Comic Book Pressing (Part 2): Pressing Process

[@emeraldknight041]

I appreciate you taking the time to share your techniques with the comic community. I was apprehensive, but after seeing parts 1 and 2, I may give it a shot. Thanks, Regie!

[@RegieCollects]

Make sure you check out RJs comments. Dude is dropping some knowledge that I'll be looking into more myself. Stay tuned because part 3 is coming up.

[@emeraldknight041]

@Regie Simmons IFBB Pro - DEFINITELY!!

[@sspecmedia]

I like that press. and your work space/Lab. Very nice, Regie.. Let me suggest this.. Replace that teflon with SRP *Silicone Release Paper*.. Uline sells 1000 sheets for $85 that can be cut in half..so 2000 for $85.. Do it asap..lol . More than likely it will be hard to notice to the naked eye , but (and you are ahead of the game brother.. well done)Teflon raises the chance a book can come out with a minor to major Canvass defect (*canvassing* CGC marks it as). than if you use white SRP (highly recommended) or white Parchment. Its basically the pattern of the teflon pressed onto the Exterior Wrap and/or inside Binding area (pages). Trust me, 100% you will eventually switch to SRP (I can tell you are into the craft and that's so dope) down the road.. Why wait? DO IT NOW, my dude! haha ..Also, Cold pressing comic books is much more important than the video is leading on, respectively.. The longer you cold press (leaving comic in press platelet down and locked after Cook) the less chance you will have reversion (when your comic returns to its condition before press) or flaring (waves in the book).. Cold pressing a comic book after heat should be at MINIMUM, 12 hours, but recommended time is 24 - 48 hours (24 hours should be good to go).. Some books will be stubborn and can take 36 - 156 hours for a cold press..Yes I said it.. 156 hours which is 1 week.. lol Wait til you get to the Square Bound prestige style books and have to reset the spine (uncrushing a crushed square bound spine i.e GSX #1) I know it sounds ridiculous, but believe me, you will see and love the tip.. It will be a great investment.. And buy in bulk.. Stuff goes fast... Great Video, Reg! Big Fat 👍

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for the tips on the SRP Silicone Release Paper. You mentioned that in your previous comment but the context here helped tremendously. I need to look into them once I return home. I appreciate all of the comments, RJ. I actually had a discussion with a comic shop owner earlier today that added to my knowledge base as well. #NeverStopLearning Note: Paper ordered :-)

[@emeraldknight041]

@R.J. Taylor - Thanks RJ for dropping the additional knowledge. I’ll be ordering the same!

[@sspecmedia]

Nice Brother.. You will probably still get that “am i forgetting something feeling” and i am sure you will feel more comfortable w/the thought a teflon sheet is on there, but trust me, you want to move on from that stuff, IMO.. you will eventually get past that.. Only really 3 ways you can troubleshoot Canvassing defect after a press, for future press and you just eliminated 1 of them.. Hit me up if you ever want to exchange tricks and niches.. Im sure we can really improve from each other. Can’t wait for the video,my man..

[@hatedkerouaG]

yeah, I would recommend the same for anyone starting out with pressing, get those silicone sheets from Uline. You have to commit a lot up front to get it, but I have had books pressed for me that got dinged by CGC for the that waffle imprint. Now I press my own and only use the SRP. Reggie, are you taking into account the digital comic stickers in those modern books so as to not imprint them into the back cover?

[@RegieCollects]

Between the sheets and the shipping it was a commitment but it seems like the right thing to do. 🤣 I haven’t come across any comics with the digital sticker. How are you protecting against imprinting the sticker into the cover?

[@yourfriendmistermike]

Regie, I always enjoy and appreciate the work you put into your videos. Thank you. Also, you may want to consider trying heating up a cup of distilled water in a microwave for 2 minutes and pouring the water into the humidity chamber just before putting any comic book(s) into the humidity chamber. This significantly speeds up the process. Take care.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks Mike! I have literally debated using hot/warm water. I don’t mind the slower process of the humidity chamber versus the pressing process. I’ve debated getting another press so that I can press more than two books at once. 😂 What’s the thought behind the distilled water? I’m asking because I used filtered water. Thanks in advance bro.

