Soaking stamps off paper may seem a simple task but there are some pitfalls that need to be avoided. The following documentation will help you through these pitfalls and there is simple slide presentation you can view to help as well.
Here are the beginning steps:
Sort/separate self-adhesive stamps from "soakable" stamps.
Separate white envelope paper from fugitive ink such as Christmas card paper - this includes craft paper. Canadian craft paper is likely to be fugitive. Some US craft paper is also fugitive.
Watch for "airmail" envelopes with the color bars on the edges.
Separate magenta-colored stamps, even if the magenta is a small portion of the stamp. The magenta color will bleed and damage the stamps.
Separate stamps with purple or red postal cancels since these colors with also damage the stamps.
Now place the remaining stamps in water for about an hour.
Remove the envelope paper from the stamps gently.
Place the stamps face down on a smooth surface. Pat dry with a clean towel. Place cardboard (about the size of large postcards) on the wet stamps. Allow to dry (about 30 minutes). The time required depends on the humidity. When the stamps are about 95% dry gently remove the cardboard. Remove the stamps carefully.
Do not be afraid to soak stamps over night. Some Netherland stamps have an adhesive that can take more than 24 hours to loosen. Some stamps from China, Romania, Austria and Russia fall into this category.
Not all stamps have the same adhesive The US overrun countries stamps have a unique slippery gum. Use your fingers to rub off most of the gum.
Please note some self-adhesive stamps require the use of citrus spray to remove the stamps from paper. Use caution and follow carefully the instructions provided with the citrus spray.
Click the link below to view the slides on soaking. Once you are on the Events Page you will need to scroll down to view the slides.