How To Clean and Press Comics From Start To Finish | Silver Age Comics

[@AR_Comics]

Subscribe for more silver age clean and press videos

[@LUCIFER-wr8xj]

That Came out absolutely bad ass wow very impressed so with that what would you charge to do that for people like me that don’t know anything about that thought I would ask and always loving your content !!!!

[@jojoyojimbi]

what did it grade?

[@MetalBum]

Careful cgc will give you purple label if you clean much

[@dionramirez7008]

Thanks this helped me understand cleaning. Nice.

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way. We deserve Hell because we've sinned. Lied, lusted stolen, etc. But God sent his son to die on the cross and rise out of the grave. We can receive forgiveness from Jesus. Repent and put your trust in him. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤❤

[@chriscurtis1578]

I have restored documents, movie posters, books, and comics for over 30 years and a product called Absorbene and Groom/Stick are probably to two safest dry cleaners you can use. Eraser pencils are very dangerous when it comes to rare comics and even good dry cleaning pads can be abrasive if you bare down to hard. Just look through a microscope and you will definitely see what I mean. I believe University Products carries both of those items I mentioned. Good luck

[@fordhamdonnington2738]

Do you recommend the Lineco Art Gum Eraser? It's new on that universal site. Thanks

[@chriscurtis1578]

@@fordhamdonnington2738 Prismacolor makes a kneaded rubber that works well if the mark is not to deep. The gum eraser is the same material that would be in a dry-cleaning pad. If you sprinkle some of the eraser particles from the pad on to the cover, you can use your finger and carefully rub it over the pencil mark, and it will not scratch the cover. Make sure your hands are very clean before attempting this haha..

[@cuanbarlow2323]

I actually just ordered some of that absorbene from Amazon to clean some my comics.

[@chriscurtis1578]

@@cuanbarlow2323 for certain issues it works really well. Anyone who is serious about restoration and conservation for their collection or others should have this product.

[@MetalBum]

Careful cgc is giving out purple restored labels if you clean much. It happened to 3/5 of mine cleaned

[@Numminz]

A friendly suggestion with the pads…just swipe in a single direction away from center of the book. If you do the swirls…you run a risk of “catching” on the cover and creating a fold or bend in the cover.

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! I’m always appreciative of any feedback or better tips

[@richardwaddington2038]

Yeah I agree , always away to the cover edges, any backwards motion runs the risk of catching.

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way. We deserve Hell because we've sinned. Lied, lusted stolen, etc. But God sent his son to die on the cross and rise out of the grave. We can receive forgiveness from Jesus. Repent and put your trust in him. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤❤❤

[@Mindmapinc]

This was a solid tutorial! Been collecting comics all of my life & have never seen this process performed before! Thank you for sharing in such an easy to follow & well presented way. Great job!!!

[@thirtyacres7504]

I try to be extremely careful with an eraser. It is effortless to erase any color that isn't white. I was experimenting this with a dollar bin comic book with a yellow background. That yellow came off very easily. Great video, AR! Very, very helpful.

[@AR_Comics]

It really is. I tried stressing to go over the parts super lightly, but that will never click until someone erases color right off lol. That’s how I learned... thought it was light, but I didn’t understand how light it really had to be

[@jacobbornowsky4013]

Your doing fantastic stuff for the community AR great job!

[@AR_Comics]

I’m trying Jacob! Thank you for supporting 🤘🏽

[@ImproveCollectingComics]

Thanks for the info. I have kicked around the idea of pressing a few of the books with minor creases/ticks so that I don't have to wait on the presser I use, who is severely backed up atm. Your video has given me confidence that I can probably pull it off, thanks for the tips!

[@RobertWeir]

Wow this comment aged nicely !

[@keithkovalic]

..... And one of my absolute favorite channels comments here!

[@miguelrubiorincon3904]

For God sake, are we going mad? We talk about comics as if they were luxury stamps or paintings master works. Comic books were made to be read , to be opened and not to be enclosed in a Mylar protective bag or metacrylate box for ever . I understand that very límited editions like the first number of action comics or detective comics can worth much money but they are very exceptional examples. People really believe that in their comics collection, they have a fortune.

