How to Restore Baseball Cards

Baseball cards have been in existence since the late 1800s, making them nearly as old as the game itself. Baseball card value is assessed partly on the age and rarity of the card and partly on the card's condition. If you find an old, damaged card in your collection, you can restore it by hand. But remember that passing off a restored card as authentic is fraudulent and unethical, as collectors are only seeking authentic products. If you wish to keep the card for yourself, however, there is nothing wrong with restoring it.

Things You'll Need

  • Metal ruler
  • Razor blade
  • Encyclopedia
  • Eraser
  • Tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Examine the card carefully to determine what parts of it need to be restored. Common damage to cards includes dented corners, folds and fading.

    • 2

      Place the card on a hard surface and hold a metal ruler against its edge, if the edge or corner is dented or frayed. Taking as little of the card off as possible, cut a thin strip of cardboard off the edge of the card to give it a crisp, clean edge. Repeat this process for the other three sides of the card, if applicable. Make your cuts even to ensure the center of the card's picture remains in the center of the cardboard itself.

    • 3

      Place a folded card between the pages of a heavy encyclopedia, then shut the book. Stack additional books on top of the encyclopedia to apply pressure. Leave the card between the book's pages for several days, then remove it to see if the folds have been slightly pressed out of it.

    • 4

      Rub out any marks made by pencil, pen or other substances using a white eraser. The eraser may not be able to remove every mark, but at the very least, it should make the marks lighter.

    • 5

      Place the two halves of a ripped card together and ensure the design on the front and back lines up. Place a strip of clear tape over the card to hold it together.