteed newer technology...a certified philatelic safe stamp of approval! That would make it a lot cheaper that mounts!
rrr....
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rrraphy,
Thanks for putting a name to that product. When I was active in the trading circuits and clubs I used to occasionally receive a selection of stamps that were hinged with tape and was amazed there at the lack of damage to the gum on any stamps that I pulled for my collection. No knowing the name of the tape always kept me from trying any tape, due to the effects of previous experiences with tape, so am happy to finally find what type to use and will pick some up to use the next time I get to spend some time filling those holes in the albums.
Mike
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I mount only my Mint stamps and the valuable used stamps. Older Pre 1925. The rets are hinged since they have no or little value. I use the black background mounts because Black makes the stamps stand out. I use the school glue sticks (looks like chap stick) so the mounts don't fall out when I open the album pages.
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All my stamps are hinged in the albums except those in stock books. The ones that I put in mounts from Mystic I use a hinge on those mounts to put in my album and that seems to work well.
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Hello--
As I have been looking through my collections, and especially the MNH stamps I have mounted over the years, I have realized I have made more than my share of mistakes in mounting them into my albums.
I would like to pass along some lessons I have learned so that others here DON'T make the same mistakes I did.
1) Don't moisten both sides of the mount if you can help it. I have sadly come to realize I can't get the stamp off the page without cutting the mount for those stamps I have done this to.
I am now in the process of remounting stamps (being careful not to damage the stamp).
Believe me, it is a LONG, arduous, and MESSY task!
(The only time I will moisten the bottom of a mount down would be on a souvenir sheet where I need to keep it in place when turning a page, and then only enough to hold it down, and then only if I am able to pull it out without difficulty if needed.)
2) Use the best size mount possible and be consistent. I used to use whatever I had available and I have a mishmash of odd size mounts, stamps that look "swallowed up" in their mounts and inconsistencies.
(I have started to move away from pre-sized mounts and get the strips where I can use a cutter. I bought a Fiskars mini-cutter from an office supplies store and it works great!)
3)I will no longer buy Showgard or Schaufix mounts as I have found that over time, they crack or warp. This is especially true for me since I live in Florida. From now on, I am only buying Scott/Prinz mounts where I can close the container after taking out the mounts I need. (I highly recommend Global Stamps for buying mounts! --on their order sheet)included with all shipments) they give a nice reference for determining what size mount is needed, especially helpful for souvenir sheets ).
Thanks--BOB
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08:55:50pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
A great set of tips for mounts. If I may, when it comes to moistening the mount I use an envelope moistener that I found at Staples. It's a small bottle with a sponge on the lid. You turn it upside down to moisten the sponge and I can control the dampness of the sponge without too much trouble. I just swipe to top portion of the mount across the bottle as it sits stationary on my table.
http://www.staples.com/Staples-Envelope-Moistener/product_160788
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
Bob - I agree with your assessment and is exactly the same approach I use, except I more often than not still use hinges to the back of the mount. When using mounts directly to a page, I only moisten a little bit of the top edge, not the whole back of the mount. - Dan
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I also just moisten a tiny bit of the top side of the mount.
But I did read a tip for removing mounts from pages: use a hair dryer on low setting, just warm, not hot. First take the stamp out, then turn the page over or hold the hair dryer underneath the page so that the air is directed on the side of the paper away from the mount. Gently warm and the mount can be pulled off without much damage (the article said no damage but I can't reproduce that reliably).
Sometimes a little bit if the mount remains on the page but the mount is essentially undamaged and can be reused. Just make sure not to warm the mount.
Sally
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
Sally - what you are doing is heating the humidity in the air and condensing it. The hair dryer is actually forcing the moisture through the paper to soften the mount adhesive. You certainly want to make sure you have removed all stamps with gum before doing this, or you will end up with MNG/MDG instead of MNH you started with. Not a good practice.
I also have had to remove mounts and re-apply to a new page because of up-dating. I have also experienced losing some of the adhesive from the mount when removing, but in most cases it is only a small amount because I did not moisten a lot to start with and I just re-moisten a little further down on the mount, or add a hinge. Mounts are not cheap, so I try to preserve them however possible.