[@AR_Comics]

I’ve got 2 slabbed books in my entire collection. Resident evil promo and the miles morales hip hop variant. They both have meaning to me and something I wanted preserved so I can have them forever. I understand where you’re coming from the hobby has gotten out of control, but people collect for all different reasons whether they flip or read them that’s up to them to decide. I also refurbish game systems, I like to fix things/make them new again.

[@patrickteater3392]

Do you clean books for others also? I have a Marvel Value Stamp book that I would like to get some TLC for before I put in the 100 stamps I have collected. The previous owner cut (poorly) and entered a few stamps - I am hoping they can be removed? And colored in the front cover a little? If the whole book could be cleaned and pressed I think it would be nicer when I enter all the "new" stamps.

[@ELxPIPORRO]

First off, wanna say hope all is well through this winter snow storm. But out of curiosity, hoping that next week you have no delays and all comics are delivered, will we get like a top 30list? 😂😂 or a very strict top 10 from three weeks of comics?

[@AR_Comics]

Oooooo man.. that’d make for a hell of a video lol. This is assuming diamond even ships nexts weeks books on time. My shop thinks they’ll be getting 2 weeks together

[@aaronmcmullan9341]

Bro when you started cleaning that I tapped into some weird ASMR experience until you started speaking again what the fuck that was lovely. No other words.

[@AR_Comics]

LOL got you buddy

[@mightycomicsandcollectibles]

What heat transfer sheet do u use

[@AR_Comics]

Honestly not 100% what kind it is, but it’s the one that came with the heat press and has worked fine for me

[@archangel0891]

For some embedded dirt try using a artists stadtler putty eraser, works a treat

[@AR_Comics]

Oooo I should definitely invest in those! Thank you!

[@soupofstew]

Instead of the swisspers, I would highly (no pun intended) recommend using a high pile microfiber tower; edgeless is a lux item, but no need, just remove the tag for all towels. I find it softer and grabs more dirt without risking scratching the comic. Magic erasers work great on white areas!

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you for the recommendation! I’m always looking for better tips. I did start to use the magic eraser more too

[@niknikktm]

Nice job cleaning but you didn't humidify the book before pressing??? Seems like a pretty important step was missed.

[@AR_Comics]

Eh not everyone does that and personally, I never have attempted it. It is very helpful tho

[@niknikktm]

@@AR_Comics You should give it a try. The humidity relaxes the fibers and allows for a cleaner, more effective press. I haven't heard of anyone who has tried it having abandoned it. Giving it a try would at the very least make a great subject for a video.

[@Grimwulf88]

I like the techniques used to clean and press your ASM66. You know what would be cool for content purposes, having the book graded as is for the before, then ripping it open and going through the cleaning/pressing, then doing another grading for the after. I'd love to see what kind of difference it will make for the grading.

[@LivingSuccess]

I agree. The way to make these cleaning videos that much better, would be to add doing a before and after grading.

[@CFCMahomet]

The front looked great, but the back was pretty amazing. The more white space the more impressive the “after” pressing looks.

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you Jason!

[@Putzing]

Do you have any experience getting creases and other imperfections out of any sort of posters? Not many videos out there on the subject; at least the verbiage i have searched.

[@marcloev2072]

Love your room walls. Great design and lighting. Your space is so neat and you obviously have an eye for details. Important qualities. Thanks again New sub

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you Marc! I’m glad you got some tips from it 🤘🏽

[@Radial3clipse]

Great video man where is that bean bags from?

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! I got it from hobby lobby

[@card_and_comic_investments]

GLOVES 1000% !! There is OILS, DIRT AND BACTERIA on ALL hands, (YES! even AFTER thorough washing)

[@Yosemite25]

A.I. will soon be able to create any paper like collectible…comics, magazines, baseball cards etc…digital watermark or carbon dating right now is only way to prove authenticity with what they can produce.

[@dionysislarson6352]

I don't know if I missed it or not but if you didn't, have you ever tried a kneadable eraser and dabbing or rolling on it?