[@yourfriendmistermike]

@@RegieCollects Distilled water removes any chance of an adverse reaction taking place during humidification upon the staples and comic book paper / printed inks from minerals or chemicals in the water including fluoride.

[@picg4066]

You can put a comic book backboard on top of the cover of the comic then put the Teflon sheet to allow that little extra heat. Been pressing awhile now and with this video, we do a lot of similar technics. Love your videos keep them coming!!!!

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for watching and for the additional tip. 👊🏾😜

[@Ross-qv5fk]

Thanks again Regie! Been researching pressing myself. I've been setting up my own comic room. A press is in my near future.

[@RegieCollects]

Make sure that you check out RJs comments. He's dropping some knowledge.

[@nathantrucks695]

Thank you so much for posting some great informative stuff on pressing with real visual aids. I feel like the major pressing community doesn’t want people to know how to do it and all my research I’ve been trying to find visually is just odd or they cut to after it’s pressed to show how they did instead of what they did. Thanks for all the amazing content and look forward to getting some ASM from you when some more books get posted. Would love to be able to support. Thanks again

[@RegieCollects]

My goal is to always put out quality material that helps folks. This requires a fair amount of planning before turning on the camera. You have to get the light and angles just right so that people can actually see what’s happening. Thank you for noticing the effort. And, thanks in advance for your support. I appreciate both. 👊🏾

[@jeffberg8015]

Thanks for posting the pressing videos, they've been very helpful. I bought an inexpensive press and have been quick pressing some nice bronze age comics to prep for my first submission to CGC. My technique for the quick press to spruce up books that are already in VF+ condition, is to use 1 backer board at the centerfold, 4 pieces of copier paper under the front cover, tucked as close to the staples as possible to push out spine dings, 2 papers under the back cover, and using backer boards under and over the comic for protection, glossy side toward the book. I hot press for 10 minutes at 160, and then turn off the press and let the book cool for at least 1 hour. usually this leaves the books looking at least a 9.4, and usually higher. If necessary for the back I'll flip the book and repeat the process. I've been very pleased with my results so far. I imagine that when I start pressing lower condition or newer books I'll need to modify this, perhaps adding humidity for badly wrinkled books or added protection for glossy pages. Thanks again.

[@RegieCollects]

Good luck.

[@ComicsAltruism]

I'll have to watch Part 1 when I've got Wi-Fi (I could only skim) but this method is quite different from my own and I'm definitely gonna try it out. Great work and thanks for a different take on the process!

[@RegieCollects]

Comics Altruism I think there is more than one way to skin a cat. I have part three coming up next week so hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy the three parts. I appreciate you bro.

[@harveyabel1354]

@@RegieCollects WHAT did I already tell you about skinning cats?! :/ EDIT When I'm skinning cats, do I tell people there's more than one way to press a comic? No, I most certainly do NOT! ;p

[@ComicsAltruism]

@@RegieCollects Right back at ya!

[@tinakaranson6964]

Great job Regie! Thank you for showing examples of the process.

[@heavyhammergymcomics721]

Awesome, Regie! I'm on to part 3.

[@felixmaldonado7511]

Great video Mr. Regie. Looking forward for the next.

[@RegieCollects]

I may drop part 3 today. Stay tuned.

[@slugggworth1001]

Got a press for Christmas and I'm having a hell of a time getting started!

[@RegieCollects]

What’s the deal?

[@bigbearcomics9744]

Thank you for this video been looking for a step by step pressing video and you explain it so well!

[@RegieCollects]

You’re welcome bro. Part 3 drops today. I might be doing a follow up video based upon some tips from a few subscribers. Stay tuned.

[@stormbreakerjoe4530]

I need one of these for myself instead of having my buddy do It for me. Very nice Bro.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for watching bro. I appreciate you.

[@strangetalestosell4776]

Great video! Looking forward to trying it out in the future. Great background song choice, made it feel like an oceans 11 heist prep montage 😂 looking forward to part 3!

[@joker7596]

Starting to think I’ll be asking Santa Claus for a press this year 😂

[@RegieCollects]

LOL. I love it. Thanks for watching bro.

