ComicsPriceGuide.com Forums - CPG Announcements - Comic Book Pressing and Cleaning - Messages

Message from collectibleshop

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:00:24 GMT

Theoldcollector wrote:

I think he's testing the long-term effects by oven tests or something like that. I'm pretty sure I also read it's considered conservation and does not land in the restoration realm in accordance with CGC that is if everything said in that forum is real.

Just read some more of the CGC thread, so here's what the guy said: "(other poster):So you expect books using this process would grade as conserved?

Yes, unless CGC sees it differently of course. Currently aqueous and solvent washing is permitted, de-acidification requires water wash (not always) and that is where the buffers and fixative are added. The de-lignin process is definitely less invasive than a solvent wash. I certainly hope it would be considered conservation as it is the primary goal."

and: "Side note: in my discussions with CGC I have in the interest of clarity suggested any books I submit with work performed include the work order with the submission outlining all processes and products used."

Maybe someone from CGC will reply to that thread to verify if his process would be considered conservation, but not holding my breath.
edited by collectibleshop on 4/21/2021

Message from BasementComics

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 16:11:15 GMT

Ron,

I will send it to you via email.

Thanks

Message from Theoldcollector

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:21:25 GMT

I think he's testing the long-term effects by oven tests or something like that. I'm pretty sure I also read it's considered conservation and does not land in the restoration realm in accordance with CGC that is if everything said in that forum is real.

Message from collectibleshop

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 14:39:33 GMT

Ronbatman wrote:

Wow, that is crazy. He understands the chemistry involved and paper conservation techniques so it sounds legit. Honestly, I'm impressed. I wonder if CGC can recognize his work under a black light or some other technique.
R

don't think blacklight would show anything, but the question is (and I haven't read the whole CGC threads to see if anyone has posed this) would CGC consider it restoration, or conservation? I'm guessing resto since it's chemically removing/improving something, but also helping conserve it. not sure how you'd detect it without a chemical test, and that would add yet another thing to check and take the chance of damaging the book, so risky and more time consuming. if they could detect it and considered it resto, then the submitter's decision is whether it's worth the expense and time for the procedure to improve the grade by lightening pages/covers, vs getting a purple label, unless they just want it done for themselves to keep of course.

and unknown is the long term effect of the procedure, and will it need it again years down the road. but looks really promising, and he could sell/license the technique to restoration companies and CGC could add that service to their services, and get even more biz and farther behind in turnaround times .

Message from Ronbatman

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:35 GMT

Donald,
Send me a picture of the front and back and I'll let you know. I've cracked open several books for pressing and regrading so this isn't something new or untried.
R

Message from BasementComics

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 23:11:28 GMT

Ron, I have a CGC 4.0 of Detective 225. I want to say it got that grade due to what looks like a crayon or some sort of mark on it (I don't think its marker). Do you think it would be worth trying to clean/press and then re-grade?

Donald

Message from Ronbatman

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:10:36 GMT

Wow, that is crazy. He understands the chemistry involved and paper conservation techniques so it sounds legit. Honestly, I'm impressed. I wonder if CGC can recognize his work under a black light or some other technique.
R

Message from collectibleshop

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 18:15:26 GMT

Ronbatman wrote:

If it's age yellowing (tanning) then no, there isn't a way. That's a breakdown in the paper. If you would like to send me a picture I can try to evaluate it.
Ron

thought you all might be interested in these posts/trials on the CGC forums for removing the lignin (what makes paper tan and breakdown) from comics paper, from a guy in Canada, who's "been working on ways to remove age yellowing/tanning without fading ink or doing damage to the paper." seems to be having success.

1st thread started in 2019 and ends June 2020, and he just posted another update with more results, and is awaiting 3rd party test verification of the process etc.
https://www.cgccomics.com/boards/topic/459600-update-test-results-posted-lignin-removal/#comments
2nd thread, for improvement of brittleness:
https://www.cgccomics.com/boards/topic/488111-lignin-removal-and-effects-on-brittleness/

so there's multiple before and after pics, and if all is legit, looks promising, but tests and independent verification is still ongoing.
edited by collectibleshop on 4/18/2021

Message from Ronbatman

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 22:06:36 GMT

If it's age yellowing (tanning) then no, there isn't a way. That's a breakdown in the paper. If you would like to send me a picture I can try to evaluate it.
Ron

Message from rgtichy

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 00:20:20 GMT

Ronbatman wrote:

Here's a closeup with a before and after picture. Some dirt cannot be removed but there is a dramatic difference with the right tools. This specific book used 4 different methods for cleaning.

edited by ronbatman on 3/18/2021

Hey, Ron,

I have a question about whites that have yellowed over time. Do any of the cleaning processes help restore the whiteness if the cover has yellowed a little? Thor 337 has a lot of white on the cover (and the cover paper is really thin, too!)

