Before ironing your baseball cards, it’s important to take some safety precautions. Place the cards face down on a clean, dry ironing board or flat surface. Make sure the cards are completely dry before ironing. Heat from an iron can damage cards that still have moisture in them. Protect the surface you are ironing on with parchment paper, if possible, to prevent any wax or oils from transferring to the board or table.
When ironing, use a low heat setting on your iron. The exact temperature will vary depending on the material the cards are made of, but as a general rule, select no higher than the synthetic or wool setting. Too high of heat can cause damage through overheating, scorching or warping the cards. You want just enough heat to gently smooth out wrinkles or creases without exposing the cards to unnecessary risk.
Use a pressing motion when ironing the cards rather than sliding the iron back and forth excessively. Brief presses help reduce curling and creasing without adding potential scratches or holes from too much sliding movement. Hold each press for a few seconds before lifting the iron to the next area that needs attention.
Start ironing on less valuable areas first, such as the borders or backsides of cards before moving to images or autographs. This allows you to get a feel for the right temperature and ironing technique without risking more important parts of premium cards. Go slowly and check frequently for any discoloration, bubbling or damage as you iron. Stop immediately if you notice any changes to the card stock.
Always iron from the backside to avoid direct contact with the front image layer, which could damage graphics or signatures over time. Place a reusable parchment sheet, double layer of tissue paper or scrap cardstock cut to size between the iron and front of the card for additional protection as you smooth out wrinkles from behind. Lift and reposition frequently to target problem areas gradually.
Be extra careful when ironing especially old, fragile or water-damaged cards. Pre-test crease removal on less desirable sample cards first if they are particularly brittle. Consider using a 100% cotton press cloth for additional cushioning on very delicate stock that might be prone to cracking. Cooler temperatures, lighter pressing motions and shorter durations are best in these situations.
Assess the card for any remaining creases or curled edges once ironed. Repeat targeted pressing as needed, being mindful not to over-iron areas that appear smooth already. Allow finished cards to cool completely before stacking or storing to prevent re-curling. Consider storing pride of place cards in protective sleeves, toploaders or magnetic holders to maintain their crisp condition long-term.
Proper preparation, using appropriate heat levels and taking your time ironing baseball cards methodically from the backside with additional barrier layers in-between ensures the safest crease removal results. Too much heat, sliding or risky techniques could cause damage versus restoration, so patience and caution are key when crafting a collection’s appearance with simple ironing techniques. With care, you can revive old favorites to like-new condition safely.