[@corymaxwell709]

Ask him fast. I asked him and I got mine early

[@jimmystix99]

Thank you for the input I have been hesitant to try the moisture bath and this gives me a bit more confidence ✊🏻

[@RegieCollects]

You are welcome bud. Good luck with whatever approach you take.

[@BUBSWORLD181]

I use very different press methods but these do seem to be consistent with others who use a T-shirt press like yours. Dry mount pressing is much faster and requires far less moisture on average. I put a book in the chamber with hot water and can moisturise a book in 10 minutes. You may try that but I don't know how the T-shirt press would respond to that. maybe try it out on a quarter bin book first. great video and thanks for sharing. Also, in time you will move to SRP and maybe even ditch the backing boards. Use SRP to sandwich the covers instead and you will love the results. backing boards slow down the process and cause lots of heat loss. I have heard of them stopping staple imprints but that is only a worry if the press is set too tight. good luck buddy.

[@RegieCollects]

SRP have already been ordered. Thanks bro.

[@MrPaulywog]

Still need to watch the first one. Only watched a few minutes of the first one. Hate not having a lot of free time, lol.

[@RegieCollects]

Paul Cox It’s all good Paul. Part 3 drops next week. Don’t get too far behind. 😂😜😂

[@shawnmaccurdy2649]

Love your techniques , I gotta get me a press now keep up the great work regie

[@steverogers2747]

Phenomenal Video, Regie! 👍

[@RegieCollects]

👊🏾

[@thisweatherisbullshit]

Reggie looks a little like Anderson the spider silva.

[@RegieCollects]

Or, does he look like me? Curious. 😂

[@thisweatherisbullshit]

@@RegieCollects hey man I like lifting weights and comic books too. Just got a press and now I need to start trying it out. Thanks for the vid. I'll be looking for more of your stuff soon

[@oldcomiccollector8228]

Hi Regie don’t think you said in the vid- do you use cold water for the moisture bath? Thanks for the vids 👍

[@RegieCollects]

Room temperature water. You can use warm or hot water to speed up the process but the books will take on moisture at a different rate so you’ll have to adjust the duration of the bath. I also use distilled water.

[@oldcomiccollector8228]

Regie Collects thanks man just getting my cleaning & pressing kit sorted here in the UK 😉

[@danielniedzwiecki8920]

I watched and was horrified when I saw you clamp the press down and your top paper was folded over…upper left! Did this cause any problem?

[@RegieCollects]

No

[@archangel0891]

Great vid regie! But one thing ive not seen asked, HOW are your graded books fixed to the wall cos DAAAMN it looks cool

[@RegieCollects]

Lol. Collector Mount. Check my website for a discount code: RegieCollects.com

[@TallawahReggae]

what thickness is the alumminum plate please? Great vids, very helpful, many thanks.

[@RegieCollects]

No clue. There was only one option at Home Depot. 😂 It’s maybe less than the thickness of a backing board. Glad you enjoyed the videos. There is a 4th part that is a Q&A. I also have a cleaning video as well.

[@joaoafonso6643]

Do you reuse any of the supplies (back board teflon paper)

[@RegieCollects]

Teflon is used over and over. I have just ordered some new supplies that a few guys recommend to replace the Teflon sheets. They are supposedly better. I will also use the backing boards a few times until they start to get wavy from the heat.

[@hfrog713]

@@RegieCollects What did you use to replace the teflon sheets?

[@LRHSLakewoodLive]

Hi Reggie, Excellent video. My press arrives this Tuesday and I'll be doing some trial $ bin book pressing over the Winter Break from work. Two questions 1) Do you prefer the tote humidity bath over using a hand steamer like those used on clothing (I've seen videos that use that approach) and 2) Do you find it is fine to handle the comic taking it out of the tote and transferred it to the press? (I've seen videos where they use the poly sheet from the tote to kind of "ferry" the book to the press) Thanks again for sharing you technique with the comic community.

[@RegieCollects]

Hey bud! The process illustrated in the video is the preferred process. I use the least amount of water, heat, pressure to get the best results possible. My process is designed to produce predictable, consistent results. I’ve tried to use a streamer for my clothes and it was honestly a waste of time. Uneven heat, water drips, etc drove me to pull out my trusty iron. 😂😜 To this end, I’ve never tried to use a steamer on my comics. I never saw the benefit of the “transfer cloth” because the book still needs to be handed for insertion of backing board, Teflon sheets, etc. It was never clear what the transfer cloth was suppose to do.

