Baseball cards are collectors items that are made from paper and cardboard stock. While designed to withstand normal storage and display conditions, extreme heat over long periods of time can potentially damage cards and reduce their value and condition grade over time. There are a few primary ways that heat exposure can negatively impact baseball cards:
The paper and cardboard materials that baseball cards are printed on are susceptible to heat damage. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the paper fibers in the card stock to break down faster than they normally would at moderate indoor temperatures. The heat speeds up the chemical processes of oxidation and degradation within the paper. This makes the cards more brittle and prone to creasing or tearing if handled after heat exposure. It also darkens the natural color of the paper and card stock.
Ink and color separation on baseball cards is also at risk from heat. The pigments and inks used in the printing process can fade, bleed together, or completely disappear if subjected to high heat over long stretches. Colors will lighten and details may be lost. Especially at risk are cards with full color photos or artwork, as the different color separations have more opportunity to interact negatively when exposed to heat stress. Solid color fields or black only printings hold up better.
Heat can cause adhesives and glues on baseball cards to break down faster. Many older cards have gum or peeled wrappers on the back that were meant to be chewed or peeled off. Prolonged heat exposure can degrade these adhesive layers and cause them to become brittle and unable to keep their original form over time. Heat can also negatively impact adhesive used during the manufacturing process to keep card layers joined together properly.
Plastic sleeves, holders, and storage containers used to protect baseball cards are likewise compromised by extended heat exposure. High temperatures can cause plastic to become distorted, cloudy, or brittle. Any cards encased in damaged plastic protection take on damage from microscopic particles or oxidation occurring within the degraded plastic layer. Heat also speeds up chemical reactions that cause “yellowing” or discoloration of many plastics over time.
Baseball cards stored in attics, garages, vehicles, or other areas without temperature or humidity control are most at risk. Even moderate temperature swings or occasional heat waves can build up damage over decades. Direct sunlight through windows represents an even more extreme heat source that can damage large collections in a relatively short time. Heat rises, so cards stored at the tops of closets or shelves fare worse than those closer to room temperature at floor level.
The damage heat causes to baseball cards is usually cumulative and permanent. Fading colors or embossing can’t be reversed. While carefully stored cards in great envelopes or albums left in a climate controlled home may show minimal heat impact after 50+ years, the same cards baking in a 120 degree attic would likely be significantly degraded and lower in collectible value. Heat damage reduces grading scores from services like PSA or BGS by compromising the state of preservation.
The paper, inks, adhesives and plastic materials that baseball cards are made from all break down faster when subjected to prolonged high heat exposure compared to moderate indoor conditions. Although cards may look fine immediately after heat stress, damage occurs on a molecular level and accumulates over time at the expense of condition, eye appeal and collectible worth. Proper storage at room temperature with protection from direct heat sources helps ensure baseball cards maintain their condition and value as desirablecollector items for decades to come.
