If you are a regular card game player, chances are you want to protect them from damage as much as you can. Your cards can incur damage from factors playing, storage, sunlight, and humidity. So, how can you slow or stop card damage from these sources? Here is a list of tips on protecting your game from some of the primary sources of damage.
Protection from Play Damage
One of the most common options for protecting cards from damage is dressing them in sleeves. Card game sleeves are made to snuggly fit your cards, protecting them from wear and tear over time. Majorly made of propylene, the sleeves are designed to take in the harshness or regular use and other elements on behalf of your cards. Therefore, they protect the cards from getting quick damage.
You might also be hesitant to get card sleeves because they affect shuffling. You might no longer enjoy the usual card shuffling noise. Unfortunately, some cards are hard to replace, so foregoing the shuffling sound will not be a big sacrifice. Also, you may be wondering if you will get sheaths that perfectly fit your cards. Chances are, it’s already been figured out and is available in the market.
You can also apply a finish on the cards. This will add a layer of protection to your game. However, you need to be careful that the finish does not contain chemicals that might react with your cards. Also, if you are a serious preservationist, you can use plexiglass to add a layer of protection to your board.
Protection from Storage Damage
Sometimes your cards will get damaged simply from the way they are stored. Thus, you need to be very careful with how you store your cards. In essence, you need to understand that some games are susceptible to corner ripping, especially if their adhesive has worn out over time. However, if you have particularly valuable or rare games, you may need to rebox them. Cardboards and wood are especially notorious for leaching acid, which may cause discoloration, and even cause fading.
Protection from Sunlight
Like posters, game cards that are left exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can get damaged. The sun’s rays cause the cards’ colors to fade and the fabric to fade. So, if you want to protect the cards from sunlight damage, you should store them in their boxes and keep them away from direct sunlight.
But if you are a hobby collector, storing the cards in total darkness may not sit well with you. In this case, you can use UV window coverings to shield the cards from the sun. However, UV window shields may not be enough for serious conservationists. If you fall under this category, you may want to use LED lights in your house since even light from regular lights might damage your cards.
Protection from Moisture
Moisture can affect your cards as badly as spilling a beer or water on them. If stored in a moist environment, cards, boards, and boxes can warp. Also, mold and mildew may eventually grow on them. This eventuality can be prevented by storing cards off the ground, on shelves. It also means that you may have to get the cards off the basement since it’s one of the spaces with the highest humidity level. You may also invest in a decent humidifier to provide a buffer against your cards from getting damp. Lastly, you can invest in a humidity-controlled room, especially if you are a serious preservationist with a huge collection of vintage cards.
Final Thoughts
Although wear and tear may be imminent over time, the damage can be delayed. Following the above tips will give you peace of mind since you will always be assured that your cards are safe and have a longer shelf life.
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