Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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Comic pressing and cleaning are professional restoration-free services designed to improve the appearance and condition of comic books. Pressing removes non-color-breaking defects like bends, spine rolls, and creases, while cleaning removes dirt, fingerprints, and surface contaminants. These techniques help maintain authenticity and can significantly improve a comic’s grading potential and market value
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No. Our techniques are non-invasive and specifically designed for comic books. Every comic is carefully inspected before work begins, and handled with professional equipment and proven methods to ensure preservation of the original condition.
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For orders under 12 books, the turnaround time is typically about 3 weeks from estimate approval to shipment. Larger orders may require additional time, but we’ll provide a timeline estimate upfront.
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No company can guarantee a specific grade, as final grading decisions are made solely by CGC or CBCS. However, our cleaning and pressing services are designed to maximize grading potential and comic value before submission.
Comic Cleaning & Pressing
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Comic book pressing can correct non-color-breaking flaws such as bends, folds, spine rolls, rippling, and dents. It cannot repair tears, stains, or color-breaking creases.
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Comic cleaning targets surface-level contaminants like dirt, dust, fingerprints, smoke residue, and other buildup that reduces visual appeal. Our cleaning process does not involve chemical treatments or alterations—it is completely preservation-focused.
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Most modern and vintage comics can benefit from cleaning and pressing. During the complimentary value analysis, we evaluate each comic to determine whether the services are recommended.
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No. Both pressing and dry cleaning are considered non-restorative. CGC and CBCS recognize these techniques as preservation methods, which means your comic remains classified as unrestored.
CGC Comic Grading & Submission Handling
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CGC comic grading is the process of having your comic professionally evaluated, graded, and sealed in a tamper-evident holder. CGC grades comics on a 10-point scale, providing collectors and buyers with an industry-recognized assessment of condition and authenticity.
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We manage every step of the CGC submission process: preparing your comics, securely packaging them, completing the paperwork, and shipping directly to CGC. This eliminates errors and ensures your comics have the best chance at achieving higher grades.
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CGC verification confirms the authenticity of your comic book and documents its condition. Through submission, your book is entered into CGC’s database, which provides permanent verification of its grade and authenticity.
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Yes. Many comics benefit significantly from cleaning and pressing before submission. By removing imperfections and improving condition, these services can increase grading scores, which directly impacts CGC comic book value on the open market.
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Turnaround times vary based on CGC’s workload and service tier. Standard submissions typically take 4–8 weeks once CGC receives your comics, though expedited services are available at additional cost.
Pricing & Shipping
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Pricing depends on the type, age, and condition of the comic. We provide a custom estimate after reviewing your submission. Please note shipping and tax are additional.
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No. Every comic includes a complimentary value analysis before any paid service begins.
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All comics are returned using secure, protective packaging and tracked shipping. We take the same care with shipping as we do with pressing and cleaning.
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At this time, we primarily serve collectors in the United States. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact us to discuss options.At this time, we primarily serve collectors in the United States. If you’re outside the U.S., please contact us to discuss options.
Results & Expectations
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While results can be dramatic, it’s important to understand that every comic reacts differently to the process. Some defects may be reduced or eliminated, while others may remain. Our goal is always to maximize improvements without risk to the comic.
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Even with professional cleaning and pressing, results can vary. That’s why we provide a complimentary value analysis upfront to give you realistic expectations of what improvements are likely.
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We’re collectors ourselves, and we’ve built a reputation on transparent communication, fast turnaround times, and results you can see. Many of our clients return time and again after seeing the difference in their comics’ appearance and CGC comic book grading results.
Still Have Questions?
We’re always happy to help. If you have additional questions about comic cleaning, pressing, CGC comic grading, or our submission handling services, don’t hesitate to reach out.
What Clients Are Saying
“I sent in a small batch to test the waters… Within a few days, I had an intelligently presented estimate with reasonable pricing. Along the way, I received updates with pictures of the improvements. In one word: amazed.”
— Jimmy Bee, Collector
The service from pressing issues was fantastic! From the pressing and cleaning services to the CGC submission, Charles was detail oriented, provided tons of feedback on the books condition and the turnaround time was very fast. I highly recommend and will be working with him more in the future! Thank you!
— Willem B., Collector