Main Page

A checked version of this page, approved on 30 January 2026, was based on this revision.

Welcome to Card Conservation Wiki

Your comprehensive guide to trading card restoration and conservation founded by The Cardboard Alchemists for the sole purpose of open sourcing Trading Card Conservation Techniques.

Getting Started

Safety First

Safety Guidelines

Before starting any conservation work, understand the risks and proper precautions.

Essential Equipment

Essential Tools

The right tools make all the difference. Build your conservation kit.

Starters Guide

Start Here

If you're new to card restoration, read the beginners guide.

Card Types

Browse by Card Type

Japanese TCGs

Pokemon TCG Cards (1996-Present)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards (1999-Present)

Ultra Rares & Secret Rares
Starlight/Collector Rares
OCG vs TCG Differences

One Piece TCG Cards (2022-Present)

Manga Art Cards
Leader & Character Cards
Alt Art Variants

Digimon Card Game (2020-Present)

Alt Arts & Secret Rares
Parallel Foils

Western TCGs

Magic: The Gathering Cards (1993-Present)

Alpha/Beta/Unlimited
Reserved List Cards
Modern Foils & Treatments

Disney Lorcana Cards (2023-Present)

Enchanted Cards
Foil Treatments
Cold Foil Technology

Flesh and Blood Cards (2019-Present)

Cold Foil Cards
Marvel/Fable Rarity
First Edition Identification

Sports Cards

Sports Cards

Vintage Sports Cards (Pre-1980)

Tobacco Era (T206, etc.)
Goudey & Bowman Gum Era
Topps Golden Age

1880s - Present

Other TCGs

Weiss Schwarz Cards

Signed Cards (SP)
Foil Variants

Dragon Ball Super Cards

Special Rares
God Rares

Star Wars Unlimited Cards (2024-Present)

Hyperspace Variants
Showcase Treatments

Vintage Non-Sports Cards

Movie & TV Cards
Historical Sets

Techniques

Conservation Techniques

Cleaning

Cleaning Techniques

Safe: Start here - the foundation of all conservation

Dry cleaning methods
Wet cleaning (when appropriate)
Stain removal basics
Surface debris removal

Pressing & Flattening

Pressing and Flattening

Caution: Requires patience and proper technique

Humidity treatment
Book press method
Professional pressing
When NOT to press

Surface Repair

Surface Repair

Scratch minimization
Scuff treatment
Holo restoration
When to stop

Edge & Corner Work

Edge and Corner Work

Edge whitening treatment
Corner repair techniques
Touch-up methods
Limitations and ethics

Quick Reference

Safety Indicators Used in This Wiki
Safe: Green boxes indicate safe techniques for most cards Caution: Yellow boxes indicate techniques requiring care Unsafe: Red boxes indicate methods to avoid WARNING: Red bordered boxes indicate serious risks Tip: Blue boxes provide helpful tips