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HOW TO FIX BENT BASEBALL CARDS

The most important thing when fixing bent baseball cards is to be patient and go slow. Rushing the process can easily damage cards further so it’s best to take your time. There are a few different methods you can use depending on the severity of the bend:

For minor bends, your best option is to use heat and weight. Place the bent card directly on a heat source like a clothes iron set to the lowest possible heat setting, usually linen or synthetic. Make sure to lay a thin cloth like a towel or parchment paper over the card for protection. Apply very light pressure with the iron for 10-15 seconds, checking regularly, then remove from heat. Immediately place several heavy books on top of the card to flatten it out while it cools. Leave books in place for at least 12 hours.

For more severely creased cards, you may need to incorporate moisture along with heat and weight. Dampen the creased area very lightly with a damp paper towel or cloth by dabbing, not soaking. Too much moisture can damage the card. Place the dampened card on a flat surface and use the iron method as above, being extra careful to not push too hard with the iron near the crease. Leaving weights on the card overnight allows the moisture to gradually relax the fibers in the cardboard back into position as it dries.

Another technique for stubborn creases combines heat, moisture and mechanical action. Very carefully use pure grain alcohol (not rubbing alcohol which can damage the surface) and a cotton swab or cloth to dampen just the creased area. Apply gentle but steady pressure with your fingers to work the fibers back flat while heating with an iron set to low. Or place a couple heavy books on top to add weight and let dry completely before checking progress. Repeating the dampening and flattening process a few times may be needed for severe cases.

For truly mangled cards beyond repair with the above methods, your last resort is trimming or cutting. This should only be attempted as a final solution if the card is otherwise uncollectible due to heavy creasing or folds. Carefully and precisely trim or cut away just the most damaged portion of the cardboard back using a very sharp hobby knife or scissors. Take your time to get a clean cut. The front of the card can then lay flatter, though it will have a slight trimmed edge. Handle carefully from then on to avoid further damage.

Proper storage is key to prevent baseball cards from bending again after repair. Store in semi-rigid plastic pages, top loaders or magnetic holders. Boxes are preferable to long term storage compared to loose piles which can slip and slide against each other. Opt for acid-free paper or poly sleeves and pages if possible. Maintain cards in a temperature controlled environment away from direct heat or humidity which can cause warping over time. With patience and care, many damaged cards can be restored close to their original condition using heat, moisture, weight and sometimes precision trimming. Always go slowly and carefully for the best results.

ARE BENT BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

Whether a bent baseball card is worth anything depends on several factors. A minor bend is not going to drastically reduce the value of most cards, but a badly creased or folded card will see a significant drop in price. The condition and centering of the card outside of any bends is also important, as are attributes like the player, team, era and rarity of the specific card. A pristine mint condition card in the highest available grade from companies like PSA or BGS would command the highest prices. But cards in lower grades or with minor flaws can still retain value depending on demand.

One thing to understand is there are many different types of collectors in the baseball card hobby. Some are only interested in mint condition gems to showcase in protective holders, while others are willing to own cards with slight defects that don’t impact the visuals too much. Serious grade collectors want pristine copies to cross-reference registry sets, but some thematic or team collectors are satisfied just to own a particular player regardless of minor condition issues. As with any collectible, it’s the balance between supply and demand that determines a card’s worth.

Minor bend issues won’t stop a card from potentially being slabbed and graded if otherwise nicely centered. Services like PSA offer different designation labels that still provide authenticity assurance while acknowledging defects. For example, a “PSA 6” grade card allows some creasing or edge wear deemed not rising to the level of a “Poor” designation. This maintains some collectibility and often market value compared to a raw card. Demand for notable vintage and star rookies can supersede minor flaws and still garner solid prices at auction.

Creases that penetrate the surface or significantly warp the card dimensions usually receive damage designations dropping grades to “Poor” levels. Such flaws compromise the essential appearance and integrity expected of a high-end collectible. While star power may provide some residual demand, prices will still fall far below mint condition comps. Deeply creased commons have little beyond potential scrap value. The size and location of bends also matters, with those in less obtrusive areas impacting values less.

When assessing the worth of a bent baseball card, take into account not just the player but also the severity of bends, centering/condition otherwise, the specific year/set/design, and demand levels for that card from collectors. Minor flaws may still allow a card to retain meaningful value, but severe warping usually corresponds to a steep discount versus a pristine copy. Understanding grades and how condition impacts collectibility is key to properly evaluating price potential. With care and discernment, even imperfect specimens can still carry value for the right niche of enthusiasts in the vast baseball card marketplace.

Whether a bent baseball card is worth anything depends on several factors such as the severity of bends, the overall condition, the player, year, set, and demand. Minor bends may have little impact, while severe creases that compromise the card’s integrity usually correspond to a significant drop in value compared to a pristine graded copy. But certain cards from desirable sets, eras or starring notable players can sometimes still attract solid prices despite flaws by appealing to different collecting niches. A thorough assessment of all relevant attributes is necessary to properly evaluate the collectible and investment potential of any potentially bent baseball card.

HOW TO FIX BENT CORNERS ON BASEBALL CARDS

Fixing bent corners on baseball cards requires carefully straightening them without causing further damage. The steps involve softening the card stock with moisture to make it pliable again without weakening it, gently pressing the corners flat, and allowing them to dry flat over multiple days.

The first step is to humidify the card to soften the paper fibers without over-saturating the stock. Carefully mist the corner of the card lightly with a spray bottle of distilled water, applying very little at a time. You want the paper to become slightly flexible but not soaked through. Leave it to absorb the moisture for 5-10 minutes.

Care must be taken not to apply too much moisture at once as it could cause streaking, warping or weakening of the paper. Build it up gradually and check the flexibility often by gently trying to flatten the bend with your finger. You want it supple enough to reshape but not so wet that it loses its form when handled.

Once lightly humidified, use a soft flat tool like a credit card or ruler to gently press the bend out. Hold it firmly against a flat surface for support and press down carefully on the curled corner until it lies flat. Work slowly, re-pressing as needed, to fully work out the crease without damaging the surface. Again, apply just enough pressure to reshape – you do not want to fold or crease the paper further.

When the corner is lying flat, blot away any surface moisture with a clean lint-free cloth or paper towel. Excess moisture left on the surface could lead to watermarks or weak spots in the paper. Gently wipe away droplets but do not rub vigorously which could damage printing or surfaces.

The next crucial step is allowing the card to dry flat over multiple days. Slow air drying is important to prevent the corner from curling again as it regains its original shape memory. Place weights like heavy reference books on top to keep it pressed perfectly flat. Change the books’ position every 12-24 hours to ensure even drying.

Continue drying for 3-5 days depending on paper thickness and humidity levels. In very humid conditions it may take longer. Check each day that the corner remains flat and re-press lightly as needed if it attempts to curl at all during drying. Patience is key to allow the fibers time to dry reshaped.

For extra reinforcement once dry, apply a small piece of cellulose tape to the back of the fixed corner. Make sure the tape does not touch the printed surface or edge of the card. This helps “lock in” the new flat shape and prevent future curling. Allow further drying for another full day with weights on top.

With careful, gradual humidifying and pressing followed by slow drying under weights, bent card corners can usually be successfully straightened back into proper form. Take your time and go slowly to avoid damaging the card surface or weakening the paper stock from over-moistening. Perseverance and patience leads to restoration without further harming the collectible. With the right technique, damaged cards can regain their pristine condition.