It can be difficult to open a sealed envelope without tearing it, due to different types of glue, and no one method will work for every letter.You will only end up with scraps of paper if you work slowly and calmly.
Step 1: If you want to reduce chance of damage, try this first.
It's difficult to know if this method will work on a given envelope until you try it out.Although it isn't as effective as steaming the envelope open, it's a good place to start because it has a lower risk of damaging it.
Step 2: You can find a tongue depressor.
Some envelopes can be opened with a flat, curved wooden tool, such as a tongue depressor.The CIA manual states that the tool should have a smooth edge and a curved tip.It is possible to make these tools by filing down a piece of wood or an ivory piano key blank, but any flat tool with the shape described should work.
Step 3: The tool is under the flap.
There is a small opening in the corner of the envelope flap.The tip of the tongue depressor can be inserted into this opening.The tongue depressor can be opened if the flap is completely sealed.
Step 4: If the flap doesn't give way, be prepared to stop.
Use slow, small movements to follow the steps.If the paper doesn't respond, you should stop and move on to the next step.
Step 5: Rock the tool up and down with the envelope.
Use your non-dominant hand to hold the envelope against the table.Light pressure is applied to the edge of the envelope flap when you rock the tool in your other hand.If the envelope responds, you should unseal the rest of the flap.Try the next step if it resists.
Step 6: Put a cotton swab on it.
A small amount of clean water can be put into a bowl or cup.Press the cotton swab against blotting paper or a paper towel to remove excess water after dipping it.The paper and glue of the envelope flap can only be weakened by small amounts of water.If you have opened the envelope, you can put a piece of blotting paper under the flap to absorb any excess water.
Step 7: Press the wet swab over the stuck flap.
Only look at the area that you're stuck on.If you want to try the same lifting technique with the tongue depressor, press down and wait a few seconds.If the flap remains stuck, move on to the steam method.Water should not be applied to an area with ink or a stamp.Some envelopes are not water-soluble.Try the cutting method if you don't see any results.If you don't get the envelope open, try steaming.
Step 8: If there are flaps, try other ones.
Some envelopes have built in folds that have been sealed.You can sometimes open the envelope at the side if these respond to this technique.The flap can be spread over with a toothpick if you choose the other method.When the glue is wet, some envelopes will become sticky.
Step 9: The envelope should be put in a bag.
This will keep it from getting wet in the freezer.
Step 10: The envelope should be put in the freezer for a while.
When frozen, some envelope glues may become loose and tacky.
Step 11: The envelope needs to be opened.
Use a smooth tool such as a tongue depressor or butter knife.The flap will not come free on its own, but if you're lucky, it will become loose enough to lift without tearing.
Step 12: When finished, seal the envelope again.
The glue on the flap can be damped with a cotton swab.Others may need to be sealed with glue.
Step 13: This can be used on envelopes that were licked.
The glue used in this method is not water-soluble and may not work on self-adhesive envelopes.To test the method without damaging the paper and ink, use a small amount of steam.
Step 14: Start with a cup of water.
The water should be put into a cup.This won't produce a lot of steam, but is a good starting point for beginners to reduce the risk of damage to the paper.If it doesn't work, the steps below will move on to riskier methods.Try another method if the envelope ink looks wet or starts to run.
Step 15: Warm the tool.
Warm a tongue depressor, butter knife, or other tool in the steam for ten seconds, then wipe off the water droplets.Water damage to the paper and ink can be caused by the steam on the envelope flap being around a cold tool.
Step 16: Attempt to open the envelope.
The tool should be against the corner of the flap.The corner is in the path of steam.When you feel resistance, gently move the envelope against the tip of the tool.The area you're working on should remain in the steam if the tool stays in place.As you work, make sure the freed flap doesn't touch the envelope again.If you are not experienced at this task, a smooth, continuous motion is more likely to leave wrinkling.
Step 17: A jet of steam can be experienced from a kettle.
Keeping a water-filled kettle on will produce a constant jet of hot steam if the gentle steam is not enough.The envelope can be opened in this hotter steam jet.Too much steam can affect the paper.To protect your hands, wear an oven mitt.To narrow the opening if your kettle doesn't produce a focused jet, stick a spoon or other heat-safe object into the spout.
Step 18: If necessary, smooth the opened envelope with an iron.
Wait for the envelope to cool before replacing it.If the envelope's paper becomes wrinkly after drying, cover it with a dry cloth and use an iron on the lowest possible setting to smooth it out again.
Step 19: Use a small amount of glue to secure the contents once they are back in shape and dry.
Some glues will become sticky once the envelope is frozen.
Step 20: Know the risks.
This is a creative way to hide a cut in the side.The presence of the papier-mché will be obvious if it ends up too thick, weak, or sticky.It's best to use this method on letters that won't be carefully examined.You might need a lot of time to adjust the seal.
Step 21: In front of the light, hold the envelope.
You can see the shadow of the document if you hold it up to a bright light.Don't disturb the document inside by taking a mental note of its position.
Step 22: The corner of the envelope needs to be cut.
Use a pair of small scissors to cut off a tiny corner, make sure you don't cut the document.
Step 23: Take the short side of the envelope and open it.
Cut along the side of the envelope to open it.You can either read the document or add materials to your mailing list.
Step 24: Make a small amount of paste.
To make a consistency, mix white flour and water.If it stays stuck together once dried, test it on a spare piece of folded paper.If necessary, add more flour to make the mixture stronger.If you boil the flour-water paste, it will make the mixture dry clear, but will also make it weaker.Dark colored envelopes need to be boiled to make them less obvious.
Step 25: Once the cut is finished, seal it with Papier-mché.
Spread the paper mché paste to the edge of the envelope by using a letter opener or other smooth-edged instrument.Don't get the document inside wet.
Step 26: If necessary, wait for it to dry.
Wait until it is dry.If you want a stronger seal, apply a second layer of paste.The side stays stuck together if there are no holes visible.
Step 27: Sand away the rough bits of paste from your envelope.
If there is ink on the edge of the envelope, work slowly to avoid scratching it.The envelope should look like it has never been opened if the visible paste is removed.