[@AR_Comics]

I didn’t use it in the video, but I have started to use them since making this!

[@dionysislarson6352]

@@AR_Comics Right on. How's it working for you? Better, worse? Different?

[@nickchavez1050]

Came out super clean! Definitely some grade bump efforts man! Great video!

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you Nick! I’m looking forward to submitting it

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Any tips for a uncoated comic like a Frew Phantom 900 series?. Given they are uncoated attract alot of dirt and before bagging would like to do a clean. Thanks. New Sub

[@dandoty5677]

curious as I really don't know,.. but if you send a book to CGC for example, and request they press and clean,... wouldn't it say something if they didn't grade it higher, because then that would be telling of the quality in which they deliver that service? If I parked cars for a living and offer a cleaning service, if it comes back dirty, then the repeat business isn't there,.. Any experience with this? I want to also say, I would fully support a local person, if they do this, but it hasn't come up yet.. I appreciate this video also, in that the conversation of a different process for modern is needed, staples etc.... Good information!

[@christianweatherbroadcasting]

Repent and trust in Jesus. He's the only way. We deserve Hell because we've sinned. Lied, lusted stolen, etc. But God sent his son to die on the cross and rise out of the grave. We can receive forgiveness from Jesus. Repent and put your trust in him. John 3:16 Romans 3:23❤❤

[@richardfairlamb9728]

Help please! I just bought a nice 1:25 variant comic. It came with a a small crease on the cover. I used an iron on mild temperature with heat proof paper but I must’ve used too much heat and the top of the cover and some of the interior pages are buckled and wavy. Is there a way to flatten the comic again? Thanks.

[@DireNeeds]

Might be something I'd be willing to try. I see the press on Amazon for 109.95 right now

[@sebastianasaro6254]

Aren't all pads oil free? (Just a question no dig intened)

[@AR_Comics]

I don’t think all of them are. I know there are some “make up remover” ones that aren’t just the cotton pad

[@sebastianasaro6254]

@@AR_Comics oh cool and one last quick question what would you value a bloodshot 1 in good condition?

[@briannorman952]

Hey so did you do any heat irons or moisture tubs first? A lot of guys are doing this it’s confusing. I ordered a press and will have it in a few days. Just want to get started correctly. Silver age books will be what I’m pressing. Great video!

[@AR_Comics]

I’ve never used anything like that. I’ve seen people use it, but I’ve found success with my way. I’m sure it helps for the really messed up books tho

[@RANDsreviews]

Thank you!!!! This gives me more confidence to press them myself.

[@mightycomicsandcollectibles]

Which heat transfer paper do u use

[@charlespagani957]

I'm new to this would love to get into this type of hobby I do collect newer comics but would like to get into some of the older ones.

[@tristenclark3666]

Did you get this book graded? Does CGC pick up on any eraser marks? Thanks.

[@MrAfrobeast]

Have you experimented with temperatures on modern books at all? Just curious as to what temp you do on those as well.

[@AR_Comics]

I have, I do mostly moderns. I haven’t made a video for it, yet! I will be though

[@b25907]

As long as you stay under 140 you should be fine, silicone sheets between the covers and the first pages, is a must.

[@TheCHADsComicsandRETROTOYS]

What are the Dimensions of the press you are losing? 12x15

[@annenominous7220]

But CGC now considers cleaning and pressing as a restoration, and so the books are devalued??

[@richardlisiura3025]

Nice video. Did you every consider using moisture before pressing?

[@AR_Comics]

So honestly, when I made this video I was very comfortable with pressing/cleaning books, but I know my techniques weren’t all the best. Some things should have been done better. I’ve never dabbled with the moisture yet, but it’s something I’ve been looking into more as of late

[@danfoley2442]

@@AR_Comics I strongly advise against using a humidity chamber unless the book has major deformities, such as it's severely rumpled, or literally folded, or has a major spine roll. Introducing moisture throughout the book by using a humidity chamber, as opposed to just applying a little moisture to the cover with a clothes steamer, will very likely result in the book being mildly wavy, even after a careful heatpress and a very long cooldown/coldpress. Even multiple pressing cycles thereafter, a humidified book can spontaneously revert to being wavy again weeks later. Not fun.

