Comic Book Pressing 101- A quick tutorial on cleaning, humidity and pressing comics

[@nickc8594]

I just cleaned and pressed my first book using this tutorial, and it turned out SO GREAT. I did the whole thing with my 12yo, and it was a great father-son bonding experience. And, WOW, you were just spot on about all of this -- the results wildly exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much -- this has really helped me.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

So good to hear - congrats!!!

[@wiredawg2005]

Nice...specifically about the father, son bonding. :) What book did you press and did you send it in for CGC grading?

[@nickc8594]

​@@wiredawg2005 We pressed Eternals #9 (first appearance of Sprite). We haven't sent it in to CGC yet, but if I do I'll post an update!

[@Chelsea-vt3ib]

Is it easy to send it in because i have a Batman book that sells for 1500 and it’s mint I don’t know how to send it in at all LOL

[@zandelscomicsandcards7543]

I wonder how many irreplaceable books have been ruined by people attempting this stuff they didn’t know what they were doing. Glad you’re putting this information out there. Great video.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

I appreciate it, Jonathan - thank you.

[@saleens330]

Always practice with books with no value.

[@christopherlacher3544]

I LOVE THAT SMELL TOO BRO! Nothing else like it.

[@ABDLAZ]

You can get this from Amazon. You can get that from Amazon, but my towels I like to get them from Hilton. Haha! That's so funny.

[@jonnytalkscomics7807]

Interesting video. It was nice to see the process. Did you ever receive it back from CGC? I couldn’t see any follow up video.

[@dmajor2262]

I don’t comment on videos much, but I actually have some advice that may be useful. I crack a ton of slabs, and the absolute easiest way is with a cheap bench vise from Harbor Freight. Just crack the plastic on 3 corners and out the book comes. No risk of bending and causing any extra damage. Super easy, and super safe.

[@wylier]

I have done 'pressing' in a basic, low-tech way. I simply placed the issues with spine roll underneath some heavy books, making sure that the issue was properly 'aligned' as I placed it under the weight of the books. I just kept them there a few days, and that solved the problem of the spine roll.

[@super-villain800]

I could never put a razor blade or knife that dang close to my comic books, sir. You are braver than I, my friend. Thanks for the video

[@nerdyfather8897]

AMAZING VIDEO!!!! I'm a presser and cleaner as well but i learned a few things from this video.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you - I'm always learning!

[@tadaoentertainment]

In the 80’s and 90’s, collectors used to call those indentations or spine ticks, “creases”.

[@jontnoneya3404]

Ok that was very informative but where's the follow up vid? I can't seem to find it in your videos.

[@mattheximer8299]

I would avoid the compressed air... too much risk of a condensation moisture bubble hitting your book. Use a photo gear squeeze ball air blower instead.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Ooo, that’s a great idea!

[@RLucas3000]

@@BronzeAndModernGods Did the rated Strange Tales 115 come back better than 4.5 or worse? The cover looked so pristine and gorgeous to me i was shocked it was as low as a 4.5!

[@wiredawg2005]

I was thinking the same...

[@Plaintext11]

The canned air will be chemically "dry", that's why its used on live electronics. Now an air compressor like you'd see in a garage or a very small one that draws on atmosphere will definatly condense moisture and spray droplets.

[@samuelcatoe1927]

The canned air might be chemically dry, but if you get too close it causes a layer of frost to form on the surface which could cause moisture damage. I never tried it on paper, but I've seen canned air frost both Legos and resin statues.

[@miketalife]

Cool. I never knew the process till this video

[@johnalessi1835]

Its a hell of a lot quicker and easier to use a small steamer to add humidity to the book. Also takes up less room. Just be sure to keep it six inches away and to let run a bit for before exposing it to the pages so it won't drip water. Use distilled water and put on each page until you see a slight curl of the pages.dont soak it . Plenty of videos on KZbin showing that method. I'm no newbie. Been into comics since the 70s. Great video though and good tips. Side note: if using paper inside make sure it's inkjet paper NOT Laserjet paper Laserjet can pull color

[@haromaster6086]

This was absolutely a great tutorial. Well done. I’m really looking forward to watching a lot more of your channel.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you! Stick around for a Modern book pressing tutorial coming soon.

