Any solution for envelopes that prematurely self sealed?

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The humidity was so high last month that a whole box (of 500) envelopes self sealed. I've tried to open several, but they all tear. If I had a lot of free tape, I'd just tape each one individually when I needed it. The hassle factor is quickly outweighing the frugality quotient, so I need help! Anyone overcome this problem. Thanks, Phil

-- phil briggs (phillipbriggs@thenett.com), October 09, 2000

Answers

Phil, pop your envelopes in the freezer for a little bit. I saw this in a hints from heloise. Hope it helps. Amanda

-- Amanda Seley (aseley@townsqr.com), October 09, 2000.

The only way I've been able to open such envelopes is with a tea kettle-the old steam it open routine. Hold the sealed section over the steam as it escapes from the spout and move it slowly across the whole seal until it gets damp, then slowly separate the seal. It does take time (carefully-the steam is HOT) and is an aggravation. If the paper is not too thin you could try just using a damp sponge to rewet the adhesive and the envelope should then open. Move slowly across the sealed part no matter what method you try and you should be able to do it without tearing. The glue stick people make a special stick just to seal envelopes with (3M I think) if tape looks tacky to you. If you use several at a time it may not be worth the effort-but if you use just one or two it might work for you. I usually have it happen with cards I've bought to put away waiting for the right occasion. Then it's really frustrating because cards just don't fit in your standard size envelopes. Hope this helps. betty

-- betty modin (betty_m9@yahoo.com), October 09, 2000.

You know I was takeing up vinyl floor tile and someone told me to use a hair drier. It worked amazingly well. Softened the adhesive stuff. Tiles came right up with my fingers! It seems to reason that this may work on those envelopes. It's worth a try. Only takes a minute too. Hope it works for you. Good luck.

-- Bonnie (josabo1@juno.com), October 09, 2000.

You can open an envelope by putting it in the microwave with a coffee cup of water. Nuke it for 20 seconds and it opens right up. I had the same problem happen with a box of our electric bill envelopes.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), October 10, 2000.

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