[@tonytygrrHI]

This was an excellent tutorial! Look forward to cleaning my first books - $1 bin stuff to work out the process before hitting up the valuable stuff!!

[@81artmonk]

When you say magazine board is this the same boards you store comics with in the sleeves or are they different?

[@brockman562]

did cleaning and pressing bring it up 1-2 grades? how much more?

[@9minutes236]

I just burn my comics

[@AR_Comics]

That’s an easy way to fix the problem too. You might have some more issues tho

[@sadmachineinc]

Expensive Paper!

[@AR_Comics]

Very expensive paper lol

[@johnscamardo2145]

that is a bag that was used and still at times in drafting....lol

[@HeathMarton]

Great video for a novice like me! Thank you!

[@ost0ne]

This video is amazing I’ve been waiting for someone to put out a good video on this. Looking at presses on Amazon right now!

[@AR_Comics]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate the support 🤘🏽

[@Kcameron305]

Ive been sanding down the one edge of the card stock giving it an angle so it fits the spine better. Works great.

[@irishdylan1993]

Is there anyway to get a date written in pencil off an older silver age book? It’s in great shape too I hate that there is a little date written on it!

[@nixknacks-comics]

Thanks for the links to everything you use - a couple of additions to my tool box.

[@AR_Comics]

No prob NixKnacks! 🤘🏽

[@TheGr8nss]

What was the press machine you purchased again?

[@changjoe01]

So much work just to please the CCG gods.

[@coreyp9556]

Great video! Just a suggestion, maybe slip a backing board under the cover page incase you accidentally dig into it. I don't know lol, I've never cleaned and pressed before. Thank you for the tips, I'm going to try this! Also this video was super chill like comic book cleaning asmr.

[@AR_Comics]

Hmm never thought about putting one under lol. Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. I plan on doing these weekly!

[@actionman38]

True! Great video!

[@urmzogna]

This is restoration.

[@AR_Comics]

It’s not, I’ve done this for all my books and never had an issue. CGC/CBCS also offer this as a service

[@harrumphy]

“You might see a little color rub off but don’t be upset about it.” No, I won’t be upset, because i won’t follow advice telling me to damage my comic and shrug it off. Even if you’re just erasing white, when that eraser rubs the gloss off your paper, you’re doing nothing but damage and removing that gloss will make the fibers more susceptible to collecting dirt. Ask any comic grading service what they think about erasing the gloss and/or “just a little bit of color” off your cover. I’d be surprised if they even go through the rest of the grading process if you’re damaging comics to pass them off as clean.

[@AR_Comics]

Im glad you won’t be upset. Keep me posted when you get a technique down that the comic grading services approve of!

[@LRonHubbard-Lj]

Is it okay to use a eraser on a color section of the book other than white

[@jaredwehrle3359]

I can see how you would do this on your own… but man how are people charging $12-$18 to press and clean a book that thanks 6+ hrs. Props to those who do it. Multiple multiple machines? I’m sure there is a cost/benefit number out there

[@AR_Comics]

People that I know that do it for others have about 3-5 presses going at once. Other people do a “quick” press too. Very high heat for a shorter time. I don’t do that method

[@VictorGonzalez-gt9tf]

How much for the press machine?

[@50BlackMamba]

for a deeper clean and whiter whites just throw it in the washer :)

[@duckdong1702]

thanks for convincing me to send my comics in for cleaning and pressing. doing it myself would drive me fucking nuts.

[@Joeh1154]

I know the thought can be daunting but you should give it a try. Find a reader copy that might be beat but complete to start. You just might get hooked. Best.

[@irenecraggs6123]

nice job what a difference👍

[@retrocollectormx]

Hello again , i purchased the same presser ,one question: how much time i have to wait until it its heated?

