Collecting stamps as a hobby

Collecting stamps as a hobby

The right way to collect is the way that makes you glad

1-Stamp dealers and hobby stores offer affordable packets containing hundreds of used stamps. These are excellent for kicking off a new stamp collection. Make sure the packet is "all-different".

2-You can buy unused commemorative stamps from any post office, often with appealing designs aimed at collectors. Some collectors prefer these new, "mint condition" stamps due to the higher quality, while others enjoy reading the cancellation ink mark the post office puts over stamps used in the mail. You can specialize in one type or the other if you like, but it's fine to keep both types in your collection.

3-Businesses often receive a lot of mail, and may receive mail internationally if they work with other businesses or international clientele.

4-Find a pen pal so you can have an ongoing conversation. Pen pal websites online might help you find someone in another country, who might use stamps you wouldn't normally find.

5-Once you have sorted through a few packets of stamps, you might have a pile of duplicates, or stamps that don't interest you. You can trade these stamps with other collectors for their own duplicates, expanding your collection. At the early stage of the hobby, it is best to trade one stamp for one stamp, instead of trying to learn the market value.

6-Seasoned stamp collectors often meet to share tips and trade stamps. You can try to find one near you.

If you want to meet more dedicated hobbyists, you can find a stamp show instead, where people compete for prizes with their stamp collections.

7-Find stamp tongs online or at a hobby store, and use them instead of your fingers, to avoid causing damage from oils or moisture.

8-Used stamps are typically removed from the envelope before storing. If you like collecting the cancellation marks, or the post office ink mark over the stamp, cut out a rectangle of paper around the mark and skip ahead to the storage step in this section. Otherwise, cut a small square around the stamp itself.

9- Soak most stamps in lukewarm water. Do not try to peel off the stamp. Stamps on brightly colored paper or with purple ink marks should be soaked in separate bowls, since the ink on the paper might bleed and dye the stamps.

10- Once the paper is removed, rinse the back of the stamp in fresh water to remove the last of the gummy residue. Let the stamps dry overnight on a paper towel. If the stamps curl, you can place them between paper towels and sandwich them in between heavy books.

11- Remove self-adhesive stamps with air freshener. Turn the stamp face up, roll the paper corner slightly, and slowly peel off the stamp. To remove the sticky back, dip your finger in talcum powder and wipe the back of stamp lightly.

12-After some time spent on the hobby, most stamp collectors decide to narrow in on a particular subcategory of stamps. Even if you decide to collect a much broader selection, choose a theme to help sort your collection.