I have also removed the stamp, flipped it upside down to expose the pristine portion of the mount for re-application. The damaged part of the mount adhesive cannot be seen, so is not an issue. You do this too many times, you end up with a new mount, but it like pushing the mileage on your car. Go as far as you can with it..
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
Thanks, everyone, for your comments.
I too have learned that "less is more" when moistening the back of the mount. Just enough on the top to get it in place.
I will have to consider getting a moistener -- great suggestion!! BOB
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I have seen many collections where the stamps were mounted with Showgard (split back-style) mounts and fastened by the collector moistening both halves of the mount. You will usually find a line of disturbed gum across the back of the stamp where the split of the two halves of the mount are caused by the moisture leaking into the mount.
I agree that the material used to manufacture Showgard mounts is rather thick and not pliable. I too use Prinze/Scott mounts as they are thinner and conform to the album page better than Showgards.
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04:45:36pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
This has been incredibly helpful Bob, and others! Thank you!!
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09:14:26pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I use the Hawid top loading mounts. No split back, no worry on moisture getting to the back of the stamp. Also much easier to insert and remove the stamp. They can also be cut to any size or shape you need.
I guess the big fear of using these is the increased chance of stamps falling out of their mount. I have not had that experience.
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I do want to clarify one thing--when I would moisten the "bottom half" of the mount, it would only be a small portion--it has still been amazing to me how much that portion is stuck down when I have gone to remove it.
Also,when mounting,I have found it better to have more room than less. That is, don't try to "stuff" the stamp into a mount. Bent perforations happen that way.
I am not that familiar with Hawid mounts-don't see them offered that much.
BTW, another plug for Global Stamps--just ordered $40 worth of mounts (blasted Swiss/Thai S/S!! ) on Friday and they arrived today--I don't know how Vance does it!! (from WA to FL) (Franked with a nice $5.60 Arlington Green Bridge stamp, too!!)
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
Don't like the Hawid mounts myself. I know people who buy the larger split back mounts and cut them in half to use like Hawid mounts. After all, Hawid is made by Showgard but cutting the split back mounts in half... Anyway, they say it is cheaper that way as they double the number of mounts that they get. I have never tried to figure that claim out, though.
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They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. -Benjamin Franklin
27 Aug 2013
06:54:42am
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
"I know people who buy the larger split back mounts and cut them in half to use like Hawid mounts. After all, Hawid is made by Showgard but cutting the split back mounts in half... Anyway, they say it is cheaper that way as they double the number of mounts that they get."
I have been doing that for many years and the stamps mounted therein fare as well as those mounted in full mounts.
I like the open mounts because it is so much easier to remove stamps and examine them. Also, because the mounts are more easily trimmed to size, I can prepare mounts which exactly fit the stamp. I am not motivated as much by cost of the mounts as by convenience and ease of mounting stamps by this method.
Another advantage of the Hawid type mount is that I can prepare an entire page, affix the mounts (clear) and, in effect, have a "hingeless" album page awaiting the missing issues as I acquire them.
-Bobby
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I realize this may be fairly obvious, but if using the split back mounts you should attach the mount first, without the stamp inside. After the mount is completely dry, then insert the stamp. This avoids damage from excess moisture.
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01:53:56pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I think that's worth mentioning, as I made that very error when I first started using mounts years ago.
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I have to confess that's one issue I have not had. I have always put the stamp in the mount first and have not had a problem with moisture. I'll have to possibly rethink how I do this...
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I have used both the Hawid and the Showgard. Hawid mount's tend to let the stamps slide out especially if you frequently remove the stamp. I use the Showgard mounts exactly like hinges by only moistening the top of the mount. Then I can fit the stamp into the mount and lift it just like it was hinged.
Many of the albums I break down will have both sides of a Showgard moistened. Hence the stamp has to be cut out of the mount. The mount is destroyed and frequently the page is damaged.
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
For small mounts (up to plate block size) I only moisten the top part of the mount and never near the edges. I print my own pages in many cases and often have to redo a page. I find that I can use small mounts twice. Gently sliding one blade of round-nose stamp tongs under the mount and slowly releasing the mount with a gentle "sawing" motion will release 90% of all mounts pristine enough to flip over and reuse.