[@johnwayne2103]

Thanks for the tutorial. I would have used a Metal ruler along that Comic book edge. Razors have a weird way of tracking oddly on plastic and a possibility of running right into the book. You can buy a large one at Hobby Lobby and go to the website and download a 15% off coupon.

[@reinaldoknows993]

Impressive thank you for video

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thanks for watching!

[@Teezythadon]

Results are in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJfQlKWOaLGKhqM skip to 14:38

[@theboredtrucker3898]

showgirls, such a great movie. It moves me just to think of the struggles of a young woman trying to make it big and express herself through the artform known as dance!

[@MediaWhored]

Wow i was holding my breath when you were x razor blading that wrapper

[@cariboutrailcrafts7506]

Really informative video !! Thanks for the resto-tips, and step by step instructions. Please post up sometime what the comic got re-graded at !! Thanks for sharing, Tom

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Here's the result - spoiler: no bump, but looks better. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJfQlKWOaLGKhqM

[@dsymms8527]

A good pair of shears is more controllable. Great video.

[@MrPelletty]

I have 2 of those machines. you can take some barkeepers friend and water and clean the top to make is look better. Also I like to use an Aluminum bottom plate so that the book receives heat from both sides evenly.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thanks for the tips!

[@cclouse14]

This was a great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@ThomasPrivitor]

Sooo what was the new rating???

[@ganjjabarsmedium2347]

Fantastic breakdown my friend 👌

[@Brad_Jenkins]

I wanna do this to my Shazam! #11 The Captain Marvel Family New Year's Issue

[@williambixby3785]

What kind of grade increase did you get from this?

[@ziggyc4474]

I wonder too

[@blenderhead7356]

Those gloves came in real handy 😂. Cool vid.

[@philmartinez1872]

Thank you

[@hoardershide]

Suggestion for you. Pick up a piece of 1/4" plexiglass the same size as your press. That way you can build your stack and then just pick up the piece of plexi and slide it in and clamp it down. You will obviously need to adjust your press for the extra 1/4", and possibly adjust your baking time a little. I use that trick with my seal 500 T and it has made things so much nicer. I have multiple sheets and can get my next set ready to go while the first set is baking/cooling.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

What a great idea!

[@hoardershide]

@@BronzeAndModernGods got to go with the least quarter or half. I tried thinner and the heat would cause it to warp slightly which I'm assuming over long-term use could be detrimental. So far zero problems with quarter inch. Two sheets of half inch double was a very good cold press once you pull the book out if you want a slightly quicker turnaround time on getting your next one in

[@battlestar7779]

Use a metal straightedge (I.e.- metal ruler) when removing inner well from the actual book- just a thought.

[@BustaBustDaDog]

Love the Kamandi tshirt!

[@flynngames4703]

Good lord I had no idea that pressing was such a process. Impressive

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

It’s almost zen to me now.

[@pingadol1555]

Like the little towel trick.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Makes it so much easier!

[@hackinglife9710]

What a great video. Thank you very much

[@ncritchlow1]

Yes!!! There are shavings everywhere!!!!!

[@silvertrooper6]

For those interested, here are the results of the CGC regrade! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJfQlKWOaLGKhqM Thanks for sharing! Feel free to pin this comment or yours.

[@bfung66]

Great tutorial on pressing John!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@RAG718]

never heard or seen the 3 magazine method for both ends of the comic during pressing ,, interesting

[@joshualemoine7470]

Be careful with the compressed air! At the wrong angle, liquid may come out of the can and onto you book! Awesome video! So many useful tips here. Thank you!

[@scottlambe7987]

That was an excellent video and thank you. Well done..

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you, that is appreciated!

[@VeganHeretic]

Great video and an extra thumbs up for the Monkees T-shirt !!!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Frodis Room!

[@northgardencomics]

Great video! Definitely going to have to check out the Kaptain Myke links. Thanks!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you!

[@FoScoJo]

You could use a steel ruler to run the blade down to stop it from drifting into the comic.

[@BronzeAgeBryon]

Hello Sir. Much more detailed than how I was first taught. A couple things I'd like your opinion on please. 1) Using teflon sheets in the pressing process 2) Using a sheet of Aluminum on the bottom to avoid having to flip the book after 1 session in the press and 3) How long you leave it in the press with the heat ON. I was told only 1 minute at 170 degrees then leave it sit all night. Your thoughts would really be appreciated as I improve my understanding of this craft. Thanks!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

1 - never use Teflon! It will leave indentions all over the cover. I will show an example of what Teflon will do in a future episode. 2 - metal plates are an option - depends on the model of press you are using, however 3 - again, depends on your press. A Seal Press takes a long time to warm up, so you should pre-heat it until it's at 165 for Silver/Bronze, then close and begin timing.

