Soaking - What exactly can be removed?

[rainier2004]

I have soaked some cards to remove extra paper and pieces before and it worked very well. I am curious what else can be removed with the process. I know staining and ink do not come off but what about dirt? What about other unidentified stuff? Does "dabbing" with a q-tip or paper towel help? My questions surround the card below as its a beautiful Collins except this dirt on the back.

[Texxxx]

The loose dirt will come off but the dirt will also stain the card that will not come off. It could improve the looks but my guess is that there will be a stain that will remain.

[EvilKing00]

um - what would you soak it in? or what would u dab it with?
(sry if this is a dumb question, i have never cleaned up a card)

[Leon]

It all depends on the composition of the dirt and how it is stuck on the card. If it were me I would do as suggested and try removing a small piece of dirt by gently rubbing with a Q tip and water and see what happens. Be gentile and good luck.

edited to add..... I have had this card for many years and have always contemplated getting the dirt on the back of it off but have just never done it. I think it would improve the appearance.

[ullmandds]

i think "blotting" with a qtip...would be a better technique than "rubbing."

not a rub...just an opinion!!!!

[rainier2004]

Thanks guys, Im right on the fence on this one. Blotting seems the best way to go, but I didnt think about the fact that the dirt will probably leave a stain...great point. My concern was pulling some paper off with the dirt, I know its a 15 but they are also pretty fragile (even though 14s are transparent). My gut hasnt decided yet...any opinions on the dirt on the front of this Tinker?

[ullmandds]

honestly...with my little experience w/soaking...I'd consider a soak over rubbing/blotting on a 14' CJ due to the super fragile nature of the card...or doing nothing at all!!!!

[Leon]

Originally Posted by rainier2004

Thanks guys, Im right on the fence on this one. Blotting seems the best way to go, but I didnt think about the fact that the dirt will probably leave a stain...great point. My concern was pulling some paper off with the dirt, I know its a 15 but they are also pretty fragile (even though 14s are transparent). My gut hasnt decided yet...any opinions on the dirt on the front of this Tinker?

If you are asking an opinion about that CJ card, I would leave it alone. You can still read all of the writing and it's not too distracting.

[atx840]

I'd say it soaked for 10 minutes and it started to peel off on its own. I think I have early video I can post.

I lightly used my finger to clean off any residue (cotton is likely a better choice). It came off surprisingly clean.

[kmac32]

Originally Posted by atx840

I'd say it soaked for 10 minutes and it started to peel off on its own. I think I have early video I can post.

I lightly used my finger to clean off any residue (cotton is likely a better choice). It came off surprisingly clean.

That would be awesome.

[Paul S]

Chris, what was coin/token in the bowl next to the card? Was it used to keep the card submerged?

[atx840]

Yep, he really didn't want to stay under.

[Runscott]

Chris, I wish I had a video of the night I soaked my National Copper Plate premiums. It was intense.

[frankbmd]

Yes, you need a method to keep the cards totally submerged. I call it card-waterboarding.

I use a very rounded spoon handle. It just seems more humane that way.

[EvilKing00]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Yes, you need a method to keep the cards totally submerged. I call it card-waterboarding.

I use a very rounded spoon handle. It just seems more humane that way.

lmao!!!

How do you dry the card? Air dry, Blowdryer? Pat with paper towle?

Does the card ever loose color, pieces of cardboard it wasnt supposed to or just get all bowed or wrinkiled????