Although there is no specific equipment needed to collect stamps there are a number of essential items that enable collectors to protect their stamp collection when inspecting and displaying their stamps. Some commonly used equipment by collectors has been compiled to enable new collectors with a variety of ways to handle their precious collections.



The joy of collecting stamps can be pursued with only a small number of inexpensive tools, which are easy to obtain by any collector. Stamp tongs are tweezers that are specially made for collectors to handle their stamps to keep from damaging them, which should have rounded tips instead of pointed tips. A magnifying glass is used in enhancing images on a stamp so that collectors may see the feature more closely. Some magnifiers come with battery powered light to help in the aid of inspecting your collection.

Another helpful tool to collectors is the perforation gauge. Perforations are located between stamps on sheets which helps to aid when separating the stamps. However, perforations come in different sizes and this guage will help the collector to identify what size is actually used. Collectors should pick a metal perforation gauge, because over time metal does not shrink like plastic may. A color guide will enable collectors to identify a variety of colors that are used on the different types of stamps from over the world.

Watermark detectors allows collectors to view water marks or hidden imprints made on the paper the stamp has been printed on. Stamps may look identical but they will have either different watermarks or no watermarks. Ultra violet lamps are used to detect materials that are used when printing stamps that are actually hidden phosphorescent materials. These ultra violet inks enable automatic sorting machines with detecting exactly how much the postage is on mail as it is being sorted. Stamp lifting fluids are used as an aid in safely removing stamps, which can be helpful to any collector.

Basic album kits can be purchased that are an excellent starter guide for collectors of worldwide stamps. Albums contain dedicated spaces for a variety of stamps, which helps the collector to protect their collection and to display them without the worry of their collection becoming damaged. There are a variety of different albums available on the market today with the special needs of the collector in mind.

Stamp catalogs are comprehensive publications that include the current market value of a wide variety of stamps and helps collectors to identify stamps that they are unsure about. They also give collectors, especially the novice collector, basic knowledge for collecting stamps. Any periodicals on stamps are helpful resources for a variety of information for any collector and any philatelic newspaper as well.

Stock books are another way to store your stamps that are exceptional storage devices where stamps can be placed in clear pockets for easy viewing and sorting, because of their clear vinyl pockets. Older stock books had clear plastic pockets for storing and displaying their stamps. Glassine envelopes come in a variety of sizes and are used to store individual stamps, which are a cheap and easy method in storing your stamps. Finally hinges or safe vinyl mounts can be used to mount stamps into albums, however, stamps can be damaged by the hinge if not properly placed in these mounts.