Altering vs cleaning

[Eric72]

Originally Posted by Paul S

Towel and water, okay. Towle and chems, not okay (I think that's the prevailing wisdom)

lol

[JollyElm]

To me, it's all about motive. If I think one of my cards could use a soaking to get rid of some gunk, then I'll give it a go...BUT...if I'm thinking of doing it to otherwise 'trick' a potential buyer of said card, that's when you start seeing signs for the ole slippery slope.

[drcy]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

To me, it's all about motive. If I think one of my cards could use a soaking to get rid of some gunk, then I'll give it a go...BUT...if I'm thinking of doing it to otherwise 'trick' a potential buyer of said card, that's when you start seeing signs for the ole slippery slope.

Well said

[ullmandds]

Originally Posted by JollyElm

To me, it's all about motive. If I think one of my cards could use a soaking to get rid of some gunk, then I'll give it a go...BUT...if I'm thinking of doing it to otherwise 'trick' a potential buyer of said card, that's when you start seeing signs for the ole slippery slope.

I guess I don’t really see a big difference in the cleaning up a card so that you can enjoy it for a few years which eventually will get sold likely for more money because it is cleaner than buying a card cleaning it and selling it?

[mantlefan]

Eventually we all sell so I can’t be limited by by that factor. I’m with Leon. Distilled water bath, a cloth and an eraser are my only tools.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by ullmandds

I guess I don’t really see a big difference in the cleaning up a card so that you can enjoy it for a few years which eventually will get sold likely for more money because it is cleaner than buying a card cleaning it and selling it?

Me too. Generally speaking a better looking card will sell for more. Anyone cleaning one should understand that. So regardless of the motive, cleaning is a win-win for the seller . ( I dislike that saying) BTW, I like the Towle reference above...

[Fred]

The reason for the post is because I was looking for a little guidance and advice. I've never done any "doctoring/cleaning" of any cards and was a bit paranoid that:
1 - I'd be violating some type of code of ethics
2 - I'd destroy a paper item which I can't replace

Thank you guys for the advice and guidance. You can see the difference in the card before/after. Note, I didn't scan the before image, I found it from a web site and used it as my reference as "before". You can see the "cleaned" image on the right. Q-tip and water and gentle scrubbing removed a lot of dirt and crud.

Thanks again!