Collection: Collectibles Supplies

Preserving and storing collectibles properly is essential to maintaining their value and condition over time. Below are some general guidelines for protecting and storing trading cards, comics, and signed sports memorabilia:

1. Trading Cards

Proper Storage:

• Use Sleeves & Toploaders: Always store your trading cards in individual penny sleeves (soft plastic sleeves) to protect them from handling, dirt, and oils. Then, place the sleeved card into a toploader (a rigid plastic holder) to offer further protection. For valuable cards, you might also use one-touch magnetic holders, which offer an extra layer of security.

• Storage Boxes: Store your cards upright in boxes designed specifically for trading cards. The boxes should be acid-free, made of sturdy cardboard, and sized for your cards (standard sizes are 800 or 1,000 cards per box). A common choice is the BCW storage box.

• Keep Cards in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing cards in areas with high humidity, heat, or direct sunlight. Ideal storage conditions are between 60-70°F (15-21°C) with relative humidity around 40-50%. Too much heat can cause cards to warp or discolor, while humidity can lead to mold and mildew.

• Avoid Food, Oils, and Touching: Always handle cards with clean hands or wear cotton gloves. Avoid touching the surfaces of the cards directly to prevent oil, dirt, and moisture buildup.

Long-Term Preservation:

• Grading: If you have valuable cards, consider getting them graded by a professional service (e.g., PSA or Beckett). Grading not only ensures proper storage but also adds authenticity and often increases the card’s value.

• Climate Control: For very high-value cards, consider a climate-controlled environment, especially if they’re worth several hundred or thousands of dollars.

2. Comics

Proper Storage:

• Use Mylar Bags & Boards: Comics should be stored in Mylar bags, which offer a higher level of protection compared to regular polyethylene bags. Insert a comic backing board (acid-free and lignin-free) into the bag to prevent bending and creasing.

• Store Upright in Boxes: Place the bagged and boarded comics upright in comic storage boxes designed specifically for the standard comic size (e.g., 6.75" x 10.25"). Choose acid-free, sturdy, archival-quality boxes for long-term storage. Avoid overcrowding the boxes, as this can cause warping or bending.

• Humidity Control: Just like trading cards, comics should be stored in a cool, dry environment. Humidity can cause the paper to become brittle and yellow. Aim for a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) with humidity levels at 40-50%.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays can cause fading over time. Store comics away from direct sunlight, and consider using UV-protective plastic for additional protection.

Long-Term Preservation:

• Grading: For valuable comics, professional grading by organizations like CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) provides protection and helps maintain value. Grading also ensures that the comic is preserved in pristine condition with minimal handling.

• Handling: Always handle comics with clean hands or wear cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils. When removing a comic from a bag, always hold it by the edges to prevent bending or creasing.

3. Signed Sports Memorabilia

Proper Storage:

• Use Display Cases or Frames: Signed sports memorabilia (jerseys, helmets, balls, etc.) should be displayed in UV-protective display cases or shadow boxes. These cases protect the items from dust, dirt, and physical damage while keeping them visible and preserved. For jerseys, consider frames that allow you to display the item flat and in a controlled, airtight environment.

• Avoid Touching Signatures: When handling signed memorabilia, wear cotton gloves to avoid smudging the signature or transferring oils from your fingers. Always handle items by their edges or non-signature areas.

• Store in Climate-Controlled Environments: Signed memorabilia, especially items made from leather or other natural materials, can degrade if exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity. Store them in a room where temperature and humidity are stable, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and 40-50% humidity.

• Use Acid-Free Materials: If you’re storing signed photos or flat items, use acid-free backing boards and storage folders. For jerseys and equipment, use breathable fabric bags that prevent moisture buildup but also allow the item to breathe.

Long-Term Preservation:

• UV Protection: Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause signatures to fade. Use UV-protective glass or acrylic when framing items, or keep them behind UV-blocking plastic in display cases.

• Preserve with Authentication: Signed memorabilia often comes with certificates of authenticity (COA). Keep these documents in a safe place, preferably in a climate-controlled environment, away from direct light. If you're storing the COA with the item, consider using acid-free storage pockets.

Additional Tips for All Collectibles:

• Regular Checkups: Periodically check on your collection to ensure that it’s still in good condition. This can help identify potential problems like humidity issues or fading that need to be addressed quickly.

• Insurance: For high-value items, consider getting insurance coverage. Many insurance companies offer specific policies for collectibles, which can provide peace of mind in case of loss or damage.

• Catalog Your Collection: Keep a detailed catalog of your collection, including descriptions, photos, purchase receipts, and authentication documents. This will be useful for valuation and insurance purposes.

By following these guidelines, you’ll help ensure that your trading cards, comics, and signed sports memorabilia stay in great condition and retain their value for years to come.