How to Protect Baseball Cards

One of the most popular types of baseball memorabilia is the baseball card. Collecting and trading these cards can be both a hobby and an investment. Whether you plan to enjoy them yourself for years to come or you plan to make a profit in the future, protect your baseball cards to preserve them well.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Store your baseball cards in acid- and PVC-free plastic sleeves or hard plastic sleeves. If you use PVC plastic supplies, ensure that they contain no plasticizers or stearates.

2. Place baseball cards in storage areas free of direct sunlight. Sunlight causes fading and the heat causes the cards to deteriorate, weakening colors on the card and prized signatures.

3. Prevent curled or curved baseball cards by storing baseball card binders in a flat manner away from heat.

4. Keep food and beverage away from your baseball cards. If you're saving bubble gum packs, take out the piece of gum if it doesn't affect the value of the collection.

5. Be aware of humidity levels in the storage area to prevent mold. Cards may stick and later rip during attempts to separate them if they develop mold.

6. View your baseball cards with clean hands to avoid fingerprints. Also hold the baseball card with your fingers on the front or back to avoid dinging up the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have your baseball memorabilia properly insured.
• Consider a fireproof lock box to protect your prized cards in the event of a fire.
• Avoid grouping your baseball cards together with a rubber band to store. This encourages curling and creasing, and it can rough up the edges of the cards.