<P> The United States Postal Service's first foray into self - adhesive stamps was in 1974 with the 10 - cent dove weathervane, produced by Avery Dennison, that soon became discolored due to the instability of the adhesive . It was another 15 years (1989) before another such stamp was issued by the USPS . Stamp collectors criticized the format, as the rubber base adhesive used tended to progressively yellow the stamps . They also found them difficult to remove from covers, and to save in mint condition, though self - adhesives of recent years have improved in these respects . The British Post Office first issued self - adhesive stamps on October 19, 1993, with the introduction of books of 20 First Class stamps, later a 2nd class stamp was introduced . In later years other issues were produced in the self - adhesive format . Die cutting tools for the UK self adhesive stamps were manufactured by Arden Dies of Stockport, Cheshire using tools designed by Robert Clapham . Outside of the philatelic community, the stamps have been welcomed as more convenient; by 2002, virtually all new USPS stamps were issued as self - adhesives . </P> <P> More recent USPS self - adhesive stamps are not readily removable from the envelope or cover backing by traditional water soaking . Some collectors of used stamps have discovered that although not readily removable by water, the self - adhesives can be removed with Bestine (a hexane solvent), benzine (petroleum ether), or a natural based citrus solvent containing d - limonene (e.g., Pure Citrus Orange is an air freshener product that works for this purpose). </P> <P> Artistamps have also been issued in a self - adhesive format . </P>

When did royal mail introduce self adhesive stamps