Comic book pressing is a meticulous process that combines humidification, evenly distributed heat, and precision-applied pressure to reduce or eliminate specific defects and imperfections in comic books. This technique is carefully executed to restore the comic’s structural integrity and enhance its visual appeal, all while preserving its authenticity. By improving the comic’s overall appearance, pressing not only revitalizes its presentation but can also significantly increase its value, making it a vital service for collectors aiming to elevate their prized books or prepare them for professional grading.

The first step in evaluating a comic book’s condition is identifying its “good” defects and “bad” defects. Good defects are imperfections that can often be improved or removed through a professional pressing process. On the other hand, bad defects are irreversible damage that cannot be corrected. To help you better understand the difference, refer to our comprehensive guide. Click to jump there

Identifying the right comic books for pressing can be challenging, as it requires a clear understanding of the potential outcome. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to have a thorough knowledge of third-party grading standards and the ability to visualize the comic book’s grade once removable defects are addressed. This expertise ensures that only the best candidates are chosen for pressing, maximizing the improvement in their grade and value.

It is important to note that just because a comic exhibits good defects does not mean it will automatically increase in grade with a pressing. The good defects must be weighed against the presence of any bad defects. For instance, a comic book graded 8.5 with a moderate non-colour breaking bend and fingerprints may still grade an 8.5 after pressing due to the fingerprints.

CGC nor CBCS consider pressing to be a restorative process.

The comic book pressing process is a safe and effective method for removing defects, and it can be applied multiple times to improve a comic’s condition. When done correctly, repeated pressings do not harm the comic book. However, an improper pressing can cause significant damage. At our shop, we press comic books as many times as needed to achieve the best possible results, ensuring that each book receives the proper care it requires.

A typical comic book dry cleaning and pressing service takes approximately 48-96 hours. However, if more extensive dry cleaning, humidification, or additional pressings are needed, the turnaround time may be adjusted. For heavily soiled comic books, the cleaning process can be time-consuming and may require extra care.

Our turnaround times include at least 24 hours in a “cold press” state, followed by a thorough review to ensure no reversion occurs, guaranteeing the best possible results for your comic book.