Strip Cards, To Clean or Not to Clean?

[kmac32]

What group of strip cards are we talking about? I have collected W572 cards and some were dirty or even had scrapbook / glue on the back of them. They cleaned up well by soaking to dissolve glue and remove scrapbook paper and very light application of qtips to remove surface grime. The secret is to watch them closely and not soak too long. It is a fine line between just right and too long so start with the real beepaters to get a feel for it and definitely would not use any chemicals.

Kmac

[Snapolit1]

No expert on cleaning (anything), but I'd isolate about a half dozen pretty valueless cards and perfect my chosen method on them. By the time I got to the real good ones I'd be damm sure I had my cleaning technique down cold.

[Flyingace]

Originally Posted by Snapolit1

No expert on cleaning (anything), but I'd isolate about a half dozen pretty valueless cards and perfect my chosen method on them. By the time I got to the real good ones I'd be damm sure I had my cleaning technique down cold.

Thank you. Many variables to consider.

[steve B]

It would depend on which set. Some are on such poor cardboard that they may not be all that cleanable.

You could always try a common and see how it goes.

Steve B

[Leon]

Try a light, damp cloth to start with. I doubt that would hurt much. It would help to know what kind of cards they are too, to give better advice. There are a ton of strip cards ..... Do you have a scan or picture?

[rp12367]

Originally Posted by kmac32

What group of strip cards are we talking about? I have collected W572 cards and some were dirty or even had scrapbook / glue on the back of them. They cleaned up well by soaking to dissolve glue and remove scrapbook paper and very light application of qtips to remove surface grime. The secret is to watch them closely and not soak too long. It is a fine line between just right and too long so start with the real beepaters to get a feel for it and definitely would not use any chemicals.

Kmac

+1

[Flyingace]

RP12367, check the answer to your quote in the thread. Will cleaning the cards enhance their value?

[kmac32]

Depends on the cards involved and the popularity of the issue. In general my thought would be yes but a qualified yes. As a rule peopl like clean cards over cards with issues.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Flyingace

RP12367, check the answer to your quote in the thread. Will cleaning the cards enhance their value?

If you don't damage the card then a cleaner card and better looking card will be more valuable. I have taken countless marks, glues, papers and pastes off of cards with water, q tip and/or plastic eraser. Have had very good luck.

[Exhibitman]

There is a dry product that conservators use to remove surface dirt. I forget the name.

[Flyingace]

KMac, check my answer your question in the thread. Will cleaning the cards enhance their value?