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Writer's pictureKurt Colone

Card Care Guide: The Soak and Dry Process

As a passionate collector, you know that sometimes your prized cards need a little TLC. Whether you're dealing with vintage treasures or modern chrome beauties, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the delicate process of the soak and dry method of card restoration. Let's dive in!


General Principles

Before we get into specifics, remember these golden rules:

  1. Patience is key. Don't rush the process.

  2. Always keep the card flat during restoration.

  3. Monitor moisture levels carefully.

  4. Different card types require different approaches.

  5. Valuable cards and base cards from the same set are made out of the same material. Practice on cheap stuff. Learn the card stock. Read this twice.


Products Used:


Vintage Card Care: A Delicate Touch

Vintage cards require extra care. Here's a day-by-day breakdown:

Day 1: The Initial Soak

  1. Remove the card from the spray solution.

  2. Gently blot it dry with a microfiber cloth.

  3. Place the card between drying mats.

  4. Change the drying pads every 2 hours to pull out moisture.

  5. It's okay to leave the mats on overnight.

Day 2-3: The Drying Dance

  1. Change out the mats every 3-4 hours.

  2. Every time you change the mats:

    • Let the card sit out for a few minutes.

    • Gently waft air over both sides using the pads.

    • Return the card to fresh mats and plates.

Day 4: The Home Stretch

  1. By now, the card should look and feel dry.

  2. Only when it's completely dry, transfer it to a penny sleeve and top loader.

  3. Store it away for another week to allow final moisture to dissipate.




Modern Chrome Cards (Prizm/Optic/Bowman)

These cards require a different approach:

  1. After soaking, dry off excess spray with a microfiber cloth.

  2. Alternate between drying mats and open air:

    • 2 hours between pads/plates

    • 2 hours face up in open air

  3. Repeat this process for 3-4 days.

  4. Keep the card between plates overnight or when you're away.

  5. The card is ready for a sleeve when it feels dry and the back isn't cool to touch.

  6. Store in a top loader for an additional week before grading.




Paper-Style Modern Cards (Upper Deck, Bowman, Hoops, Topps, non-chrome Donruss)

For these cards, a gentler approach works best:

  1. Use only 1-2 sprays per pad for light moisture.

  2. Let the card sit and dry without changing pads.

  3. Check progress every 12 hours.

  4. Most indents take 3-4 rounds of this process.




TCG (Trading Card Game) Cards

TCG cards have their own restoration method:

  1. Use 1 spray per pad for very light moisture.

  2. No need to change pads.

  3. Let it sit, set, and dry.

  4. Check progress every 12 hours.

  5. Repeat if necessary; most indents need 3-4 rounds.




Pro Tips from Experience

  1. For stubborn curves, try a single spray "card sandwich" for 24 hours.

  2. Prefer top loaders over semi-rigid holders for final storage.

  3. Don't hesitate to repeat the process if needed.


Remember, card restoration is both an art and a science. With patience and attention to detail, you can bring your beloved cards back to their former glory. Happy collecting!


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