Condition! Condition!! Condition!!! It’s everything in the world of comic books, and even the slightest little spine tic, crease, fold, tear, or waviness...can knock some major coin off of the value of your book. Luckily, some genius figured out that using a Dry Mount Press can help remove some forms of damage making a tremendous difference in the grade of the book in question.
I’m not sure who figured it out and I don’t care...all I know is that if done properly, it can be a very profitable endeavor. Below is my station that I have set up in my basement. I use the press on the right to administer the proper setting of heat and the one on the left to cool it down while keeping it flat.
Most of the time I’ll start by giving the book a nice steaming which is an extremely scary process. Nothing like seeing a $2000 book get moist and start curling!!! This helps basically iron out some of the issues. Then I do a hot press followed by a cold press to bring it back to room temperature. Sometimes I have to repeat depending on what is wrong with the book. Different books require completely different processes depending on the time frame, the problem, paper stock.
I’ll preface this by saying it obviously cannot fix tears and rips. It also can’t fix color breaking creases meaning any crease that you see the white cracking outline on the cover. It can mainly help repair things like spine roll, non color breaking creases, waviness, slight moisture damage, and a few other random issues. Sometimes the fix can be subtle, and sometimes it looks like a brand new book. It all depends on what the problem is, the process used, & the presser themselves. It all varies on a case by case basis.
I’ll boast that I’m a pretty decent presser. Not amazing as I’m still figuring out certain tricks but I won’t mess your book up. That’s also a possibility so be careful in handing over your precious goods as I’ve seen and heard horror stories. I practiced a ton of cheap crappy dollar comics for a long time before I started accepting other people’s books. I currently charge $15 per book which may sound like a lot but it’s nothing in the grand scheme of things. Especially when I can correct problems that increase the value by hundreds or even thousands.
I’ll also note that this does NOT count as restoration on the book. Restoration for the most part is something that most collectors do not want attached to their book. The big grading companies such as CGC and CBCS can detect things like trimming (when one tries to cut an imperfect edge to look better), color touch (when an ink or marker is used to blend or cover a flaw), and other methods. The big graders actually offer Pressing as a service as well when getting books graded, although I believe it’s more expensive than most of the dudes that do it through shops or in the comic circles.
Well enough babbling about it...let me show you what can be done with a little bit of magic...
I will just be showing before and after pics so you can all get an idea as to what this can do. Note that some of these fixes helped these books bump up several grades leading to a huge increase in value. Also for the comic savvy folks here you’ll notice some pretty big books here such as 1st Appearances of Punisher, Deadpool, Venom, Moon Knight, Wolverine, Iron Man, Swamp Thing, and a ton of other big keys!!!
SEE IF YOU CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE AND SPOT THE ORIGINAL FLAWS.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
I will try to get around to doing a video on the next batch I do to show a bit more in detail just what it can accomplish...if I can only get friggin DTube to work for me!!! Argh!!!! If you have any questions, please ask below in the comments. If you have a book you would like me to take a look at to see if Pressing could help it out, post some tasty pics!!!
Thanks for taking a look folks!
Blewitt
No one likes a braggart. 😉
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You married this guy...what’s that say for you?!?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Such a new world for me! 😄 I’m beginning to understand that comic books are not really about reading comic books...
And I can totally see what a satisfying experience the steaming process must be! 😀
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Lol. Well I tend to focus a bit on the investment angles here a lot because we have a lot of folks who invest on the platform. The main basis though is reading.
New books come out every single Wednesday. Most of your main superhero titles from the big 2 publishers of Marvel and DC have titles that are monthly or bi weekly obviously Meaning a new issue comes out once a month or every 2 weeks. Indy publishers sometimes abide by this but are more flexible on their schedules.
