Adhesive backing for artistamps

If you're sending your artistamps for others to use, you probably want to make them as much like "real" postage as possible.  For example, you'll want the recipient to be able to lick the back of the stamp so the glue becomes moist and will hold the stamp inplace.  The following information was provided by members of the AML artistamp list:

(1) You can use paper that comes with a lickable backing already on it.

You can get dry, gummed paper label paper from a chain store called Paper Plus. (I think this is a division of Unisource, but their demo catalogue doesn't list any perforated papers.)

The paper is Nashua Davac, Dry Gummed Label Paper, #7649, 50# offset, and it comes in 8.5" x 11" size, and others. (Manufactured by Nashua Label.)

Another resource might be a small quantity supplier of paper. Some of them are "green" paper companies. You can get more information at Conservatree.com.

Or,

(2) use glue-y stuff that you apply yourself, and it makes your stamps lickable like stamps or envelope edges:

The glue stuff itself can be purchased and applied to any paper.

One kind of glue stuff is Neutral pH Adhesive, by Lineco. You're looking for it as product number 901-1008. It's carried by larger camera supply shops, as photographers use this to mount photos, etc.

You can also find this Neutral pH Adhesive by Lineco, at MisterArt.

Another glue stuff--that I use--is Lick & Stick. It comes in a bottle that looks like a roll-on deodorant, but it has a sponge on the top of it. I sort of paint it on the paper, and it dries. Most curling that occurs when it's wet, flattens out as the glue dries. The glue is clear and tasteless.

You can order Lick & Stick at directly from the manufacturer, Greensneakers. They offer templates for other paper products, too.

Recipes!

For the do-it-yourself types, Jas kindly sent the recipe for stamp glue, as developed by Bugpost. I haven't tried it yet, and hope you'll send me feedback on this recipe, if you try it.

Get:

1/4 oz. unflavored gelatin
1 T cold water
3 T boiling water
1/2 t white corn syrup
1/2 t lemon extract

Make:
1. In small bowl sprinkle gelatin into cold water, put aside until softened
2. Pour softened gelatin into boiling water & stir until completely disolved
3. Add corn syrup & lemon extract, mix well.

Apply:
1. Brush thinly on to back of stamp sheet
2. Let dry.

Comments:
1. Double boiler is handy
2. Gum tends to react more slowly when licked than conventional gums
3. Mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for a very small amount of time. You may need to reheat it if it's too gummy and thick.

Note: The lemon extract repels bugs which like to munch on starches (such as gelatin and corn syrup), but you could probably use other flavoring extracts from the baking supplies aisle of the grocery store. Artistamp collectors in tropical countries may choose to store stamps in plastic...? *grin*

Also, before using another flavor, remember that many people have life-threatening allergies and react badly to anything with peanuts in them.  Since this may include almond flavoring, and perhaps others, humor your tastebuds carefully!

More recipes!

Here's one contributed by Arlene Shipley:

6 Tbs. white vinegar
4 packets (1oz.) unflavored gelatin
1 Tbs. mint extract. (or whatever flavor you want)

Boil vinegar in small pan. Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add flavoring and remove from heat. Use brush to spread on envelope flaps. Let dry. Moisten to seal. When leftover glue cools, it will set. It may be reused again and again if you take a little caution when storing it. Place it in a small HEAT PROOF container and you can shoot it with your heat gun to remelt it. Or you can place the small glass jar into a pan of water and heat it that way. Just take caution not to break your glass containers when reheating the glue.

Another one, from Linda Mulligan, described as a Girl Scout recipe:

One part white glue
one part white vinegar (you may have to play with the proportions)

Coat let dry and coat again. This taste awful so use a sponge not your tongue when wetting to seal.

Here are a couple from Rubber Rabbit, who now uses Jim Stephen's Lick and Stick glue:

18 T (that's about a cup and a bit) vinegar-bring to a boil; add 1 pkg Jello in whatever flavor; stir til dissolved; let cool; keep in the refrigerator between uses. Brush on and let dry. that one is from Coffee Break Design.

I'm not too sure on this one; someone will correct me I'm sure: 1T each vinegar and white glue; drop or two of peppermint flavoring.

Those recipes were all kindly provided by members of the AML (Artistamps) list at Yahoo!Groups. (Thanks everyone!)

If you spot errors, missing links, or if you have yet another recipe, please contact me right away!

Thanks!

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