1) WHAT IS COMIC BOOK PRESSING?
Comic book pressing is the use of a heat press and other techniques to improve the overall appearance and removal of defects from a comic book. If done properly a good press can increase the value of your book considerably.
2) CAN ALL BOOKS BE PRESSED, OR IMPROVED?
In theory all books can be pressed and should see some improvements. Some books make better candidates than others (See below for a list of defects). Even never-before read, brand new books bought straight from the retailer can carry defects which if graded would stop the book from achieving its best possible grade, for example over saturation of ink on the paper that leaves the paper slightly wavy or crinkled.
3) WHAT MAKES A BOOK A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PRESSING?
There are certain defects which are treatable, these include but are not limited to bends, folds, spine roll, rippling, indentation and creasing. However, any breaks in colour from these defects will not improve from pressing, despite the original defect being removed.
4) SO WHAT ARE THE NON-PRESSABLE DEFECTS?
As stated above any break in colour, even from small spine nicks will not be able to be pressed out. Other faults which can not be corrected but are not limited to include staining and foxing, colour touch, writing (pencil on white areas can be treated), rusty staples, tears, colour fade, popped staples and staple tear, and missing pieces. I am unable to guarantee that if your book has had restoration (for example colour touch, leaf casting and tear seals) on it done previously that I will spot it. I will, however notify you before continuing with your book if I do come across any restoration.
5) WHAT IS DRY CLEANING?
As well as the pressing service, books submitted will also receive a full dry clean to remove any surface dirt or grime. As the name suggests the cleaning is done using a variety on non-invasive techniques which aim to remove things like stacking and surface dirt from the book. Usually white areas see the best improvements. Staining, foxing and pen marks can not be cleaned off. The aim here is to revert the book back to visually how it would have looked originally.
6) IS CLEANING AND PRESSING NOT CONSIDERED RESTORATION BY GRADING COMPANIES?
Although certain collectors may disagree, cleaning and pressing is not viewed as restoration. Our aim is to help conserve the books. There is a whole world of difference between conservation and restoration. CGC for instance has their own in-house cleaning and pressing service in the States.
7) WHAT TYPE OF BOOKS CAN BE PRESSED?
As well as normal books I can do square-bound books, i.e. glued spines, foil and holographic books, signed covers, UK comics. and over sized books including Treasury sized books. However, with the Treasury sized books please contact me before as these will need to be submitted at a different price due to the size and nature of the book.
8) I HAVE A BOOK ALREADY IN A SLAB, CAN I HAVE IT CRACKED AND PRESSED AGAIN?
Yes, I am more than happy to do this. I will not charge for the book to be cracked open.
9) AM I GUARANTEED A BUMP UP IN GRADE?
Unfortunately, due to the subjective nature of grading there is no guarantee. All care is taken on my part to increase the chances of getting an increase in grade, however I can not guarantee the outcome.
10) ARE YOU INSURED?
As a business I am insured against fire and theft. The books can not be insured individually, while in my possession I will take every care with them to ensure they are kept safely.
11) HOW DO I SUBMIT MY BOOKS TO YOU?
It’s easy. Fill out the submission form making sure to put in any extra details and complete the Returns Section. Please print this out and include it with your books. A hand written form is fine, just make sure you include all of the books you are submitting and where you would like the books returned to.
12) PACKING AND POSTING
Please ensure that when posting to me you take the time and make sure they have been securely packaged to prevent damage, and the correct type of postage has been selected to cover insurance value. If you are unsure of what that would be you will need to work out the value of your books being sent as a whole, and then enquire at your local Post Office to get the correct insurance. Also, please keep a record of tracking information.
13) DO YOU SHIP TO CGC OR CBCS?
I am more than happy to send your books back to you or forward them onto whichever facilitator you have decided on. If you are unsure of the processes required to do this, please contact me for advice. When filling out the submission form please ensure you fill out the necessary details in the Return Details Section to inform me where it is you would like the books sent to after being completed, and select the correct Return Postage Cost at check-out.
14) WHAT ARE YOUR TURNAROUND TIMES?
As volume and demand fluctuates so to will Turnaround Times. Currently it is approximately four to five weeks from receiving to shipping back out. I will always do my utmost to keep waiting times to a minimal.
15) ANYTHING I’VE FORGOTTEN TO MENTION?
I know getting books cleaned and pressed and then shipped half way across the world is daunting. But what I want to do is make this process for you as easy, simple, friendly and professional for you as I can. Please, if there’s any other questions you have (keep it relevant though!) do contact me before sending anything out at info@comicpress.co.uk