[@vuhong5617]

Great Viedo Brother can you recommend or tell us what kind press u useing the name and model number of the press bc there is so many komg press dont know which one is a good one and good quality. Dont want buy a press for 150 pluse then next thing it break in 2 week. Thank you for your time and help .

[@RegieCollects]

I’m traveling at the moment but check out part 1 of the series where I show you the model that I use. I think there is only one version at that price and design on Amazon. Glad you’re enjoying the series so far.

[@PasspointComics]

Watched video. Why did you use different materials on each book on one you used back boards and on the other book you used Teflon sheets?

[@RegieCollects]

Watch the other parts of the video including the Q& A then circle back with questions. A lot of the details are in the videos.

[@PasspointComics]

Thanks will do. Great info as usual. I’m starting to make more videos as well. Having fun with it

[@jonathanhodapp8735]

Hey man I’m new to your channel but found you through Matt wood. I was wondering I have seen your videos on cgc. My question is have you done a video on submitting to cbcs? I ask because I’m new to the slabbing of comics and I have a few signed comics I would love to get slabbed for preservation. Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for the view and comment. No, I do not have a submission video for CBCS. The processes are very similar. I primarily use CGC for my grading purposes. I have one submission at CBCS that I'm waiting to come back. There is a chance that I will do submission videos for them but I need more experience with the service.

[@jonathanhodapp8735]

@@RegieCollects that’s understandable. Do you know if CGC slab autographed comics? Or do you have to purchase them when they have the illustrator or writer there so they can witness it? I’m just trying to think who I should send my Kevin eastman autographed teenage mutant ninja turtle comic to get slabbed so I can preserve it

[@RegieCollects]

A book that has already been signed, will receive a green label from CGC. CGC only gives yellow labels to comics that they witnessed being signed. A green label comic has less value typically than a blue or yellow label. To get the most value out of the book, if that’s your goal, is to send it to CBCS.

[@jonathanhodapp8735]

@@RegieCollects ok thank you for the advice. I know you rec pressing. The cbcs have minimums on pressing as well? And I assume press and clean won’t affect the signature

[@nathantrucks695]

Also curious how you record your sound. Do you use Lavalier mics or a table mic with a decent range? Is it the same set up for your podcasts? I only ask Because your sounds is always nice.

[@RegieCollects]

Bro, I’ve learned a lot about sound over the two years. 😂 I started out with no mic but moved towards a lav mic quickly people kept saying that they couldn’t hear me. Recently (last 8 months) I transitioned to the boom arm and mic setup that you see during live streams. I basically use that exact same setup for all my videos. It’s not easy but the boom arm has some range.

[@ryudosengo]

Did you keep the silicon pad that came with the press or did you put it aside? Not sure if you put the aluminum sheet on top of it or what.

[@RegieCollects]

Aluminum is on top of the pad. If you have a chance check out the Q&A...it’s part 4. I put some additional nuggets in that video. Let me know if you have other questions.

[@mightycomicsandcollectibles]

So comic is only Exposed to heat for 25 seconds? But in press for 4-6 hours? Have u done this with silver age books?

[@RegieCollects]

The Mighty Comics Guy Yea. The press is heated up to 175 degrees. The book is exposed to that temp for 25 seconds before being allowed to cool for hours after. I have pressed new and old books. In part three I will show you the results of my process in “real time” from start to finish.

[@Drewzer154]

I’ve seen other pressing videos say 150 degrees for 15 minutes (not seconds) and leave it in the press for up to 24 hours.

[@forzendikar9908]

Looking at investing in a press by end of year Regie. Knowing what you know now would you buy the press you have or do you think a swivel heat press would be easier to work with. The type where the heating plate swing out versus just up and down?

[@RegieCollects]

A press is a press is a press is my guess. My setup did not allow for that type of press so I went with the clam shell. Unfortunately I don’t have experience with any other type. Here is a link to my blog post with links to all of the resources that I used: regiecollects.com/f/starter-kit-for-comic-pressing

[@forzendikar9908]

Regie Collects thanks Regie. Your views on those on those vids will be going up. I usually gotta watch videos couple times on instruction vids!

