Philatelic Materials Subsidiary Page 5 A Short List of Items to Avoid The primary concern of the Preservation and Care of Philatelic Materials Committee and this website is to provide proper care for those philatelic materials that have come into our hands. Paper clips and other metallic paper fasteners. These are adhesive coated pages with plastic covers. Most are made out of PVC plastic and acidic adhesives. Constant contact with your hands.
Human bodies give off sulphur.
Fingerprints on the gum of mint stamps or even covers is like a little time bomb slowly releasing stain-forming subphur. Use lintless lightweight white gloves, as worn by conservators and professionals whenever practical. Rubber elastic bands. Typewriting added to covers or photos, often on the reverse side. Peelable labels used on stock sheets and album pages.