The popularity of sports cards and trading cards is on the rise and larger than it has ever been. According to Statista it is projected that the card games market will experience an annual growth rate of 5.14% from 2024 to 2028 and is growing like never before.
As a new collector or a serious collector, protecting your sports cards and trading cards is a pivotal part of collecting to ensure your cards preserve their value and condition.
In this guide, you will find essential tips and hints on how to protect your collection.Why You Should Protect Your Trading Card Collection
- Protecting Value: A card which is in high quality condition or ‘mint’ can carry more value than a damaged card. Ensuring your cards are well protected increases the chances of maintaining its market value.
- Damage limitation: Trading cards are susceptible to physical damage such as creasing and fading which can reduce their appeal to other collectors.
- Environmental factors: Keep your cards away from factors such as dust and sunlight.
The Best Ways To Protect Your Cards
Card Sleeves
The easiest and more cost-effective solution is by using protective card sleeves. A card sleeve is a transparent plastic sleeve which provides a basic level of protection.
Usage Tip:
Gently insert your card into the sleeve without forcing as this can cause damage. Before you handle your card ensure your handles are clean so that any dirt or oils are not transferred to the card surface.
Top-loaders
Upgrade the level of protection to top-loaders. A top-loader is a thicker and rigid plastic case and are commonly used for higher value cards which are handled more frequently when showcasing your collection or at a card convention
Using a top-loader is very straightforward; place your card inside a regular soft sleeve and then place the card into the top-loader. You may wonder why you need both a soft sleeve and a top-loader, but the double layer of protection prevents the card from coming into direct contact with the hard plastic of the top-loader which can scratch the surface of the card.
Usage Tip:
Try to ensure that your top-loaders are kept upright when storing to prevent any pressure being applied on the cards.
Tall Card Sleeves
Tall card sleeves are exactly what they say on the tin. These card sleeves are larger than your regular standard sleeve and are used for the not so common taller cards, so you can be sure your older cards can be protected rather than having to place a card sleeve at each end of the card.
One-Touch Magnetic Holders
For your more treasured and valuable cards, and when showcasing them on display one-touch magnetic holders offer a great solution
This type of card protection contains a secure magnetic closure which eradicates the need for screws like a typical screwdown which can damage if not used correctly.
For the best case, these card holders are only needed for high value or rare cards. If you are just starting out with your trading cards collection you may just want to stick with standard card sleeves.
How To Store Trading Cards
You now know how to protect your cards, the next step of maintaining a sustainable card collection is storage. We have listed below a couple of recommended methods for storage.
Trading card binders and folders are a well known storage solution for keeping trading card collections organised whilst ensuring they remain protected. These types of products are ideal for those who enjoy flipping through their collections without too much handling.
Even if you choose to purchase a card binder or folder, you need to still place your cards in a standard card sleeve otherwise you run the risk of your cards being damaged at the corners
Storage Boxes
Trading card storage boxes are a cost-efficient method to store your cards. Depending on what box you purchase and its size they can hold more trading cards than your traditional card binder or folder but will be dependent on the card sleeve you use.
Protecting Your Trading Cards - Summary
- Use a combination of card sleeves and binders or storage boxes for maximum protection
- Protecting your cards can protect card value
You can purchase all your trading card protection at Sports Cards Direct. If you are unsure what type of protection, contact our team of experts who are at hand to assist you.
