Baseball cards can become “bricked” or stuck together over time if they are exposed to heat, moisture, or direct sun light for prolonged periods. The best way to unbrick cards is to carefully separate them using a few specialized techniques and materials.
The first step is to assess how badly the cards are bricked. Gently try to separate a small section by hand to test the bond between the cards. If they separate with little effort, you can likely proceed with gentle methods. If the cards are fused very tightly, you may need to use more intensive techniques described later on.
For cards with a mild bond, you can try inserting a playing card or very thin item like a credit card between them while they are flat on a table. Slowly work the item back and forth to gently pry the edges apart. Go very slowly and apply minimal pressure to avoid damaging the surfaces. An alternate gentle method is to use dried baking strips or thin wooden sticks. Place them between the cards and let them sit undisturbed for a few days to allow the bond to slowly release on its own over time.
If those methods don’t work or the bond is more severe, you can use moisture to help soften the bond for separation. Place the bricked cards between clean blotting paper or paper towels and dampen them slightly with distilled water (not tap water which can leave mineral deposits). Replace the wet towels every 30 minutes and let the cards sit overnight between changes. The moisture will permeate the bond layer and cause it to swell slightly for easier separation.
In severe cases where the bond has fully set like glue, you may need to resort to freezing methods. Carefully wrap the bricked cards very tightly in plastic wrap or place inside a ziplock bag to protect them from moisture damage.Freeze them at 0°F for 8-24 hours. The extreme cold will cause the bond material to become brittle enough to separate without pressure, much like ice in winter. Quickly transfer the frozen cards to a table and gently try prying the edges apart. Go very slowly and stop if you feel any card surfaces start to peel or detach.
As a last resort, you can try chemical methods but these carry higher risks. Place the cards between clean blotter paper or paper towels and add a single drop of rubbing alcohol to the bond area. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the alcohol to penetrate before attempting separation. Be aware that alcohol can also damage inks and coatings if left on too long so separation attempts should be made right after application. Mineral spirits or acetone also work but are stronger chemicals that require more care.
In all cases, patience is key when unbricking cards. Do not force or pry with excessive pressure which can damage fragile older cards or peel surfaces and ink. Taking your time over multiple gentle sessions is best. Store separated cards flat and avoid direct heat or moisture until fully dry. With careful techniques, even severely bricked collections can be unbound and saved with minimal risk to the card surfaces. Proper preservation practices after unbricking will prevent them from bonding again.
