Directions for Use in Removal of Self-adhesive Stamps

First, determine that a stamp is a self- adhesive and not water activated (stamps with gum), because this solvent will not work on water activated stamps. Once that is confirmed, check that the stamp is indeed stuck down on paper and not plastic. A different procedure is required for stamps stuck down on plastic (or cardboard). Use a Q tip to wet the paper (envelope) immediately behind the stamp. Wait approximately 30 seconds. Now, gently lift the stamp up with stamp tongs from one of its corners. It should come right off. It is not necessary to discard the paper or envelope on which the stamp was stuck to.

Using the Q tip, apply a little more solvent now to the back of the stamp. You will see the adhesive backing starting to dissolve. Work the Q tip around in a circular motion on the stamp until all the adhesive is dissolved. It will look like a sticky film on the stamp. You can feel it with your finger. Now use a paper towel to gently rub the sticky film off the stamp. Use a sideways motion until all of the film is removed. This may take a few minutes. Check the front of the stamp for any of the sticky film which may have been transferred by use of the paper towel. Using a clean portion of the paper towel, now remove any traces of sticky film from the front of the stamp. There may be a slightly sticky feel to the stamp, both front and back. Do not be concerned by this. Air dry the stamp for 3 days. You will notice an odor of oranges that will dissipate over time. The stamp needs to dry in the open for approximately one week.

Other information: This solvent does not weaken the paper fibers of the stamp as soaking in water will do. Hence, you will find that peeling and cleaning of the stamp is much easier than if the stamp were wet with water. If the stamp is on a plastic envelope (or cardboard), obviously the solvent will not readily soak through from the back, so the Q tip soaked in solvent must be applied from the front. More time must be allowed for this- several minutes. Be patient. Once the stamp is off the plastic, chances are that the adhesive is already dissolved, so just use a paper towel to remove as previously described.

Other stamp uses: Old fashioned “scotch” tape and magic mending tape will also come off. Actual soaking of the stamp might be required. If the tape has already stained the stamp, solvent will not help to remove the stain. In that case, you are on your own.

D-Limonene Food Grade, High Purity, Orange Citrus Solvent 100 % Organic, 100% non toxic

Limonene is a phytochemical which falls in the class of monoterpenes and cyclo terpene. The name Limonene is derived from the citrus fruit i.e., lemon and it is abundantly found in other plant sources like cherries, spearmint, dill, garlic, celery, maize, rosemary, ginger, basil, etc. This phytochemical generally occurs in two optically active forms, l-limonene and d-limonene. The d-limonene is the compound which is responsible for strong smell of oranges.