Stamp Paper Thins Part I Of II

A stamp paper thin is an area of paper that is missing from the back of a postage stamp. When held up to a light, it often has a see through type of appearance. This can easily occur when a hinge is improperly removed from the stamp gum.

Stamp buyers should know how to detect stamp paper thins so that they do not inadvertently add these stamps to their collection.

It should be noted that many older stamps do indeed have repaired thins. Often, these thins have been repaired for appearance sake. A pulp like mixture is filled onto the thin, allowed to dry; and sanded until the filled area becomes level with the rest of the surface. While these repairs will not appear when held to a light source, they often are revealed as light areas in watermark fluid. In addition, the use of an ultraviolet light may reveal repairs like these.

The best way to detect large obvious thins is to hold the stamp up to the light. Smaller thins may not be easily visible in the light. Smaller thin areas can best be detected when you place your stamp in watermark fluid. The thinned area of paper will reveal a dark patch on the stamp paper. If the thin is deep, the patch will appear darker.

Please check back on Friday for the conclusion to this post.