How to Clean Trading Cards – COATlectibles

Ever thought about giving your trading cards a good clean? Wondered about the best way to do it? We’ve been chatting with the folks at COATlectibles, and they’ve shared some invaluable insights with us.

Protecting your cards in binders, with penny sleeves, and card protectors is a fantastic start. However, even with these precautions, your cards won’t stay pristine forever. The activities we love – trading, selling, buying, and grading – mean taking the cards out of their protective homes, making them vulnerable to dirt, dust, and even the odd scratch, especially the holographic ones. And while some imperfections might escape the naked eye, they won’t slip past a grader. Despite our best efforts to keep them pristine, trading cards, being predominantly made of card, are inherently delicate and can unfortunately be marked. They’re certainly not Vibranium – though that would be handy!

Even cards straight out of the pack can benefit from a gentle clean now and then. Over time, surface dirt can affect not just the appearance of your collection but potentially its value too.

So, as a collector, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, you might be wondering if there is anything that can be done. Whether you believe in cleaning cards or not, it’s worth reading what Josh at COATlectibles has to say about his new product.

About COATlectibles

Josh, a passionate car cleaner and Pokémon card enthusiast, founded COATlectibles in 2023 after scouring the internet for a way to clean trading cards without risking damage. His quest led to the development of Mirror Coat, a product designed to keep your cards looking their best. He later teamed up with Jasper, and together they’ve been introducing COATlectibles to collectors everywhere.

“With Mirror Coat, you can bid farewell to fingerprints and grease-infused tarnishes that mar the beauty of your collectibles. Our specially crafted formula forms a long-lasting, UV-resistant and dust-repelling coating that shields your items from environmental factors, ensuring they stay in impeccable condition for longer. We asked Josh how he recommends using his product and he has kindly talked us through the key steps below.” Says Josh.

Josh has kindly explained to us how to use his product in 5 simple steps below.  

Cleaning Your Cards with Mirror Coat

“Follow these steps to clean your cards using COATlectibles Mirror Coat solution:

1. Preparation is Key
   
   As the saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Start by gathering your cleaning tools and wear protective gloves to avoid the transfer of any dirt from your own hands. Make sure both your workspace and tools are spotless.
   
   For this task, you’ll need a microfiber towel or a glass cleaning cloth, a soft sponge swab, and a container for the Mirror Coat solution.
   
   COATlectibles offers a complete cleaning kit, details of which can be found here.
   
   
2. Application
   
   Apply a small amount of Mirror Coat to the sponge swab. Gently work the product over the card, ensuring even coverage, and focus on areas with visible dirt or grime. Use smooth, sweeping motions for the best results.
   
   Allow the product to rest on the card for a few moments.
   
   
3. Removal
   
   Next, take a clean cloth and wipe away any remaining residue gently.
   
   
4. Buffing
   
   With a microfiber towel, lightly buff the surface of the card to bring out its shine.
   
   
5. Assess and Repeat if Necessary
   
   After about 10 minutes, the product will be semi-cured. This is the perfect time to check if another application is needed. If you’re satisfied, let the card cure for an hour before handling it again.”
   

For more details and to purchase Mirror Coat, head over to the COATlectibles Catalogue.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended to provide information about COATlectibles and their new product, Mirror Coat, based on the insights shared by its founder, Josh. We are excited to support COATlectibles and the innovative approach they are taking to maintain the appearance of trading cards. The effectiveness and impact of Mirror Coat, particularly in relation to the grading of cards, have not been evaluated by professional grading companies at this time. Our aim is to share innovative developments within the collector community and support new businesses in the field, not to provide advice on card maintenance or enhancement. We encourage our readers to conduct their own research and consider their specific needs and the potential value of their collectibles before deciding to use any new product.