[@luppchri]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing your insights and experience. One question: Have you had any experience in pressing modern comic books with HOLOFOIL covers? I tried to find something reliable on the web but there are quite different opinions as to whether you can or can not press HOLOFOIL covers.

[@RegieCollects]

I’ve never pressed a cover like that. My guess is that it’s make out of cardboard like material which probably doesn’t press well.

[@luppchri]

Regie Collects Thanks, Regie. Yes, it is a thicker cardboard type cover but I am more concerned about destroying the shiny foil. I have a few holofoil trading cards from Kickstarter campaigns and guess I will test with them first. BTW, I ordered my press based on your recommendation and all the tools from your shopping list. That was super helpful. The press should arrive on Friday, so I am really excited to do my first pressing sessions.

[@osingsx1022]

Hey Regie! I'm about to try your technique after watching through playlist many times BUT in this video at 7:20, it looks like you put a layer of white fabric on top just before closing the press. I don't recall you mentioning this step. Is it a white teflon sheet instead of the brown ones? Or is the same type of polyester fabric from the water bath? PLEASE HELP!

[@RegieCollects]

Just another Teflon sheet. This one is just white.

[@osingsx1022]

@@RegieCollects Thanks so much Regie!

[@darryllallana8299]

Regie I watched all 3 parts of your pressing video and I cant seem to find the setting you use for the pressure knob for the handle. Can you please tell me what setting you use? Thanks and great videos

[@RegieCollects]

Thanks for watching the videos bro. You didn’t miss it. There is no setting. The knob is a manual adjustment. Straight righty tighty, lefty Lucy. I used a few backing boards to “set” my initial height then make slight adjustments up or down based upon the book that is being pressed. We are talking about tiny turns of the knob-unless you are talking about square-bound books. Hope this helps.

[@darryllallana8299]

@@RegieCollects Ah I see. Cool well thank you for the response I really appreciate it

[@RegieCollects]

Sorry I couldn't be more scientific with it.

[@darryllallana8299]

@@RegieCollects no need to apologize bro your videos have helped out tremendously

[@andrewrogers4371]

Regie is the water warmed or room temperature?

[@RegieCollects]

Room temp.

[@LRHSLakewoodLive]

Hi again Reggie: How many times do you / can you re-use the Teflon Sheets? About how many books can you get from the same sheet. Thanks!

[@RegieCollects]

Teflon sheets don’t break down. I’m on at least 150+ pressings with the same sheets. This isn’t like parchment paper. 👊🏾

[@jemin2010]

I've been trying to press a few books as practice or trial runs but mine are coming out of the press a little wavy or corners a little flared up. What could be the problem? Wrinkles and creases are coming out fine. I am not using a moisture chamber yet.

[@RegieCollects]

Have you ever tried to iron a dress shirt or pair of jeans without using water or starch? You can do it but you won’t have the best results. The method illustrated in my videos has provided me with the most consistent and predictable results. It would be nearly impossible for me to tell you what the problem might be without know anything about how you are pressing books. There are just too many variables (e.g. type of press, type of book, temperature, pressure, etc.)

[@jemin2010]

@@RegieCollects Thanks for the quick response, I love your videos! I'm using a Tusy Clamshell heat press. Set @ 175 for 20 seconds and then letting it set for 6 hours or so. I've only pressed a few books pre glossy paper Era. I'm going to try the moisture chamber to see if that helps. Just a little nervous with water in close proximity to my books. 😆

[@RegieCollects]

Good luck on the pressing journey bro.

[@jemin2010]

@@RegieCollects Thanks!

[@kalidd811]

Hey Regie. Have you pressed a modern book that the covers look great but some of the interior pages at the top and bottom has some waviness?

[@RegieCollects]

Yes. I talk about that in this six part series that you are watching now. New books can be wavy and still score a 9.8 like that CGC makes allowances for the newer paper. I personally press the book to remove the waves.

[@kalidd811]

@@RegieCollects Thanks Regie!