[@BronzeAgeBryon]

@@BronzeAndModernGods Thanks for the reply. Guess I'm done with Teflon. But I don't feel like it left any noticeable indentations that I could tell on what I've pressed so far. Have you found the Humidity Bath helps get out a minor creases along with the proper press? My press is pretty new and heats up to 170 in under 10-15 minutes. I have been leaving books in at 170 for about 2 minutes heated and turned on, then shutting off the press and leave them sit all night. With the aluminum plate I do not flip them. If you're up for it, check out the couple of videos I made on the process, I'd be happy to learn more. As after finding you I feel what I "think" I know and what I put out there is called into question now. Thanks for your time.

[@MOGO8907]

I'm taking notes dude, awesome video!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@kamdoankamdoan8698]

So how did the new grading go? ....couldn't find the follow up video

[@MSgt_0699]

Wow, I had no idea that those plastic cases were sealed like that. Makes sense.

[@ramonmarshall9866]

So what did it come back from CGC as?

[@marscomics9698]

Such a great video, thanks for sharing the knowledge, I really appreciate it. Just subbed you up.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thank you!

[@KingColonel]

Opening that slab with the screwdriver was absolute madness WTF!?

[@Iceblaze3k]

Thought this was a great video. One of the best pressing/cleaning videos ive seen, thanks. Subbed

[@TheVagolfer]

Tip.....Try these tricks on a couple of cheap books first!

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

AB-SO-LUTELY!! Practice, practice, practice

[@armandandonian3610]

I found a way to get rid of those deep fold lines and other creases.

[@mrrictus]

With my occasional bad luck I'd probably tear my comic with the cleaning putty lol. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@ccsportsfan7886]

Just found this did you ever get back if so what score I looked for the video couldn't find thank you

[@greatpix]

I'd recommend using a spudger instead of a screwdriver for opening the slab as you'll have better control and less likely to come near the book. Also, put a metal straight edge/ruler between the knife and the comic. Last thing, send in the old label along with the comic so they can remove it from the census. See recent Bry's Comics video. Do this or the count will be artificially high and hurt the value of your book.

[@fishworlderie]

Any update on a resubmitted grade?

[@drspidey4739]

Just curious. Did you ever do a followup on the grade?

[@cgcsportsillustrated5290]

I just started pressing and am struggling to get all the bends and waves out of my covers. I'm following your instructions and wondered if you could give me couple of ideas of what to try next that might fix it? Thank you!

[@yurisantini4422]

What was the grade it came back?

[@potishen]

Can you do humidity chamber inside? It’s cold in Canada in the winter

[@johnmasters1667]

Can you press foil comics

[@wonderbread9038]

Did you get them back yet? How was the grading?

[@matthewallen803]

You've got nerves of steel. Just putting a key into a new bag can be stressful. It was awesome seeing how to clean a book. I'll have to buy a doc cleaning pad and absorene

[@traemoore5457]

I vaguely remember receiving direct comics folded over in the 80’s. I still have some with a faint line down the middle. As for rusty staples and no water damage, I’m guessing this is the reason?

[@bobbymoore6013]

why gloves, then later no gloves?

[@screennamie]

Did you ever submit it and get it back yet?

[@jeffreyminnie9194]

Hi. Great information. I can't seem to find those temperature strips on Amazon over 90F. What is the brand name on those? Thanks.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Ugh, good question - they came in a generic white envelope with no branding.

[@kayliasbirdsanctuary]

Just curious do you have an update on this book? Were you able to increase the grade up from CGC 4.5? Great titorial!!

[@TrustMeImaBAMF]

I'm curious as well

[@Cuntycomics]

So what grade did CGC RE grade

[@xXxAmadeuzxXx]

I like Hilton hotel towels too 😭😁😁

[@MPSFilmsOfficial]

what did it end up being graded?

