View Full Version : I'm doing my first big PSA submission. Any tips?
Maverik
01-24-2025, 11:53 AM
I have dabbled here and there over the years with grading, but I have about a 100 cards I am going to take to an in person submission here in Dallas tomorrow.
Most of the stuff I am grading is things that I think look solid and could benefit from a grade, but 25% or so is just stuff that will always be PC and sorta just want to have them graded. Obviously, not grading anything I dont think would do decent, but by no means am I expecting a plethora of 10s.
My questions:
Any tips on cleaning, particularly chrome and authograph cards? My thinking was just to use a microfiber to clear up an smudges, but wanted to see what approach the seasoned vets might take.
Any other thoughts I should consider when preparing the submission? Thanks!
Big35Hurt
01-24-2025, 11:59 AM
You may be better off asking in the grading forum:
https://www.blowoutforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=122
MiamiMarlinsFan
01-24-2025, 12:04 PM
Only use a microfiber cloth (rub gently). Do not use any chemicals.
Place each card in a new penny sleeve and Card Save I (not a Card Saver II!).
Pray to any all gods you believe in.
mikejones
01-24-2025, 12:37 PM
Only use a microfiber cloth (rub gently). Do not use any chemicals.
Place each card in a new penny sleeve and Card Save I (not a Card Saver II!).
Pray to any all gods you believe in.
When I use to grade often like 8-10 years ago, I always used eye glass cleaner for chrome cards with a microfiber cloth. Practice doing that on common chrome cards to get the feel of how much pressure to use. Hold the card at an angle in sunlight. It will shoe imperfections that will help you make your decision. Centering, corners, and edges are pretty easy to spot. I feel the surface is where people are really not paying attention to when sending in cards to get graded.
Edit: when cleaning autograph cards, never rub the autograph part as it might smudge the auto.
Big35Hurt
01-24-2025, 12:38 PM
I personally give all my cards (regardless if planning to grade or not), a quick acid bath, tap water rinse, and then let them dry out in the direct sunlight for a few hours.
JustRachel
01-24-2025, 01:11 PM
When I use to grade often like 8-10 years ago, I always used eye glass cleaner for chrome cards with a microfiber cloth. Practice doing that on common chrome cards to get the feel of how much pressure to use. Hold the card at an angle in sunlight. It will shoe imperfections that will help you make your decision. Centering, corners, and edges are pretty easy to spot. I feel the surface is where people are really not paying attention to when sending in cards to get graded.
Edit: when cleaning autograph cards, never rub the autograph part as it might smudge the auto.
Yeah...maybe don't do the bolded part.
ScooterD
01-24-2025, 01:18 PM
Include some green presidential portraits in the card savers…
BoSoxFan1999
01-24-2025, 01:20 PM
Include some green presidential portraits in the card savers…
Benjamins are extra effective. LOL
Include some green presidential portraits in the card savers…
They might grade the bills and charge you for that too :p
NYRE2PECT
01-24-2025, 05:47 PM
They might grade the bills and charge you for that too :p
You know they would!
MinSiz
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Cracktoast
01-24-2025, 05:48 PM
Biggest tip I can give you is save your money
Archangel1775
01-24-2025, 07:07 PM
You could use your breath and H2O if needed though some die-hard might call the breath from your mouth a chemical, dependent on what you drank that night
towerymt
01-24-2025, 07:25 PM
Grading forum.
Maverik
01-24-2025, 09:28 PM
I personally give all my cards (regardless if planning to grade or not), a quick acid bath, tap water rinse, and then let them dry out in the direct sunlight for a few hours.
Worked like a charm!
Maverik
01-24-2025, 09:29 PM
Grading forum.
Got it! Stop bumping the thread.
Maverik
01-24-2025, 09:31 PM
You may be better off asking in the grading forum:
https://www.blowoutforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=122
Thanks - didn’t realize there was one.
6+ years I visit only 3 threads. Baseball talk, baseball breaks, baseball BST
Maverik
01-24-2025, 09:33 PM
Include some green presidential portraits in the card savers…
This hilarious. Not gonna do it but is this a thing that happens?
ScooterD
01-24-2025, 09:37 PM
This hilarious. Not gonna do it but is this a thing that happens?
I’ve heard stories, but the dudes in the grading forum will know for sure.
You don’t want to know from me anyway. I’m just visiting from the south side of Chicago - here on vacation.
Rooftop
01-24-2025, 09:45 PM
Biggest tip I can give you is save your money
+1
:)!
THE(NEXT)LEVEL
01-24-2025, 10:46 PM
Yeah...maybe don't do the bolded part.
Why? Eyeglass cleaner is fine to use….
xDomePatrolx
01-25-2025, 04:15 AM
You don’t want to know from me anyway. I’m just visiting from the south side of Chicago - here on vacation.
Hey dad, do you think they know the Commadores?
ScooterD
01-25-2025, 07:42 AM
Hey dad, do you think they know the Commadores?
Well done! I wondered if anyone would get the deep cut quote
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