A card's condition is a huge part of its value, and most damage happens in storage, not in play. Here is how we recommend protecting everything from bulk to your best hits.
The basics: sleeve everything that matters
- Penny sleeves are the first layer for any card worth keeping. Slide the card in gently, top first.
- Toploaders (rigid plastic holders) go over the sleeve for valuable cards. Choose the right thickness for the card.
- Semi-rigid card holders are the standard for sending cards to grading companies.
- Magnetic one-touch cases are the best display option for your top cards.
- Graded slabs are protective already, but slab sleeves or slab boxes stop scratches.
Binders: choose side-loading pages
A good binder with side-loading pockets keeps cards flat and dust free. Avoid ring binders where the rings can dent cards near the spine, and don't overstuff pockets. Never put your most valuable cards in a binder without a sleeve.
Decks you play with
Double-sleeve: a tight inner sleeve, then a standard outer sleeve. Shuffle on a clean, dry surface, and keep the deck in a deck box.
Bulk
Cardboard storage boxes sized for trading cards are cheap and work well. Sort by set or by number so you can find cards later. Never use rubber bands. They bend and dent the cards they touch.
Watch the environment
- Humidity makes cards curl and warp, especially holos and foils. Keep cards somewhere dry and add silica gel packs to storage boxes.
- Sunlight fades cards and packaging. Keep displays out of direct sun.
- Heat and temperature swings do damage too. Skip attics, basements, garages and car trunks.
Sealed product
Keep shrink wrap on, store boxes out of the sun in a dry place, and don't stack heavy boxes on top of lighter ones. Acrylic cases are worth it for premium sealed items you plan to hold.
Handling
Clean, dry hands. Hold cards by the edges. Don't slide cards across tables or let them rub against each other loose.
Shipping a card
Penny sleeve, toploader, a team bag or a piece of tape over the top so it can't slide out, then sandwich it between cardboard in a bubble mailer.
Stock up in store
Every Cards2Go store carries supplies alongside the cards. Find your nearest store, and if you're thinking about grading your best cards, read Is my card worth grading?
