Question about cleaning Japanese glossy promo cards!

My views on cleaning are a bit extreme compared to most (read more here). Given that, I would recommend to not alter your cards, especially if you plan to grade or sell them in the future.


For context, this is how I define cleaning vs. altering:

I view any restorative procedure as altering the card and immoral if not disclosed.

Cleaning [- i.e., the integrity of the card is not changed and chemicals are not added]

  • Using small amounts of water to clean a card
  • De-warping a humidity-induced cupped card

Altering [- i.e., restorative procedures]

  • Adding substances to the card’s surface for polishing
  • Buffing out scratches
  • Flattening cards to remove indentations
  • Pushing a slightly raised corner or edge downward
  • Recoloring
  • Removing ink from a signature
  • Restoring cardstock
  • Trimming edges/corners
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