Today I got unbearably bored, so I decided to write an informative guide regarding collection preservation. I have seen this topic mentioned in passing here and there but feel the subject lacks the attention it deserves. So I have outlined a few of the many ways you can store and protect your collection from beginner to advanced. Enjoy.
Card Protection:
Penny Sleeves- This is the most basic in terms of card projection. These will guard against surface scratches on a card but the protection ends there as edges can be damaged and cards can easily slip out of the top.
Top loaders - These are the most commonly used and easily accessible form of card protection. Results are best used when the card is first inserted into a penny sleeve and then a top loader. This further protects the card from surface scratches that could be caused by the use of a top loader by itself.
Team Bags- These come in various sizes and are optional. Team bags are resalable sleeves that a top loader/graded card can be placed into. This further protects the card inside and guards against any starches and fingerprints a top loader my incur through use.
Screw down cases- These offer a higher level of protection and come in various sizes/thicknesses. They can be either the traditional cases or magnetic. Always, always, always use recessed cases and preferably ones that offer corner protection. If a card is placed into a slab screw down without a recess it then becomes susceptible to ink lifting of the surface. In worst case scenarios involving humidity the card can loose the entire print layer. Best used with penny sleeves.
Binders- Pretty self explanatory. These are best used for a mass storage of cards and typically hold 9 cards per page. Ultra-pro makes a binder with side loading pages with a textured back to hold the card in place, which is better than traditional binder pages where the cards can slide out of the top. When storing higher value cards it best to use a penny sleeve or deck sleeve.
Grading - These often offer some of the best protection but also are the most time consuming and costly. Here a card is sent to a 3rd party grading service where they evaluate the condition of the card then seal it in a appropriately sized recessed case. The draw backs of grading (Besides time and money) is that the card is permanently sealed and can still have slight movement within the case. However, by grading a card it typically increases the value slightly in addition to the protection.
Card storage:
Simply put any place that is air conditioned, smoke free, low humidity (40-55%) and dark will do.
Safes-Fire proof safes are great for storing valuable/rare cards as they come in a variety of sizes. If trying to store binders a larger safe will be required which can get a little pricey. ($150-200) USD) One thing to not is that safes WILL produce humid which over a prolonged amount of time can damage cards. This is were the use of desiccant (Silica gel) is a must.
Desiccant- These are hydro-absorbent substances (Silica Gel) which will help lower humidity. These are a must for any safe or enclosed area you store you cards. I recommend using aluminum reusable silica gel packs. NOT THE ONES THAT COME WITH YOUR SHOES. The aluminum packs can absorb moisture in an area of 3 cubic feet and will keep it around 40-45% humidity. Although I would advise using more than one to decrease how often they have to be recharged (Which takes 3 hours in an oven). Note: use silica gel with orange indicator beads as the blue ones use Cobalt II Chloride.
Archival Boxes- I would definitely recommend using these if your safe does not have compartments or you just want to bring order to your collection. These boxes come in a variety of sizes and are archival safe and Ph neutral so acidity will not be a problem.
Basic Things to watch out for:
Products that contain PVC, are acidic or that produce humidity.
Ultraviolet light.
This pretty much wraps up all the options available for preserving your collection. Remember to always use products that are PCV free, Archival safe and offer some level of UV protection. Ultra-pro typically makes products that fit that criteria.
