Every slabbed card has a story, don't it?

[nwobhm]

Originally Posted by Snowman

I have no idea what you mean when you say that soaking a card in water "alters the chemistry of the card", and neither do you.

Soaking a card in water changes the moisture content.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by nwobhm

Soaking a card in water changes the moisture content.

That's why you let it dry lol

Also, so does moving from Vegas to New Orleans.

Soaking paper in water does not damage it in any way. Museums soak documents that are far more precious than any of our beloved sports cards all the time. The US Constitution, Biblical scrolls, Shakespeare's original writings, etc. These are all cleaned and preserved using the same techniques.

[ejharrington]

Originally Posted by Snowman

That's why you let it dry lol

Also, so does moving from Vegas to New Orleans.

Soaking paper in water does not damage it in any way. Museums soak documents that are far more precious than any of our beloved sports cards all the time. The US Constitution, Biblical scrolls, Shakespeare's original writings, etc. These are all cleaned and preserved using the same techniques.

It does alter the card and flushes out the color. Soaked cards are less vibrant.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by ejharrington

It does alter the card and flushes out the color. Soaked cards are less vibrant.

This is nonsense. You don't know what you're talking about.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Snowman

That's why you let it dry lol

Also, so does moving from Vegas to New Orleans.

Soaking paper in water does not damage it in any way. Museums soak documents that are far more precious than any of our beloved sports cards all the time. The US Constitution, Biblical scrolls, Shakespeare's original writings, etc. These are all cleaned and preserved using the same techniques.

And that's all done with materials and processes that are proven to do no long term damage.

Not some mystery stuff hawked by someone who seems to have profit as their primary goal.

[Michael B]

Originally Posted by nwobhm

Soaking a card in water changes the moisture content.

I don't normally jump into these arguments, but I agree with Snowman. The water does not alter the 'chemistry' of the wood fibers that make up the paper. The paper is still paper, whether it is wet or not. It may be easier to say the 'structure' of the molecules that make up the card are not changed. No chemical reaction has occurred which changes the paper into something else. After the card is dried it is still a card made of paper and ink.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by Michael B

I don't normally jump into these arguments, but I agree with Snowman. The water does not alter the 'chemistry' of the wood fibers that make up the paper. The paper is still paper, whether it is wet or not. It may be easier to say the 'structure' of the molecules that make up the card are not changed. No chemical reaction has occurred which changes the paper into something else. After the card is dried it is still a card made of paper and ink.

People often fear that which they don't understand or can't explain. They just assume that soaking a card in water will damage it and then attempt to justify their position because it just feels wrong to them. The hobby is like a religion to some with viewpoints that cannot be challenged.

The ironic part to me is that these same people are completely fine with collectors putting their grimy oily fingers with French-fry grease, dirt, snot, and god knows what else all over their cards, as if none of those substances "alter" the card. But the moment you talk about removing any of that or of even just water touching the card, they completely lose their marbles as they chant "ALTERATION!!!" and start calling for heads to roll. I honestly find it hilarious.