Soaking cards, redux

[Exhibitman]

I blot the card initially with paper towel and then use sheets of plain white paper and a stack of old auction catalogs [see, there's a use for them] to flatten them.

I'd suggest you use distilled water or at least filtered water--some domestic water supplies can have rust or other particles in the home plumbing.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Exhibitman

I blot the card initially with paper towel and then use sheets of plain white paper and a stack of old auction catalogs [see, there's a use for them] to flatten them.

I'd suggest you use distilled water or at least filtered water--some domestic water supplies can have rust or other particles in the home plumbing.

Good point on the water Adam. I think I actually use our Ozarka 100% Natural Spring water nowadays. We go through many gallons of it in this TX heat. Hey, it will only be over 100 degrees five times this week. We are having a cold spell!!

[wake.up.the.echoes]

I was planning on soaking a card out of an album for a while but I always worry that months after the fact the card will start to curl as a result of having been in water. Is this possible?

[FrankWakefield]

Yes if it gets wet again. No if you keep it dry.

After soaking, blot it to remove water. Then put it between paper or paper towels, stack some books on it, change the paper occasionally, it will dry flat and stay flat.

[peterose4hof]

Anyone had success soaking T211 Meccas? I have this one I was thinking of soaking...

[Leon]

My concern about soaking this one would be in making the heavy crease have more wear due to the water. On this card I would very gently rub warm water on the remnants with a Q-tip and leave it....let it soak for 10-20 minutes then start rubbing very very gently with the Q-tip. I think there is a 99% chance that stuff would peel off. I wouldn't let that whole card swim if it were mine.

Originally Posted by peterose4hof

Anyone had success soaking T211 Meccas? I have this one I was thinking of soaking...

[nrm1977]

Can you soak cards to remove dirt/stains? I've never tried it but I do have a 1958 Topps Jim Brown that I've considered trying this method on to clean the card up. I've had the card for 20 years but, she'd look amazing with the dirt staining gone. I will have to post a picture of the card.

[wake.up.the.echoes]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will try and provide some before and after photos up in this thread.

[Texxxx]

I have soaked many cards and the time spent in the water depends on the glue used. Some come off real quick and others take several hours. Wait until they fall apart easily or you will pull paper from the card also. Play with some that are low grade already first. I usually wash them real gently with wet cotton balls to make sure all the glue is wiped off. As far as what to press them in, I like taking two flat boards that are raw. Not sealed with anything like varnish or stain. Use paper towel on each side of the card and place between boards. Then heavy weight on top. I change the paper towel after 15-20 min.also. The wood will soak a lot of the water up also. I leave them for a couple of days to be sure all the water is gone. I learned not to get to impatient about taking them out.