[@AR_Comics]

What up retro! If you’re doing a silver age. What I do is, let it heat up to the temp you wanna use and then once it’s heated closed it up. I’ll leave it on for like a minute depending on how bad the book is, but then I’ll turn the press off

[@dwsippel]

Great video! First time I've seen anything this precise, like forensic science for comics! I'll be very interested to see how the grade improves.

[@AR_Comics]

I’m no pro at grading, but I had it around a 5ish so I guess we’ll find out. Cbcs still has a halt on shipments because of the weather so I won’t be sending anything yet

[@shanedakan3706]

@@AR_Comics any update?

[@marcloev2072]

I was a bit confused by the two types of staples. Digging in and flat. You notified us of the two boards in the circumstance of the offset dug in staples but I may have missed the flat type technique. Can you clarify? Thanks. Great video

[@AR_Comics]

If the staples were flat and not digging into book you just have to use one magazine board instead of the 2 on both sides of the staple!

[@Chip1soto]

I’m new to comic books and I have a growing obsession with the older comics...most definitely going to try your techniques! Very cool video and helpful!!!! You have a new subscriber! Lol

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you chip! Glad you found it helpful

[@ThatPlasticLife]

Did you ever make the modern comic video

[@lucasshea3382]

I got this issue at comic con this year

[@svaughn82]

Possible stupid question but It needed to be asked. What about using a small piece of Magic eraser and going over it very lightly? Would that still be too abrasive?

[@Joeh1154]

I've used that on my books. Since it comes in a rectangular shape, I cut it to a smaller size with an exacto knife into smaller squares for more control. It is abrasive so, I use it liberally on the back cover but when it comes to print or colors, I'll try Absorene clay and a pen eraser like he did. You can use the Mr. Clean eraser on print and ink but I do it in small circles with very light pressure. Try a reader copy first until you get a feel for it. Last thing I personally need is a heat press to complete the process and that is in my very near future. Best to you and good luck.

[@svaughn82]

@@Joeh1154 okay cool. Thanks man!

[@19MercedesBenz91]

is using the eraser or white pencil considered "bad" by graders (cgc)

[@AR_Comics]

Nope you’ll be good! They only look at if you add any sort of color to restore it. This is just a cleaning technique. I imagine cgc and other companies do the same with the eraser

[@zufalllx]

I think it's a waste of time 🤷‍♂

[@Drunknmunk22]

Right on brotha!! Thanks for showing your technique on Silver Age comics!! Can’t wait to see the others! Keep up the awesome content!

[@AR_Comics]

I’m finally getting ready to send the books in lol. Thank you bro!

[@bennettbennettsb]

That's funny I'm doing the same thing today cleaning and pressing

[@AR_Comics]

Hell yeah! I was working on a Star Wars Phantom menace issue 3. I HATE those glossy kind of card stock feeling covers

[@Thirdbornentertainment]

ive been scratching books with cottin rounds no matter how light I go. Any recommendations for good cotton rounds?

[@AR_Comics]

Honestly I’ve had no problems with the swisspers I use. I even go harder on some spots too with them to get the dirt off. Just MAKE SURE there are no sort of oils on the pad. Just regular 100% cotton

[@demiurgeimago9343]

Awesome video AR! Video was very informative! Comic looks great!

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! 🤘🏽

[@Radial3clipse]

Are you on Instagram?

[@AR_Comics]

I am, AR_Comics! Not as active as on here and tiktok

[@ljg72552]

You made a great video on cleaning and pressing comics. Hope to see more like this video. Also like your comic book haul videos.

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! I really need to get back into the haul videos. I stopped mainly because it felt like the hauls I was having weren’t all that great of books, but within the last couple months I’ve been getting some big keys I should have been showing

[@97ghosts84]

Thanks for the video! I bought a press similar and am about to press my first book. This helped a TON!

[@AR_Comics]

Hell yeah! Hope you get awesome use out it

[@comicgainz5553]

Thanks for showing us the process and what tools were used 🔥 what mat do you use to clean your books on? Thanks!

[@AR_Comics]

It was actually a black cardboard type (maybe poster board?) from hobby lobby

[@gazellenote8916]

Can you reuse all the backing boards, heat transfer pages and cardstock? Or do you use fresh ones for each book?

