Preservation and Care of Philatelic Materials
Subsidiary Page
14
Glue Sticks
One of the handiest inventions of recent times is the glue stick. Production of the first
commercial type, the UHU Stic, began in 1969. Containing non-essential alkaline parts
and fatty acids, the possibility of a chemical reaction on certain papers cannot be excluded.
The UHU Stic is a product of Faber Castell of Germany and has a distinct amine/amide
odor, like rancid peanut butter. Another glue stick is the Pritt Glue Stick, made
by Henkel of Germany. The Pritt stick has a fruity odor. This odor, the alkaline
nature of the product, and a spectral band of 1550 cm -1 suggest the
presence of a non-volatile amine or amide. IF spectral analyses show that the
glue sticks are predominantly polyvinyl pyrrolidone with some polyvinyl alcohol
components that are quite stable. Glue stick adhesive is water soluble.
The Dennison Glue Stick, by Dennison Manufacturing Company, Framingham,
Massachusetts, is nearly identical to the Pritt and UHU Stic. All three glue sticks test pH 9
and for this reason should not be used on rare covers that are alkaline sensitive.
While not recommended for conservation use, the philatelist may decide they are suitable
for certain purposes. They are handy, but discretion should be used with the use of glue
sticks. Be certain that the glue stick you use contains white paste and not clear glue. The
clear glue is not found too often in glue sticks. It is too acidic and corrosive. The white
paste actually contains a paste very close to wheat paste but in stick form and is fairly
neutral. Colored glue sticks remain to be tested. Probably, it would be safest to error on
the side of caution and not bring these colored glue sticks in contact with philatelic
materials.
END OF SUBSIDIARY PAGE 14
Go Forward To Section 15.
Return to Preceding Section 13.
Return to Table of Contents in Main Home Page.