Stamp Collecting Guides
12 practical guides, in order. Start with guide one and work your way through — or jump straight to the topic you need.
- 1
How to Start Stamp Collecting
A complete beginner's guide to starting a stamp collection — what to buy, where to find stamps, and how to organise them from day one.
6 min read - 2
Stamp Grading Guide for Collectors
Learn how to grade stamp condition from Superb to Poor — with clear descriptions of each grade and why condition determines value.
7 min read - 3
How to Store Stamps to Prevent Damage
The right way to store your stamp collection — albums, stockbooks, environment, and what to avoid to keep your stamps in top condition.
5 min read - 4
Essential Stamp Collecting Tools and Supplies
Every tool a stamp collector needs — from tongs and magnifiers to perforation gauges and watermark detectors — with honest buying advice.
6 min read - 5
First Day Cover Collecting — A Beginner's Guide
What first day covers are, why collectors love them, and how to start an FDC collection on any budget.
5 min read - 6
How to Use a Perforation Gauge
A step-by-step guide to measuring stamp perforations — with tips on why gauge matters for identification and value.
4 min read - 7
Watermark Detection for Stamp Collectors
How to detect watermarks in stamps — the tools, techniques, and why watermarks matter for identification and value.
5 min read - 8
How to Soak, Sort, and Store Stamps
How to soak stamps off paper, dry them flat, sort what you have and store it safely — plus what collectors really do about self-adhesives.
8 min read - 9
How to Remove Self-Adhesive Stamps from Paper
Why modern self-adhesive stamps won't soak, and the methods collectors actually use — trimming, long cold soaks, and solvent with talc.
7 min read - 10
How to Remove Stamps From Envelopes and Paper
Step-by-step ways to remove stamps from envelopes and paper — soaking, floating and the sweatbox method — plus what never to soak and how to dry them flat.
7 min read - 11
Stamp Value: How to Find Out What Your Stamps Are Worth
How to find the value of stamps: identify them, judge condition, check catalogue values and real sale prices, and know when a stamp needs an expert.
9 min read - 12
Error Stamps: How to Identify Stamp Errors and Varieties
How to identify error stamps — inverts, missing colours, imperforates and more — tell real errors from freaks and fakes, and what to do if you find one.
8 min read
New to philately? Start with Guide 1 and read in order — each article builds on the last. When you're ready to go deeper, our philatelic glossary has every term explained.