[@AR_Comics]

You can. Some people suggest getting new every time. I don’t have the type of money to just use a new one every time. What I do is, make sure the boards are still white and clean. I change out the heat press boards more often. After a few uses they tend to get black marks on them (could just be my press)

[@pichienyfl]

Yes!! 🙌🏽 thank you! Such a great great video!

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🤘🏽

[@darthsneaky]

No moisture bath?

[@johnalessi1835]

Do you got pads on that press?

[@WillLopez00]

This was put together very well. Super informative. Excellent work dude! The book looks great!

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you will! I’m looking forward to adding it to my weekly routine

[@KimDahl77]

Wasn't the right edge of the front still pretty creased after you pressed it?

[@AR_Comics]

Definitely wasn’t perfect. Needed another round with more pressure. Admittedly I was still pretty new to pressing when I made the video. Since then I’ve probably done closer to 200. At the time I was only around 30ish books

[@albekevin]

Wow AR thanks really for a informative video

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🤘🏽

[@retrocollectormx]

Great video , please tell us how to press moderns

[@AR_Comics]

I do plan on making one of those as well! The only big key difference is making sure you stick an 80lb card stock paper where the digital stamp is! Temperature floats around 135-138 degrees too

[@jimbartram9331]

Very informative video, thank you for sharing!

[@AR_Comics]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed it 🤘🏽

[@gregm7269]

Great video, but what grade did it come back as?

[@AR_Comics]

Sadly it never went in… someone reached out wanting to buy it as it was and we made a deal

[@gonzed11]

How much does the press machine cost and doyou recommend it?

[@AR_Comics]

I think mine was about 135. I do like it, the only thing is, is I recommend a bigger size and one that has a clam shell opening

[@paulconway290]

Very informative...thanks for sharing!!

[@AR_Comics]

Absolutely! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to making more 🤘🏽

[@brycehill8365]

So does this count as restoration in terms if getting a book graded?

[@AR_Comics]

Nope. Restoration would be anything that actually “restores” the book. Like glue, I think tape, staples, or trimming the pages so they look sharper. There’s probably a lot more examples, but that’s just a few

[@klock149]

Fantastic showing. I learned a ton. Thanks for the great DIY content.

[@AR_Comics]

Thank you Kevin! I’m glad you enjoyed it and got something from it 🤘🏽

[@collectables6665]

Love your videos and they are the best please would you check out collectables666 comics thanks

[@sang9095]

Thanks for this video! I was curious about this.

[@AR_Comics]

No prob! I’m gonna do a modern one at some point, but I’m looking to add this into the weekly routine

[@katiekaboom9780]

Great video!!! I learned a lot on how to clean and press my comics. Look forward to more videos

[@AR_Comics]

Glad you got something from it! Tuesday will be my next one. I’m gonna be cracking that avengers 57 out of the case to try and bump it

[@Radial3clipse]

Comics4cheap is a savage lol love that dude

[@AR_Comics]

He’s a GREAT dude

[@n3rdoutmedia]

Came across this video in my feed and was happy to hear @comix4cheap mentioned. James presses most of my books.

[@TheCliffy007]

would that white pencil technically be restoration?

[@AR_Comics]

The tip of its just a regular eraser, it’s meant for the tough spots. It’s not like a colored pencil or anything

[@DavidMiller-tl5gn]

As you stated many have different ways to clean and press books. I suggest reading Comic Book CPR and Comic Book Stain Removal and Whitening from Michael Frederik Sorensen. I put my books in a humidor for 3 before pressing with heat at 135 for 15 min and keeping the book in the press for 24 hours. Food for thought. Good Video

[@jerrysmith9555]

Enjoyed the video. Question . If the comic has major creasing do you press first? Seems like the creases and folds would make it hard to clean.

[@AR_Comics]

Nope, always clean it first!! That much heat and pressure could damage the book to the point where you might not be able to get the dirt/grime off

[@jerrysmith9555]

@@AR_Comics thanks buddy.