We have tested several different oils, even amazing little wipes, and inhibitors. To date the best thing I have found is Starrett M1. It stays wet but when wiped off it leaves a thin film that has a lasting barrier and protection against humidity and acids from our fingers. 'Lasting' is relative. They will need re-oiling later or if you're in an environment that doesn't promote rust you're good to go. Just wipe off and have fun.
I feel like it detracts from the 'unboxing' but really will make a better product. Not EVERY set will be oiled. Ones we are blasting an hour before shipping there is no point, but anything that is going on or (for now) coming off the shelf will have oil. There will be more foam in the cases too so the oil is in contact with the foam keeping it in place indefinitely.
If rusting happens on your stamp shanks, take the time to clean them by trying some of these recommendations:
- Brian specifically recommends: Boeshield T-9 as a rust inhibitor
- Try a scotch bright (or brite) pad. Scrub them, then use WD40 . Let dry a little and wiped off excess.
- Lee Valley Tools Rust Erasers: The fine grit one takes it right off and I found it much easier to use than a scotch pad or steel wool
- 0000 Steel wool which was frustrating to work with, or one of the yellow/green scrubby pads
- Emery Cloth
BUT WHAT IF I AM OVERWHELMED AND NEED MORE HELP?!
No worries! We offer a blasting service free of charge that will clean up those stamps significantly!
Here's how to use this service:
1. Send us the stamps back with insurance and tracking. This way we can track the shipping with you, and have your back if the package is lost in transit. ((if you send them without tracking and insurance, and they are lost in transit, we cannot help you! Insurance and tracking are SUPER important!))
2. Add a note to the box with the following information: your first and last name, email address, phone number, and all of the contents of the box. So if you are sending us Margarita, tell us "Please blast and oil my Margarita 5mm - qty 26 stamps". That way we can confirm we ship you the correct quantity back.
3. When your blasting is complete we will put your stamps in baggies with oil, so heads up, they will be SUPER messy and oiled when you receive them, but it's the best way to send them back to help prevent most rust issues. Blot them down with some paper towels. NO WATER! You seriously just want to blot them gently with paper towels so they still have a little slickness but aren't actively wet. You'll want to give them 24 hours to sit once you've blotted them, if possible, so the oil can dry enough to form its protective coating on your stamps.
4. We will contact you with shipping prices and options -- so please anticipate an email from us within a week of receiving your stamps -- and you can tell us which method you'd like them shipped back to you, and PayPal us that amount. We absolutely recommend using a tracked and insured option back home to you so we can, once again, back the shipping just in case.
If that sounds good to you, you can ship back to us at:
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3071 E La Jolla Street Suite A
Anaheim, CA 92806