Tag Archives: creases

HOW TO GET CREASES OUT OF BASEBALL CARDS

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There are a few different methods you can try to get creases out of baseball cards. The method you use will depend on the severity of the crease and the overall condition of the card. Cards with lighter creases may be able to be flattened out with gentle pressure and weight, while more severe creases may require more involved techniques.

One of the simplest methods is to gently warm the creased area with a hair dryer on a low heat setting from about 6 inches away. Be very careful not to get the card too hot as this could damage it. Gently blowing warm air over the creased area can soften the cardboard and make it easier to flatten out. Once warmed, place the card crease side down on a flat surface and gently presses down along the crease with your fingertips or the back of a spoon. You can also place heavy books on top of the card for 12-24 hours to apply constant pressure to the creased area as it cools. This method works best for lighter creases.

For deeper creases, you may have more success using the help of humidity. Place the creased card between the pages of an absorbent material like a paper towel or coffee filter that has been dampened with distilled water. Make sure the moistened pages do not touch the surface of the card directly. Close the pages around the card to envelope it and secure everything between two rigid surfaces like book covers or heavyweight cardboard. Apply weight on top such as textbooks or thick books and leave undisturbed for 1-3 days. The increased moisture level allows the cardboard material to become more pliable and flatten out underneath the constant pressure. Make sure to check the card periodically and remove it once the crease has lessened. Over-saturating the card could cause other damage, so this method requires monitoring.

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Steam can also be an effective crease remover for cards. Hold the creased area of the card a few inches above a steam vapor for 5-10 seconds. Don’t let water droplets accumulate or touch the surface. This will warm and rehydrate the cardboard fibres. Quickly flatten the warm, dampened area between rigid surfaces and weigh it down as previously described. Leave it undisturbed until completely dry. Steam provides a burst of targeted moisture without risking water saturation. Make sure the steam is distilled or purified to avoid mineral deposits.

For stubborn creases, you may need to try hydrating the cardboard more intensely. Completely submerge just the creased portion of the card in distilled water for 1-5 minutes. Gently blot away excess moisture before carefully flattening the area between rigid surfaces and applying weights as usual. Leave flattened overnight to ensure thorough drying. Don’t fully immerse valuable cards unless absolutely necessary as water can cause other damage. Take care to avoid getting any ink or surfaces wet beyond the creased area.

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As a last resort, you can try gently massaging additional moisture into a deep crease with a cotton swab or Q-tip that has been dampened with distilled water. Work the moisture in while gently applying pressure with your fingertips to flatten the dampened area. Change to a clean section of the swab frequently. Once flattened, check for dryness before stacking weights on top. This targeted hydration can help relax fibers too tightly compressed to respond to other methods.

In all cases, take care to use clean, rigid surfaces and consistent, even pressure on both sides of the creased area. Avoid shifting or disturbing cards while drying under weight. Drying completely is essential to prevent further damage. Check cards regularly while drying as continued pressure could damage unaffected areas given too much time. Patience is required as some creases may take days to fully flatten depending on their depth and conditioning of the card stock. Relapses can occur if not given adequate drying time initially as well. With care and diligence, you can achieve surprising success in lessening creases on vintage cards using humidity-based techniques. I hope this detailed guide provides helpful information and techniques for removing creases from beloved baseball cards in your collection. Let me know if you have any other questions!

HOW TO REMOVE CREASES FROM BASEBALL CARDS

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Baseball cards can develop unsightly creases over time if they are folded, crushed, or improperly stored. While it may not be possible to completely remove all traces of creasing, there are several techniques you can try to minimize creases and help restore the card to a flatter, cleaner condition. The method you use will depend on the severity of the creases.

For light creases, the simplest approach is to try gently flattening the card under heavy books or other flat, heavy objects. Place the baseball card between two sheets of acid-free paper to protect the surface. Then stack several heavy books on top with even pressure across the surface. Leave it like this for several days or up to a week to allow the card to slowly flatten out on its own over time. Check on it periodically by lifting the books to see if the crease has lessened. Repeat as needed until satisfied with the result.

For deeper creases that don’t respond well to simple book flattening, you may need to use steam from a humidifier or clothing iron on the lowest moisture and heat settings. Place the baseball card crease-side up on a clean, dry surface covered with a thick, lint-free cloth like felt or flannel to protect it. Run the iron back and forth gently over the crease area without actually touching the card. The steam will penetrate the fibers and slowly relax them to flatten out the wrinkles. Go slowly, checking regularly, as oversaturating the card could cause warping or damage.

Another trick is to use a clean, wet towel to apply moisture directly to the creased area of the card. Again, do this carefully without over-saturating the paper stock. The moisture will relax the fibers just as steam does. Place another dry towel over it and gently press with your fingertips to flatten. Allow to fully air dry before assessing results. Repeat as needed.

For stubborn creases, try using rubber cement or a heat tool on the lowest temperature setting as a last resort. Apply a thin coat of rubber cement just to the creased area of the card and allow to become tacky. Then place between sheets of paper and flatten with heavy objects. The adhesive will help hold the fibers in place as they dry. A heat tool on a very low warm setting can also gently relax fibers, but use extreme care to avoid harming the surface. Go slowly in short bursts and monitor closely.

Proper care and storage is key after any crease removal attempts to prevent new creases from forming. Store cards in hard plastic holders or penny sleeves, then in cardboard boxes, binders or portfolios. Avoid folding, bending or crushing. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight which can damage over time. With patience and careful application of the right technique for the severity of the creases, you can often make notable improvements to even significantly creased baseball cards. But remember subtle traces may still remain despite best efforts.