The Science Behind Stamp Preservation: Understanding Material Degradation
Stamp preservation is a fascinating field that involves understanding the process of material degradation. This article will explore the scientific aspects of stamp preservation and provide valuable insights into how collectors can safeguard their collections. The information is sourced from various reputable sources, including the Library of Congress, stamp preservation committees, and experienced collectors.
Key Takeaways:
- Stamp preservation involves understanding material degradation.
- Collectors can safeguard their collections by using archival materials.
- The Library of Congress offers a permanent, indelible ink for ownership marking.
- Stamp mounts and pages protect stamps from dust and humidity.
- Preventive measures can help minimize the effects of fungal spores.
Ownership Marking of Paper-Based Materials
Institutional ownership marking, such as stamping or bookplating, serves as an effective means to deter theft and establish rightful ownership of paper-based materials. One notable solution is the permanent, indelible ink developed by the Library of Congress. This ink is specifically designed to withstand fading and possesses no adverse effects on paper substrates. Collecting institutions are able to request this ink free of charge, ensuring that their valuable collections are properly marked.
To achieve the best imprints, it is important to consider specific design elements. Stamps should be cut from rubber with simple, thin, sans-serif designs. This ensures clear and crisp imprints that enhance the overall appearance of the ownership markings. However, it is essential to note that the permanent ink may bleed or strikethrough on certain types of paper. Additionally, the ink requires a relatively long drying time to ensure optimal results.
Stamp Mounts and Pages
Stamp mounts and pages are essential tools for protecting your valuable stamps. They provide a barrier against dust and humidity, keeping your stamps in pristine condition. It’s crucial for mounts and pages to remain clear and stiff, ensuring that the stamps are displayed beautifully without any creases or distortions.
When choosing stamp mounts and pages, it’s important to consider their long-term stability. They should maintain their dimensions over time and not shrink or expand, as this can cause damage to the stamps. Additionally, mounts should be easy to fabricate and cost-effective, making it convenient for collectors of all levels.
However, it’s important to note that stamp mounts and pages have their limitations. While they provide protection against dust and humidity, they can’t shield stamps from natural aging, mistreatment, exposure to non-archival materials, or harmful UV light. These factors can still impact the condition of your stamps over time.
The Importance of Materials
Stamp mounts and pages are available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Common materials used include:
Rigid PVC: This material is durable and offers excellent clarity. It is resistant to chipping and cracking, making it a popular choice among collectors.
Polystyrene: Polystyrene provides good clarity and stiffness. It is also resistant to aging, ensuring long-term protection for your stamps.
Polypropylene: This material is known for its flexibility and stability. It is resistant to chemicals and offers good protection against UV light.
Polyester: Polyester is highly transparent and has excellent dimensional stability. It offers good resistance to moisture and aging.
Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a flexible and lightweight material. It provides good protection against dust and humidity.
It’s essential to choose the material that best suits your collection’s needs and your preservation goals. Archival-quality materials are recommended to ensure the long-term preservation of your stamps. These materials are specifically designed to be safe for stamps and minimize any potential damage.
Remember, stamp mounts and pages are an important part of stamp preservation, but they should be used in combination with other protective measures to ensure the longevity of your collection.
Plastics Used in Stamp Collecting
Plastics play a significant role in the world of stamp collecting, offering protection and preservation for valuable stamps and covers. However, it is crucial to understand the distinction between archival and non-archival plastics to ensure the long-term integrity of your collection.
The most commonly used plastics in stamp collecting include rigid PVC, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene. Each of these materials has its own unique characteristics and advantages when it comes to preserving philatelic items.
Suppliers often offer a variety of plastic options specifically labeled as archival materials. Archival plastics are designed to be stable and inert, ensuring they do not interact chemically with stamps or cause any damage over time.
When selecting plastics for stamp preservation, it is essential to choose those that are free from harmful substances. Opting for archival materials provides peace of mind and reassurance that your stamps are protected against degradation.
Archival plastics offer a range of advantages, including:
1. Protection from Dust and Moisture: Archival plastics form a barrier against dust and moisture, keeping stamps and covers safe from potential damage caused by these elements.
2. Clarity and Rigidity: Archival plastics should remain clear and stiff, ensuring that the stamps are visible and well-protected without any distortion.
3. Dimensional Stability: These materials are engineered to maintain their dimensions over time, preventing any warping or stretching that could potentially harm the stamps.
4. Ease of Fabrication: Archival plastics are often easy to work with, allowing collectors to create stamp mounts or pages without complications.
By choosing archival plastics, stamp collectors can rest easy knowing that their valuable collections are shielded from environmental factors that can lead to deterioration. Remember to always opt for materials specifically labeled as archival and free from harmful substances to ensure the preservation of your stamps for years to come.
Detecting and Controlling Fungal Growth
Fungal growth, often referred to as foxing or rust, can be a common issue in stamp preservation. While not all cases of discoloration or damage are caused by fungi, it is essential to detect and control any growth.
One effective method for identifying organic growth and damages early on is by using a blacklight. By examining stamps under a blacklight, collectors can spot the presence of fungal growth and take necessary measures to prevent further damage.