[@hfrog713]

What made you decide to add the sheets on the second book and not the first, also on another channel i saw someone say don't put the board in the middle past the staples. Meaning don't overlap the staples in the middle with the board. Do you watch for the same thing? Thanks in advance.

[@RegieCollects]

I haven’t watched this video in about 6 months. What time stamp are you looking at regarding the sheets? Everyone has a method to pressing that works for them. Very few of us are experts. The best piece of advice that I can give you is to give it a try and determine for yourself what methodology works. Please keep in mind that books are different. Some have digital codes that have to be worked around. Some have funky staples. Other have covers that hang over, spine roles, etc. There are also differences in paper type. My point is that you have to make adjustments based upon the book that you are pressing.

[@hfrog713]

@@RegieCollects You didn't put any Teflon sheets in Civil War at 4:44 but you did in the second comic at 5:10. Also, final question :) i see at 7:18ish you say you add 2 teflon sheets on top....but i see 1 teflon sheet and then a white looking sheet......is that just another type of teflon sheet? could you recommend the teflon replacement you use now?

[@RegieCollects]

Got it. It could have been based upon the defects that I was seeing. I will sometimes use an extra backing board behind the cover if the cover has lots of defects or if it hangs over the pages. The extra board helps to remove those defects. The boards just like the Teflon sheets helps to reduce the heat and prevent the pages from sticking to one another. This can happen with modern books due to the paper and ink. At the end of the day, per my first message you have to make adjustments when pressing based upon the book and defects seen.

[@RegieCollects]

Recommended resources: regiecollects.com/f/starter-kit-for-comic-pressing

[@hfrog713]

Regie Collects thank you

[@cainpaul08]

I'm going to guess you play "Tropico"?

[@RegieCollects]

No clue what that is. Sorry.

[@cainpaul08]

@@RegieCollects Music you used is from that game...

[@RegieCollects]

Ah ok. Got it. It’s was just royalty free music that spoke to me. Lol.

[@corymaxwell709]

Hey Regie I just got my press today after watching two channels that I know do it. (Yours and economics in comics) but he leaves his in for a very long time. So how long would you leave a silver age book in a press does it differ from modern?

[@RegieCollects]

My process is the same for all books regardless of age.

[@corymaxwell709]

@@RegieCollects thank you thank you thank you it's been so hard to get a direct answer. Cant wait to start comic pressing journey.

[@RegieCollects]

Lol. I try to only give straight answers. 😀 At the end of the day, leaving the book in the press for a longer period will not hurt it (if the heat is off). My goal is to use the least amount to get the most out. Least amount of water. Least amount of heat. Least amount of time. Blah blah.

[@corymaxwell709]

@@RegieCollects well make sure you clean the moisture bath every once and awhile to prevent mold. I know black mold spreads idk if it could transfer to your book if your tote is dirty but just a away to make sure everything is at it's best

[@TabletopKnights]

Not sure if you are still responding to comments. But when you put 4 or 5 cups of water in the plastic tub, is it hot water? Or just cold?

[@RegieCollects]

If you are looking to speed up the process you can use warm water. I would stay away from hot water as it can create condensation in the chamber and the water will leak on the comic. The warmer or hotter the water, the closer attention you will need to pay to the books as the moisture bath time will be shorter or the books will take on too much water. I've also been using distilled water. Some folks pointed out that tap water could be harmful. I haven't seen the data or evidence of that but I saw no harm in making the change.

[@sinchman1]

How many comics do you own.

[@RegieCollects]

More than 100k

[@sinchman1]

@@RegieCollects Wow...That's a good kick start to open your own comic book shop. I've been collecting since 1977 at age 9, I own about 5K from silver-present but stop collecting around 2004. I still purchase silver age books that I missed.

[@RegieCollects]

Nice! That’s a solid number of books for sure. Good luck with the silver age books brother. That’s definitely my focus.

[@harveyabel1354]

Have you sustained any injuries while pressing?

[@RegieCollects]

Harvey Abel Thankfully not a single one. :)

[@rj-vj8gr]

I c a side job on the horizon

[@RegieCollects]

rj Nah. Not from me. Lol. It’s enough work just pressing my own stuff. 😂😜 Thanks for watching bro.