Questions about soaking cards and removing stains

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by steve B

I wouldn't use anything but water.

The info is probably out there, but the long term effects of most other things aren't commonly known.
Professional conservators use a variety of things specially made for that sort of work, but if you can't afford a homemade formula the professional stuff isn't in your future.

Vinegar is an acid, and with already acidic cardboard I'd expect it to make any degradation worse, especially over time.

Yes but by then it will already be in a PSA holder and someone elses problem.

Snowman got anymore great card doctoring tips for us. On the 1000s of cards you have doctored what is your average grade bump?

[bobbyw8469]

I understand it's a gray area, but this is not trimming or coloring cards.

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I understand it's a gray area, but this is not trimming or coloring cards.

If I was a trimmer or recolored cards I would say at least I am not soaking them in god knows what and NOT disclosing it. Not really a grey area unless you want it to be.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by bnorth

If I was a trimmer or recolored cards I would say at least I am not soaking them in god knows what and NOT disclosing it. Not really a grey area unless you want it to be.

Ah, I see. So, you're a trimmer. What sort of grade bumps do you get from that?

[samosa4u]

You can also soak your cards in crude oil as well. They'll come out looking new!

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by samosa4u

You can also soak your cards in crude oil as well. They'll come out looking new!

Is that what you did with the Parkhurst in your profile pic?

jkjk. Awesome card!

[bobbyw8469]

Thank you for all the help.....from those that did.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by bobbyw8469

I understand it's a gray area, but this is not trimming or coloring cards.

Soaking vintage cards in water isn't even a gray area though. It's a standard practice and one that is allowed by every grading company. Some people just choose to be ignorant about it. They're afraid of the boogeyman.

Soaking in acids or petroleums is where cards can get damaged. It's also often detectable.

[jimq16415]

Bobby I'm sure you already know this but just in case, get a cheap common or 2 from the same set and try soaking them first. If you can get cards with similar staining, all the better.

I soaked an addie joss T206 polar bear with some tobacco stains, I was afraid I would ruin it but it all ended well. Good luck!