If fungal growth is suspected, it is crucial to isolate the affected stamp and transfer it to a low temperature and humidity environment to hinder the growth and minimize any potential spreading. This step will help preserve the stamp and prevent additional contamination.
Cleaning the contaminated stamp may be necessary for minor cases of fungal growth. However, in severe cases where the damage is extensive or irreversible, it may be best to consider disposing of the affected stamp to prevent further contamination within the collection.
Stamp preservation involves vigilance and prompt action when it comes to detecting and controlling fungal growth. By being proactive, collectors can protect their valuable stamps and ensure their longevity.
Living with Fungal Spores
Fungal spores are a natural part of the environment and cannot be completely eliminated. However, preventive measures can be taken to slow down the degradation process.
Maintaining low humidity levels and temperatures is crucial in minimizing the effects of fungal spores on stamp preservation. High humidity promotes the growth of fungi, so it is important to keep the humidity level below 50%. Similarly, maintaining cooler temperatures can help control fungal growth and prevent further damage to stamps.
Avoiding the introduction of contaminated items near a stamp collection is another essential preventive measure. Fungal spores can easily transfer from one item to another, so it is important to keep the stamp collection isolated from potential sources of contamination.
Regular inspections of the stamp collection can help detect any signs of fungal growth early on. This allows collectors to take necessary actions to prevent further damage and address the issue promptly.
When handling stamps, it is recommended to use tweezers or cotton gloves to minimize the transfer of fungal spores from the hands onto the stamps. This simple precaution can go a long way in preserving the quality of the stamps.
While it is important to take preventive measures to minimize the effects of fungal spores, it is essential to strike a balance between preservation efforts and the practicality of managing a stamp collection. With these precautions in place, collectors can enjoy their stamp collections while ensuring their long-term preservation.
Common Myths About PVC in Stamp Preservation
When it comes to preserving stamps, there are many misconceptions surrounding the use of PVC. Let’s debunk some of these myths and get to the truth about PVC in stamp preservation.
Myth: PVC releases hydrochloric acid and chlorine gas
Contrary to popular belief, properly formulated unplasticized PVC does not release hydrochloric acid or chlorine gas that can damage stamps. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a widely used material in stamp preservation due to its durability and clarity. It has been extensively tested and proven to be safe for archival purposes when used correctly.
Myth: PVC contains loosely bound chlorine atoms
Properly manufactured PVC does not contain loosely bound chlorine atoms that can cause damage to stamps. PVC used in stamp preservation has undergone stabilization processes to ensure its safety and suitability for long-term storage.
Stabilized PVC, commonly referred to as unplasticized PVC or rigid PVC, is chemically modified to prevent degradation and release of harmful substances. This makes it a suitable choice for stamp collectors who want to preserve their collections.
Myth: Stabilized PVC emits a distinct odor
PVC degradation can be detected by an odor, but this is not a common characteristic of properly formulated stabilized PVC used in stamp preservation. The odor is more commonly associated with low-quality or poorly stabilized PVC products.
It is important to note that the use of high-quality, stabilized PVC materials in stamp preservation ensures the absence of any lingering odors that could potentially damage stamps or other philatelic items.
Stamp Preservation: What the Science Says
Scientific research plays a crucial role in understanding the long-term effects of different materials and environmental conditions on stamp preservation. While limited, some studies provide valuable insights into the best practices for safeguarding stamp collections.
A three-year oven test conducted by Dr. William Souder examined the performance of various plastic materials commonly used in philatelic protectors. The results revealed that unplasticized PVC, polypropylene, and Mylar-D exhibited minimal ink transfer or color changes over the testing period. These findings suggest that these materials could be viable options for long-term stamp preservation.
However, it is important to note that these tests only provide a snapshot of the potential effects over a limited period. Stamp preservation is a complex process influenced by various factors, including the quality of the materials used, storage conditions, and exposure to light and humidity.
To ensure the longevity of stamp collections, it is advisable to stay updated with the latest scientific research and recommendations from stamp preservation experts. Understanding the long-term effects of different materials and environmental conditions can guide collectors in making informed decisions regarding the preservation and protection of their valuable stamps.
Conclusion: Balancing Preservation and Practicality
Stamp preservation is a delicate art that requires finding the right balance between protecting the stamps and maintaining practicality. By understanding the scientific principles behind material degradation, collectors can make informed decisions to safeguard their valuable collections.
Using suitable archival materials, such as stamp mounts and pages made from quality plastics, can provide effective protection against dust, humidity, and other external factors. Implementing preventive measures, like controlling fungal growth by maintaining low humidity levels and periodically inspecting the collection, can further enhance preservation efforts.
However, collectors should also consider the practicality of preservation. Certain stamps might not be worth the extensive cleaning or preservation measures, especially if they hold limited value or sentimental significance. It is crucial to strike a balance between preservation efforts and the practicality of managing a collection.
Ultimately, stamp preservation is a personal journey that should align with individual preferences and the value of the collection. By adopting a sustainable approach and making informed choices, collectors can protect their stamps for future generations to enjoy.