We have hundreds of customers that come in each and every week to pick up the new books. Most of them are heavy readers. I just don’t want to bore people to death here. Lol. So I tend to talk about the financials of the business as money gets people interested. 😂
I’ll do some recommended readings soon for non comic people. I was discussing this with @honeydue the other day actually. Trying to get folks who have never picked up a comic...to pick one up. Most people just think it’s heroes wearing tights fighting villains. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The industry has morphed and transformed so much over the years. So many amazing stories being told. Dramas. Thrillers. SciFi. Post apocalyptic. Fantasy. So many comics are being turned into movies and hit shows as they house fantastic and creative ideas. Most of the world is completely unaware still but it’s slowly changing. Stay tuned!!! I’ll have you trying one out eventually. Even if I have to send it to you. Lol
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Really? New ones every week?
I mean of course I’m noticing all the Marvel Hollywood movies, but I thought these were all old stories.
So do they keep inventing new super heros or are they just inventing new stories for them?
I really had no idea. And you will very likely convince me to pick one up. I’m already slightly regretting I didn’t have one in my goodie bag at Steemfest now 😄
Also, keep writing about it - regardless of the investment angle - it’s fascinating to read about someone’s passion and expertise about a subject that so far has been a parallel universe to you. And you’re a good writer do I’m looking forward to learning more!
It’s fascinating that comic books have not been replaced by apps yet, or digital subscriptions.
Posted using Partiko iOS
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yup. New titles each and every week and the hard core are there right away to snag em!
The movies take some elements from the Comics and also create completely new storylines. It’s a mix. Have you watched any? In all honesty, what Amat el has done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been incredible. Most of the films are really good. A few are “eh” but overall, super impressive. They created an entire connected universe of heroes one film at a time. They intersect and have Easter eggs hidden for something coming out down the road. If you haven’t seen them, I highly recommend. The last Avengers: Infinity War film was freaking fantastic. But don’t start there as you’ll kinda be lost. If interested lmk and I’ll get ya the rundown on how to watch them. Start with Iron Man 1. If you enjoyed that I’ll shoot you a viewing order list.
New characters and storylines are created all the time. Most characters stink. Most don’t stick around or do anything significant. That’s why when you get one that connects well with readers a d collectors, it’s like striking gold.
You didn’t have one in the goodie bag? A couple of others told me that as well. I wish I would have known that as I brought a few extras that I passed out the last day. If you shoot me your address on discord or WhatsApp, I’ll totally send ya a cool care package out. Lmk!
Thank you so much for the kind words. I’ll keep chugging info and stories out then! 😉
Believe it or not, Comics subscription apps exist. It was supposed to be the downfall of the industry as many claimed but it has t had a large effect really. I know a couple of people who go that route and they do it mainly to save space but most people still like having a tangahle item in their possession...at least when it comes to this world where value plays a part. Even if the person in question is mainly a reader and not a speculator, it’s good to know that you could have something that’s worth some decent coin.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow, that is impressive... and I know nothing about comics but love old books so immediately am drawn to some of the above. I bet this process improves the value quite a bit!
Also.. not that I’m a dtube master.. but the key to it is to use handbrake to condense the video first, then upload. It helped me quite a bit.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah it’s a pretty nutty thing. I did a old Wonder Woman issue for a customer. He bought it initially for like $1200 bucks or something like that. It had a few flaws and I fixed this book up perfectly. It looks stellar. He ended up getting it graded and sold it for $5500 bucks! Obviously not every book fetches that kind of coin but it’s a good feeling when I can bump a book to another grade in condition.
I think I’ll try my hand again at it soon. Might pick your brain and bother you when ready.
❤️
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Man, that is amazing!
I think that market of fixing comics will be increase more and amore because of fans of comics see in their collection a value that we couldn't see. So they will always want their comics impeccable and stored as new for the posterity.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks bud. Yeah the demand is super real for Golden and silver age books. As more and more are uncovered, people will look to pretty them up as much as possible. Not only for the appearance but obviously value. If I had more time I’d really start advertising that I do this. As of now I only do this for hard core regulars and friends.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This can be a good idea business for me in 2019, buy the crappy old comics, make a make over and sell them on eBay for profit. Do you teach your setup and cost of the material to recover the comics?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
If you are really serious about it, the first thing I’d say is buy a working dry mount press. I bought both of mine used off of Craigslist and both cost me a few hundred bucks combined. Then go buy some shitty bargain books. I could even send you a bunch. Practice on those. There are many different methods and I can tell you some pointers and basics but practicing is the best way to teach yourself. Each press handles a bit differently I’ve found as well. Lmk!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I just thought of something.....if you want any t shirts for your shop....
