How to Remove a Stamp from Its Envelope

Using Water

Decide to remove or keep the stamp on the paper. Some stamps are more valuable if they are kept on the envelope. An old stamp may be worth a few dollars by itself but may be worth many times that in the historical context of the envelope that bears it.

Cut stamps off the corner of the envelope with some scissors.

Place the cut corner in bowl of warm water and wait 10+ minutes. Apply cold water if you are worried the ink might run. In the past, some stamps were manufactured so soaking would ruin the stamp; this prevented people from illegally reusing them on new mail.

Most of the stamps will float off, so put them on the blotter of paper towels face down. Do this carefully so the stamps do not tear or crease. Some stamps require coaxing to come off the paper, especially the newer "peel and stick" versions.

Put the cookie sheet of stamps in a dry place (such as the unheated oven) overnight.

Place the now dry (and maybe a bit curled) stamps flat between the pages of a large book and weigh them down if necessary.

Leave them for 3 weeks to be flat for handling and sorting into your collection, or for later use.

Using A Microwave

Empty envelope. Remove the contents of the envelope.

Place in microwave. This is only to melt the adhesive from the stamp. >1000 watt- Microwave for around 10 seconds 700-950 watt- Microwave for around 15-20 seconds

Peel. Peel off the stamp from the envelope. If it does not come off easily, repeat step 2.

Tape or glue. The adhesive from the stamp is no longer effective. It will require you to use tape or glue to keep the stamp on the new envelope.

By Peeling

Insert your nails. Place your nails under the stamp. Use 2 fingers. Use your nails to pull up the stamp a little.

Pull. Use your finger to pull the stamp up. Pull slowly and carefully. You can rip the stamp or envelope if you do not pull carefully.

Tape or glue. By peeling a small amount of paper from the envelope can stick to the adhesive.