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How to properly protect your cards when opening a box 📦

Opening a box of cards is an exciting moment for any collector. Whether for fun, to complete a collection, or in the hope of pulling a rare card, protecting your cards right from the opening is essential. Mishandling can quickly turn a beautiful card into a damaged one.

Here are the best practices to adopt to protect your cards right out of the box.

1. Prepare your space before opening

Before even opening the box, make sure you have:

  • A clean, flat, and dry surface
  • Clean and dry hands (avoid cream or food)

All protective gear within reach

👉 Tip: avoid rough mats or dusty tables.

2. Use sleeves (soft protectors)

As soon as an interesting card appears:

  • Immediately slide it into a sleeve (penny sleeve)
  • Insert the card gently, from the top, without forcing

Sleeves protect against:

  • Micro-scratches
  • Fingerprints
  • Surface wear

💡 Use quality sleeves that fit the card's thickness well.

3. Add rigid protection (Top Loader)

For valuable cards:

  • Place the sleeved card in a top loader or card saver
  • Never push the card directly without a sleeve

👉 The top loader is ideal for storage and shipping.

4. Pay attention to thick cards (jersey, patch, auto)

Thicker cards require:

  • Sleeves and top loaders adapted to the thickness (e.g., 75pt, 100pt, 130pt, 180pt)
  • Never force a thick card into too tight protection

⚠️ Forcing a card can damage the corners or create permanent creases.

5. Handle cards by the sides

A golden rule:

  • Always hold cards by the edges
  • Avoid touching the surface or corners

This reduces:

  • Fingerprints
  • Risk of crushed corners
  • Invisible but penalizing scratches for grading

6. Sort later, protect first

When opening:

  • Protect first, sort later
  • Set aside all potential cards (rookies, numbered, inserts, autos)

👉 Even a card that seems "ordinary" can have value later.

 

In summary

✔ Prepare your space
✔ Sleeves immediately
✔ Adapted rigid protection
✔ Attention to thick cards
✔ Delicate handling
✔ Protection before sorting

Taking these few simple precautions can make all the difference between an NM-MT card and a damaged card.

Happy opening... and good luck with the big hits! 🎉🃏

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