TCG Cards Care and Maintenance Tips
The TCG industry keeps growing in popularity every year and the fantasy card games that people enjoy are constantly attracting new players and collectors worldwide. There are many benefits of card games and they can improve people’s mental health, teach players about discipline, and increase patience levels. Famous card games such as Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh can bring people together and it’s a common way to have fun with loved ones. However, the cards aren’t invincible and most of them are very fragile. If you want to keep your TCG cards in good shape and condition, read on to learn about how you can take care of your precious cards and preserve them.
Don’t Use Some Cards
The TCG industry manufactured several unique cards and some of them are decades old, making them quite valuable and you shouldn’t use them in games or tournaments. Collectors and players need to check their deck thoroughly and figure out which cards should be used and which ones should be stored. You can easily figure this out by understanding the rarity of each card you own as some cards are more valuable than others. For example, some Pokémon cards were manufactured in the 90s and they have since stopped making them. Consider keeping those cards safely stored and protected to preserve their value because some cards are meant to be admired only as a collectible item.
Double-Sleeve Technique
Collectors and players can invest in certain accessories that are durable and effective in protecting TCG cards. Sleeves are important items that are worth the cost because they’re made out of strong material that protects cards from dust, smudges, and most other damage. You can even add your own personal touch to the TCG card sleeves because the plain ones can be quite dull. You can add some fun touches and personalize the sleeves. The custom design you choose can be a picture you’ve drawn or a special gaming character that you like. Using the double-sleeve technique on your cards will maintain and preserve them better, ensuring that they do not deteriorate over time. Get two different sizes because the second sleeve must be bigger than the first one that contains the card.
Clean Them Properly
TCG cards can be cleaned and the process won’t damage or devalue the cards at all if you do it right. One of the most effective methods used for cleaning cards quickly is by using a small paper bag, filling it up with cornstarch and flour, and then putting the cards in the bag. Leave the cards inside the mixture for a few minutes then gently wipe every card with a paper towel. Another unorthodox but effective method for cleaning is to rub every card with a slice of white toast to remove smudges or fingerprints. Try not to use water or solvents because the cards may warp over time with exposure to moisture.
Keep them Flat When Stored
Keeping TCG cards flat when stored is a smart way to avoid unintentional damage. Try not to store them in an upright position to prevent them from getting warped, causing the card to bend and lose its value. Gravity, humidity, and heat will increase the chances of cards becoming warped because the upright position makes them vulnerable. Always keep them flat and your cards won’t become altered or damaged when you store them.
Additional Tips
Collectors and players must avoid using rubber bands when they carry their decks. Rubber bands may secure cards tightly and safely, but they damage the integrity of the cards. Wrapping them in rubber bands will cause the card to break and become brittle, devaluing them completely. It’s not smart to put TCG cards in your pockets, even if you think it’s the safest place for them. The warmth of your body, along with heat and friction when you walk will wear the cards down. Creases will decrease their value and your cards may become irreversibly damaged.
Enjoying a fun card game with friends or family members comes with a price because most of the TCG cards will start deteriorating over time. Card games can teach you about logic and improve your math skills, but it also helps you understand the value of collectibles and the importance of maintaining them. Make sure that every card you own is protected from creases, tears, smudges, or scratches because wearing the cards down too much will devalue them over time. Following the above tips and researching different ways to preserve your card collection will help you enjoy playing the game. Preserved cards can be a great way to make some money if you decide to sell some of them in the future.