https://steemit.com/blog/@lucylin/collectivism-as-work-in-a-good-way-investing-and-wearing-the-informationwar
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
We used to sell t-shirts but needed the room for bookshelves so we got rid of the rack. I still have a couple hundred shirts that I have to get rid of. Lol
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I own the Top Secret S.I. boxed set that is advertised on one of the pics. Some impressive results here :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Lol. That’s awesome! Good eye to catch that.
Yeah it’s crazy how much some of these clean up.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This post was shared in the Curation Collective Discord community for curators, and upvoted and resteemed by the @c-squared community account after manual review.
@c-squared runs a community witness. Please consider using one of your witness votes on us here
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the recognition!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Man those results are impressive. Nice job.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you! Sometimes in the photograph, it is hard to distinguish the flaws but they all had an issue or several that were majorly corrected. It’s a rush seeing a book transform before ya.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ka-Ching Ka-Ching!
Seeing this makes me want to go out and buy some vintage comics and start steaming!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Lol. So it! Go find a dry mount press on Craigslist or local classifieds. Get some shitty beater bargain books and practice. That’s how I learned. Self taught!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah, I’m sure there would be a market where I live for this!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Make it happen brother. Lmk if you need any assistance.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @blewitt! You have completed the following achievement on the Steem blockchain and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :
Click here to view your Board of Honor
If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word
STOPTo support your work, I also upvoted your post!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I’m spreading the love!!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Never knew this existed. Fascinating. Does this work on sports cards?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wuddup?!? I’d guess not as it’s a cardboard stock and not paper but I’d be willing to try and see if it does anything.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is AMAZING, @blewitt ! I love how you've managed to restore these wonderful old titles back into almost mint condition * ____ * What a craft ! Like magic !!! <3
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks a ton @veryspider! Almost mint is a stretch on these as there are still other flaws that I couldn’t remove but yeah...the difference can be mind blowing. Especially when holdingbit in person. Thx for the kind words! I have another batch to do sometime in the next week or so. I’ll be posting those results as well.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
they do look like new indeed....however, it did make me sad to read that
@blewitt, I see room for improvement 😉
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That is quite fascinating! And how fun to see so many of those old comic books! Lots of good memories being preserved!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @melinda010100! Absolutely. I always have a blast doing it...even if it is technically work. Lol
The satisfaction of watching it transform and basically be reborn is great. When I see a customer look at it after and be wow’d...that says it all for me.
I’ll be doing another batch this weekend. Stay tuned!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
howdy sir blewitt! wow I had no idea this technology was around to improve the books, that's really cool. I bet the machine isn't cheap but I'm sure it's paid for itself, this is a tremendous post, one of the longest I've ever seen!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Howdy Janton!
Yeah I think these press’s were initially used in putting logos on t-shirts and/or photography. Somebody figured out that it had other uses.
Brand new they will hurt your wallet but I picked mine up used off of craigslist for a couple hundred bucks. Well worth it.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
haha! a couple hundred! They look like they cost thousands am I right? good for you! Do you guys have to pay rent for your store building or do you own it?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Brand new they are expensive. I got em used from those exiting the industry or ipgrading to newer more efficient equipment. Worked for me!!
We rent. I wish I owned the plaza.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
haha sir blewitt what would we do without craigslist? Is that where you got them? Those things look like pretty big machines.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah got em both there. Had to drive to Philly to get the bigger one. It was from a photographer who was moving. The second was about 30 mins away from me.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
howdy this fine Tuesday sir blewitt! Well they sure turned out to be a great investment so that was a smart business move!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah it was a total no brainer. Once I saw my one buddy bought one and taught himself...I figured I could do the same. Wise investment.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit