Tag Archives: preserve

HOW TO PRESERVE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

There are several important steps collectors can take to properly preserve their baseball card collections and prevent damage over time. These valuable pieces of sports history deserve to be cared for and protected to maintain their condition.

The first consideration is the storage container or case for the cards. An affordable and effective option is plastic sleeve pages that are specifically designed for baseball cards. Each card slides into its own protective sleeve to prevent scratches or bent corners. The sleeves are then inserted into durable 3-ring binders that allow pages to be easily added or removed. Make sure to use acid-free plastic pages since acidic materials can yellow or damage cards over decades. Always handle cards by the edges and avoid touching the surfaces.

Another common way to store cards is in cardboard boxes. Ensure any boxes used are sturdy and not crushed or worn. Also make sure boxes are not stored in overly humid or damp areas like basements which can cause mold or warping. Dehumidifiers or desiccant packets inside boxes can help regulate moisture levels. As with binders, place each card in its own sleeve for protection within the box. Proper dividers or separators between layers of sleeves keep the cards from rubbing against each other.

After choosing a safe storage container, the next key is maintaining proper environmental conditions. Direct sunlight, heat sources, and fluctuations in temperature or humidity are all detrimental to long-term preservation. An ideal climate-controlled space would be around 65-70°F and 50% relative humidity. At a minimum, cards should be stored away from windows, attics, and other extreme areas of a home. This helps slow down the natural aging process over decades.

In addition to storage, there are preservation techniques for valuable vintage cards graded by authentication companies like PSA or BGS. For already graded slabbed cards, the risk of scratches or damage is minimized by the protective covering. However oxidation can still cause fading colors over time if not properly handled. Acid-free polypropylene sleeve pages in binders or custom fitted boxes provides an extra layer between the slab and surroundings. Ultraviolet light blocking sleeves may also help with fading issues for display.

Another important aspect is handling and cleaning cards carefully. Fingertip oils can build up over time if touched frequently without protection. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling unslabbed cards and use clean cotton gloves if needed for added protection. Gentle dusting with soft-bristled brushes can help maintain appearance but strong chemicals should always be avoided on vintage paper stock. Professional grading services will also reholder slabs if needed to maintain seals over decades of storage and transport.

Proper storage, environmental control, protective sleeves, limited handling and cleaning all work together help preserve the condition and value of a baseball card collection over many years. With dedication to best practices, valuable pieces of sports history can maintain their condition to be enjoyed by future generations of collectors. Regular inspection also allows early detection of any issues before they worsen so corrective measures like resleeving or re-encapsulation can prolong lifespan. Proper preservation is key to maintaining memories captured in cardboard for decades to come.

BEST WAY TO PRESERVE BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

Baseball cards are a cherished collectible for many people. Whether you have cards from when you were a kid or are actively collecting, it’s important to properly store and preserve your baseball cards to protect their condition and value over many years. Here are some of the best practices for preserving your baseball card collection.

Plastic Sleeves – One of the most basic but important steps is to store each individual baseball card in a penny sleeve or top loader. Plastic sleeves provide a protective barrier between the card surface and anything it may come into contact with that could damage it, such as fingerprints or other particles. Look for acid-free plastic sleeves to prevent yellowing over time. Sleeve each card as soon as you acquire it.

Toploaders – For more valuable and prized cards in your collection, invest in acrylic toploaders. Toploaders are rigid plastic sleeves that are thicker than penny sleeves and provide extra protection. They are ideal for housing your most valuable game-used, autographed, rare, or vintage cards. Toploaders can also be stacked or stored in card boxes without risk of bending the corners of the cards.

Magnetic Holders – Magnetic holders are a great option for displaying your favorite cards while still protecting them. Look for magnetic pages with acid-free sleeves that have a polypropylene sheet and magnetic backing. Cards are safely enclosed in a see-through sleeve that is held securely in place by magnets. This allows you to rotate cards in and out of the display book as desired without ever directly touching the card surface.

Storage Boxes – For long-term storage of your bulk card collection, you’ll want acid-free cardboard or plastic storage boxes. Cardboard boxes are affordable but can potentially damage over time from moisture or other factors if not properly cared for. Plastic boxes provide better protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental elements. Opt for boxes with tight-fitting lids and look for those labeled “acid-free” to prevent yellowing. Store boxes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Organization – Take the time to properly organize your baseball cards in the storage boxes. Sort by sport, set, player, year, or however makes the most logical sense for your collection. Place cards in protective sleeves or toploaders before putting them in the boxes. Consider using divider cards or sheets to easily separate different sections. This will make your collection much easier to maintain and locate specific cards down the road.

Environmental Controls – The storage environment plays a big role in long-term preservation. Store cards in a cool location, ideally between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid hot attics, basements, or direct sunlight exposure which can cause damage over time. Also protect against moisture, ensure good air circulation, and check boxes periodically for any water damage or insect/rodent problems. The more stable the storage conditions, the better preserved your cards will remain.

Grading – For your most prized vintage or valuable cards, consider sending them to a professional grading service like PSA or BGS. Third-party grading provides an impartial assessment of condition and authenticity. Encapsulating the card in a tamper-proof holder also adds an extra layer of protection compared to a regular toploader or sleeve. Just be sure to research costs and turnaround times before submitting cards. Grading is best reserved for truly high-end pieces.

Insurance – If your baseball card collection is valuable, insure it just like any other valuable collection. Consult your homeowners or renters insurance policy to see if cards are covered, and get proper documentation of your collection’s value. For collections exceeding basic policy limits, you may need a separate personal articles policy. Take photos of your collection for documentation as well. Proper insurance can give you peace of mind in case of an unexpected event like theft or natural disaster.

Following best preservation practices with sleeves, boxes, environment controls and more can help keep your baseball card collection protected and in the best condition for decades of enjoyment. Taking the time now to properly store and maintain cards pays off long-term to preserve their collectible value for years to come. Handle cards with care, keep them in safe storage, and your baseball card memories will stay intact.