[@David-sw3on]

" And I prefer using Towels from umm Hilton Hotels..." LMAO! hahaha that was Awesome! Ok..Im pretty sure now that it is you! Who is the High Roller.👍😉🇨🇦

[@Rom2099]

G’day. Stumbled across your channel, mate. Good stuff. Got a subscriber out of me. I’m trying to source all the materials to properly clean n press here in Australia. Getting very close.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Awesome, thank you!

[@thinkle6244]

Should you press books that are older and fragile? Like something that might be in 1-2.0 condition?

[@richb1016]

Great video. Very interested in cleaning and pressing my books. Do you have a video on removing the FCBD stickers from the LCS? Another creator recommended just buying one without (and I probably will), but I’m stubborn. Lol

[@lawrencelerat2847]

Good job - I'm wondering if you do sports-cards? Removing stains and pressing out creases and wrinkles?

[@Highsteel21]

Great video. Did it come back?

[@qwerty52676]

Why would a book with heavy back spine dents come back with the exact same grade as when they were reduced by 90% or more?

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Wondered that myself. CGC does go thru periods where grading is tougher. .

[@RanXerox007007]

Do you heat or boil the water first or just pour it in cold?

[@emmettrobinson4555]

What type of paper are you using to press and clean your books.

[@thebrothershowpodcast8505]

Did you get it re graded? Plz share video. Thank you!

[@jerrysnow555]

You should always send in the label when resubmitted so it removed off Census if not this messes with values

[@BillyBones18]

Can you leave the book in the press longer than 12 hours withoit detriment? Thinking of like 15-16 hours if I set everything up in my office.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Yep, as long as you like, really - the longer actually the better, as it helps prevent any reversion.

[@DanXJ19]

Do cleanings remove stamps and writing?

[@mofantasy9219]

Did you get it re-graded? Can't find the video. Interesting video though!

[@MySweetPickles]

Thank you! I'm just starting to learn pressing myself and this video was most helpful. I can't seem to locate those temperature strips you are using on Amazon (most of them only go up to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Would you mind posting a link? Thanks again! Subscribed

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Hey, Chadd! Thanks for watching - try this www.amazon.com/dp/B01FVOQO9K/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Y4AUFbRDGJS5B

[@fordhamdonnington2738]

Where do you get a good press. Amazon's look cheap

[@jagspatel7060]

Great learning...I won’t do it though...the blade man😊😌!!!

[@kristophersmotherman6114]

Wow! Wild amazing video. This could have easily been the book I used to own all those years ago. I never even realized it was Dr. Strange's origin, I was going for Sandmans second appearance, since I already had his first. What's sad, is how lazy people are, as only 3 percent of the people that watched this video bothered to hit the like button. Out of 23,000!!!!

[@glenclark8696]

I just watched the video and looked for a follow up video to see if you got a grade bump. Have you gotten the book back yet?

[@dkthief]

I have tried a few bronze comics for pressing. Used the humidity chamber and for the most part the comic when pressed, the covers are great. But noticed if comic is laid flat is a curve. What am i doing wrong? Thx

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

either too much pressure or too much humidity - do you have a humidity gauge from Amazon?

[@dkthief]

@@BronzeAndModernGods hmm. yeah i do not have a gauge. that is prob the issue. better pick on up. Thank you

[@whatsinthebox9981]

Did you ever get those book back,and what grade

[@creeper440]

Was not Josh Avery. Best work ever!

[@Zenmaster1]

What type of SRP do you use? I find that the SRP wrinkles during the heat pressing, which then transfers to the covers, especially with Bronze and Silver Age.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Hey, Jon - links to all the materials I use are in the description.

[@suntan8573]

May I have discarded items/things ?

[@tomhuynh4058]

Question.. do you know how to get rid of the adhesive residue from stickers or old tapes?

[@Mockingbird650]

Great video.

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

Thanks!

[@x4486xx]

Seems complicated and nerve racking.. how do some reputable “pressers” only charge $12 for this!? Haha

[@BronzeAndModernGods]

I know, right??

[@heath4570]

Are you sitting the humidity tub out in the sun?

[@agoodun]

Why do I need to be careful when cutting the edge of the book? Will it affect the value if I accidentally cut it?

[@DGrosser]

New to your channel, I'm looking at pressing and cleaning my own collection, great tutorial. Seems like you didn't follow up letting us know if you got a bump in grade from CGC. Did it get a decent bump?