Cards that CAN and CANNOT be soaked?!

[Cardboard Junkie]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

With pyrolysis you are making the assumption that one is using HOT water or steam to do the deed, that is not necessary.

No. Heat is just the total amount of kinetic energy in "normal" matter.
Anything above (theoretical) absolute zero is "heat".

[Runscott]

Regarding Old Judges, I haven't ever soaked these, but since they are albumens, and I HAVED soaked albumens , they theoretically should soak okay. But I would never do it, mainly because the backing is thicker and would curl - then you've got to deal drying it, which takes exponentially more time as the thickness of the backing increases - I know this from soaking mounted albumen cabinets. In the end, you are likely to have a slightly more attractive, curled card - I would leave those to professionals if you really have to get it done.

Also, not sure if I mentioned it elsewhere, but 'National Copper Plate' premiums soak very easily. I had a disaster of one that couldn't be hurt by soaking, and I was surprised to see how easy it was.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by Cardboard Junkie

No. Heat is just the total amount of kinetic energy in "normal" matter.

Anything above (theoretical) absolute zero is "heat".

Holy shit absolute zero. This convo is getting real.

[rhettyeakley]

Originally Posted by Cardboard Junkie

Anything above (theoretical) absolute zero is "heat".

You better start freezing your cards then David to get them to absolute zero, you wouldn't want their pH to change on you if they got above that!


David, I get what you are saying (I am a dentist and took more science classes in college than I wish to remember) but you are really splitting hairs here and it is hard to take what you say seriously, that is if you are actually being serious. It's hard to tell since you seem to be one of those guys that frequently gets in arguments with others on this board.

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by rhettyeakley

You better start freezing your cards then David to get them to absolute zero, you wouldn't want their pH to change on you if they got above that!

Not just freezing them. We are talking Demolition Man style cryogenic freezing.

[Cardboard Junkie]

absolute zero is just a theoretical point, like a singularity, it doesn't exist.

I don't want to argue with anyone. Soaking a card may improve its appearance but it will certainly change the ph level of the matter and increase its rate of degradation. That's why professional consevators add chemicals to their soaking solutions to stabilize the material, to prevent further and more rapid decay.
But why discuss this subject, it isn't about what you believe, it is about fact. Ask a professional if pencil/pen/marks can be erased without damaging the fibers. Ask if soaking a card is detrimental in the long run, (it is) Many times these marks can be removed without change to the naked eye. Under the proper the magnification and light, there will always be a trace.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Cardboard Junkie

absolute zero is just a theoretical point, like a singularity, it doesn't exist.

I don't want to argue with anyone. Soaking a card may improve its appearance but it will certainly change the ph level of the matter and increase its rate of degradation. That's why professional consevators add chemicals to their soaking solutions to stabilize the material, to prevent further and more rapid decay.
But why discuss this subject, it isn't about what you believe, it is about fact. Ask a professional if pencil/pen/marks can be erased without damaging the fibers. Ask if soaking a card is detrimental in the long run, (it is) Many times these marks can be removed without change to the naked eye. Under the proper the magnification and light, there will always be a trace.

One could argue that if changing the ph is one direction is harmful, then changing the ph is the other direction would be beneficial. I foresee an investment opportunity in litmus paper as collector's strive to optimize the ph of their collections. I have instructed my broker to look into:

Guangzhou Norm Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd
Shenzhen Yahee High Technologies Corp. Limited &
Hangzhou Liandong Import & Export Co., Ltd.

These are the big 3 litmus paper producers. Whatever happened to good old American Litmus?

I also think TPGs should measure ph and put it on the flip prior to encapsulation.

[Cardboard Junkie]

...in a nitrogen charged chamber, I presume.

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by I Only Smoke 4 the Cards

Not just freezing them. We are talking Demolition Man style cryogenic freezing.

Is that like 'Splendid Splintered head' freezing?!?

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by Runscott

Is that like 'Splendid Splintered head' freezing?!?

No. It's much more entertaining.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demolition_Man_(film)

[Jim65]

Has anyone soaked Bowmans?

I have a '51 Bowman Otto Graham this is beautiful except has some masking tape on the back.

[ullmandds]

not sure if masking tape's adhesive is water soluble...but I'd guess the card can take it.