For larger mounts (like souvenir sheets) I moisten the top left and top right corners (but away from the edges a bit) and mount the pane. Once mounted, I just moisten a finger and tap lightly on the underneath of the bottom center to lightly "tack" the bottom of the mount down. It doesn't fly off the page when turning the album page, but that tack is easy to release with a gentle sawing motion as before.
As far as brand, I just use whatever Global sends me.
Lars
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I use a glue stick bought from the dollar store in school supplies. The mounts will not fall out of your album if you use the glue sticks. Also you can see how much you are putting on. A little dab will do you.
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this post
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
My entire collection is in Showguard mounts, albeit sometimes the mount is more expensive than the stamp it encloses. I mount both MHN and cancel alike. I believe it's the display that is important. I use the clear mounts as it allows more room for putting multiple stamps and other items on the page. I have never had a problem with moisture or difficulty with the mount in my books. I attach the mount with Scotch removable double stick tape so I can easily remove mounts from the book if I redesign the page and I've never had a stamp fall out of place doing it this way. I've been using this system for 40 years now and I'm completely happy with the results.
The only error in mounting I can recall is mounting a stamp, putting it down and forgetting where I laid it down.... I've ended up more than once purchasing another copy because of this lack of concentration. Someday I will find those missing stamps, I HOPE!
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Retired Ap. Book Mod, Pres Golden Gate Stamp Club, Hi Tech Consultant
24 Dec 2013
03:36:27pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I use mounts whenever possible but I no longer wet any of my mounts to attach them.
I use 3M 811 Removable Photo Safe (to ISO 14523 Standards) Scotch Tape. Yes! (I now order it directly via Amazon, saving me the trip to the office supply or the photography shop, it is that easy)
You can now move your mounted stamps anytime you want. You don't fear the wetting the stamp glue problem that occasionally occurs. It is acid free and photo safe (to this rigorous ISO standards).
I am so sold on the technology that I now also use 3M 811 removable tape directly on my stamps instead of hinges (if you want to use hinges), although I admit that being conservative, I won't use it directly on the very expensive stuff. This is just because of the fear of the unknown..the memory of defects due to scotch tape used on stamps and mounts as seen in collections from long long time ago, that we still obsess about. It is not anything rational except fear of the unknown.
But I am sold on it. I make it a temporary usage for working collections (until data for 50 years has been accumulated, and then I will make it permanent ). I now have almost 10 years of experience with no ill effects. While the very early tape could occasionally leave a residue when you removed it, it rubbed off easily with no mark, the latest technology seems perfect. I will still put everything in mounts eventually when all done, although I am not sure that mounts will not have their own issues as well in 50 years...like ion migration? plastic degeneration? ozone contamination? reaction with pollutants? UV? or whatever else...
But now all my mounts are movable, and my stamps too!
Being able to easily move stamps with or without mounts is a real benefit for the actively aesthetically obsessed collector. Hinges are old technology that mar the stamp, while the 3M 811 leaves no mark...I wish hinges would really go away forever, and we could lobby for a scientifically guaranteed newer technology...a certified philatelic safe stamp of approval! That would make it a lot cheaper that mounts!
rrr....
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re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
rrraphy,
Thanks for putting a name to that product. When I was active in the trading circuits and clubs I used to occasionally receive a selection of stamps that were hinged with tape and was amazed there at the lack of damage to the gum on any stamps that I pulled for my collection. No knowing the name of the tape always kept me from trying any tape, due to the effects of previous experiences with tape, so am happy to finally find what type to use and will pick some up to use the next time I get to spend some time filling those holes in the albums.
Mike
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this post
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
I mount only my Mint stamps and the valuable used stamps. Older Pre 1925. The rets are hinged since they have no or little value. I use the black background mounts because Black makes the stamps stand out. I use the school glue sticks (looks like chap stick) so the mounts don't fall out when I open the album pages.
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08:29:13pm
re: Lessons learned from errors in mounting MNH stamps
All my stamps are hinged in the albums except those in stock books. The ones that I put in mounts from Mystic I use a hinge on those mounts to put in my album and that seems to work well.
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