Once you have built you Pokemon card deck, you must have asked yourself how can I protect my Pokemon cards? You will want to keep your collection well preserved and pristine even if it is just for yourself or for in the future to increase the value of the collection.
In this article, you'll discover the best methods to store and protect your Pokémon cards, from using quality card protectors to organising them in binders. With the right approach, you can keep your cards safe from damage, ensuring they remain in top condition for years to come.
Why You Should Take Care of Your Pokemon Cards
Remember that these cards are very delicate since they are made out of paper so they can easily get ruined by a number of reasons. There are two reasons why you should take care of your Pokemon cards.
Firstly, financial value. Treat your Pokémon cards like treasures, because some of them are worth a pretty penny. For instance, a first-edition Charizard can fetch thousands if it’s in mint condition. Damaged cards, however, depreciate significantly in value. So, keeping them in top shape means they could pay off down the road.
Then, there’s the sentimental value. Some of these cards hold memories, don’t they? Maybe they remind you of your childhood or represent a nostalgic era. By protecting them, you preserve those memories and make sure they can be treasured for years to come.
Penny Sleeve
Start with the penny sleeve. It's named so because it's super cheap, but don't let the name fool you. These thin plastic sleeves are excellent at shielding your cards from scratches and minor dings. Insert the card top end first to ensure the opening stays at the bottom. This way, dust and other particles have a harder time getting in.
Toploader Sleeve
Next up is the toploader. Once your card's snug in a penny sleeve, slide it into one of these. Toploaders are stiffer and provide an extra layer of protection, defending against more severe impacts and bending. Align the open side of the penny sleeve with the bottom of the toploader for maximum protection.
Proper Storage
Think about storage, such as binders or portfolios. Don't just chuck your cards in a drawer. Pokémon tins or sturdy boxes work great. Make sure you store them neatly. Overcrowding can lead to damage, so give them some breathing room.
Avoid Extreme Conditions
Lastly, store your cards in a place where humidity and temperature are controlled. Extreme conditions can cause the cards to warp or deteriorate. A cool, dry place is ideal for maintaining their condition and never leave them in direct sunlight, as the light can make the colour fade on the cards.
Choosing the Right Storage for your Pokemon Cards
Choosing the right storage means taking several factors into account:
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Collection Size: If your collection is vast, opt for storage boxes or binders. For smaller sets, consider using sleeves or toploaders to keep them safe and display-worthy. Binders provide ease of access and organisation, while boxes offer bulk storage.
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Material Quality: Always go for acid-free storage options. Acidic materials can cause your cards to yellow or discolour over time. Look for acid-free binders, sleeves, and boxes to ensure long-term protection.
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Card Value and Rarity: Valuable or rare cards require the best protection. A card worth a significant amount of money shouldn’t just sit in a basic sleeve. Double-sleeving can be an effective way of adding an extra layer of protection, especially for prized cards.
Practical tips from experienced collectors suggest that regular inspections of stored cards help identify any early signs of damage. Catching issues like warping or discolouration early on allows you to address them promptly, ensuring your cards remain in top-notch condition.
By considering these factors, you can protect and maintain your Pokémon card collection, keeping it in excellent shape for years to come.
Storage Options
Storing Pokémon cards properly ensures they stay in top condition and maintain their value. Consider your options carefully to find what best suits your collection.
Card Storage Boxes
Card storage boxes are perfect for handling large collections. They come in various materials like cardboard and plastic. For instance, plastic boxes tend to offer better durability and protection against moisture compared to cardboard ones. When using a storage box, make sure it has dividers to organise the cards neatly. This will help you find specific cards easily and keep them from shuffling around. It’s a good idea to use additional protective sleeves or toploaders inside these boxes for extra security against damage.
Card Tins
Card tins often come with Pokémon card sets and serve as both packaging and storage. These tins are durable, usually made of metal, and provide robust protection against physical damage and environmental factors. However, it is essential not to overfill the tins to avoid bending the cards. Also, store your tins in a dry place since metal can rust if exposed to moisture. Despite these considerations, tins are incredibly convenient for their portability and stackability, making them a favourite among collectors for keeping valuable cards safe and organised.
Best Practices for Card Care
Handling Your Cards
Properly handle your Pokémon cards to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Always use clean, dry hands when handling your cards. Avoid touching the front or back surface of the card; instead, hold the edges. If possible, wear clean cotton gloves to minimise contact with oils or dirt from your skin. While examining or showing your cards, consider placing them on a clean, flat surface to reduce handling.
Insurance
If you do have some really valuable Pokemon cards in your collection, it would be worth considering taking out insurance for these, it is very likely that the value will go up and the really rare cards would have cost you quite a bit, don't take the risk and get them insured!