Message from Ronbatman

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:11:32 GMT

Here's a closeup with a before and after picture. Some dirt cannot be removed but there is a dramatic difference with the right tools. This specific book used 4 different methods for cleaning.

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edited by ronbatman on 3/18/2021

Message from Ronbatman

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:06:59 GMT

Here is a recent book we pressed and cleaned for a customer. It came out beautifully

Message from Ronbatman

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 08:21:58 GMT

I'm currently in Puerto Rico but I'll be back in the office on Thursday. You can call our offices and we can talk if you would like Donald. The office phone is at my desk so no extension is needed.

Message from BasementComics

Sat, 27 Feb 2021 00:03:56 GMT

Ron, if I wanted to call and talk to someone there about that, can you send me a PM on how to do that?

Thanks

Donald

Message from Casper0312

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 22:48:44 GMT

When i get back to Boston, I plan on sending some in. I’ll be back mid-March.
Looking forward to this.

Message from Ronbatman

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:03:49 GMT

Now is a good time to send us your books for pressing and cleaning. We just finished 53 book order and are ready to knock out your books. Once you have books pressed, it's addictive. Even new books look so much better.
R

Message from Xvipah73

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 15:09:20 GMT

Just got a comic back form CPG pressed and cleaned. It looks amazing, thanks so much to Ron and crew for the service and for the job they did.

If you're nervous, don't be. It was as painless as anything I've done comic-book wise.
edited by xvipah73 on 2/12/2021

Message from Ronbatman

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:35:18 GMT

No problem, questions are good.
1. Comics Price Guide is insured.
2. Yes, you could drop them off in person but we would still need a packing slip of the books.
3. Yes, we have several pictures of before and after. Send me an email at ron (@) comicspriceguide.com
4. Depending on the number of submissions.
Ron

Message from Ckleman

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:54:35 GMT

Couple questions, if I may:

1. May I assume you're insured? I'm sure you'll take every precaution to avoid accidental damage, but flukes do happen.

2. If I'm local to Indy, could I drop my books off in person?

3. Do you have any before/after images of your work you can share?

4. Is your lead time still around 2 weeks?

(Please excuse my questioning. I'm nervous about getting my first batch of comics pressed.)
edited by ckleman on 2/10/2021

Message from Ronbatman

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:07:02 GMT

Very excited, we have added more presses so we can handle more books now. We guarantee that you will be happy with the results or we will refund your money.

Today we cracked open a CGC 7.5 book (seen on our Instagram page) to press and clean. Let the fun begin

R

Message from rixmaxx

Sat, 12 Dec 2020 00:23:41 GMT

Comics Price Guide

212 W. 10th Street

Suite A470

Indianapolis, In. 46202
edited by rixmaxx on 12/12/2020

Message from Konungrcomics

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 20:06:51 GMT

Ronbatman wrote:

It isn't posted publically yet but here is the process.
1. Create a physical packing slip for your books to be sent with the package. Include a list of the books, your physical address and your email address.
2. Package the books up and mail them to our offices. Label the package "Pressing"
3. After we evaluate the books, we will email you. At that time we will let you know if a book is a good candidate or not. If not, you will not be billed for it.
4. If you have a paying account with CPG, we will automatically bill you for the books and shipping. If you are a free member we will create an invoice through Paypal.
5. After finished with the pressing we will send them back to you, professionally packed.

All along the way, you will be emailing directly with me.
Ron

Thanks Ron, been waiting for this info, will be sending some titles your way Monday. On another note though could you please add your physical address to this post.
Thanks, Dark
edited by darkminion on 12/11/2020

Message from Ronbatman

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 11:32:13 GMT

It isn't posted publically yet but here is the process.
1. Create a physical packing slip for your books to be sent with the package. Include a list of the books, your physical address and your email address.
2. Package the books up and mail them to our offices. Label the package "Pressing"
3. After we evaluate the books, we will email you. At that time we will let you know if a book is a good candidate or not. If not, you will not be billed for it.
4. If you have a paying account with CPG, we will automatically bill you for the books and shipping. If you are a free member we will create an invoice through Paypal.
5. After finished with the pressing we will send them back to you, professionally packed.

All along the way, you will be emailing directly with me.
Ron

Message from fdaz89

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 18:13:47 GMT

Hey Ron, is the process for actually submitting books for pressing and cleaning posted somewhere? Thanks.

Message from Ronbatman

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 13:55:27 GMT

If you have an account with CGC or CBCS we would recommend filling out their form in advance and we can ship it with the books.

Message from Draven68

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:00:37 GMT

Do you also have the option to then submit the comics to be graded?
edited by Draven68 on 12/3/2020

Message from Ronbatman

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:07:00 GMT

Forgot to mention that our current lead time is 2 weeks.

Message from Ronbatman

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 10:02:04 GMT

Currently, we are doing a soft launch for our pressing business. This is ideal for someone who wants to improve their collection but not necessarily have the book graded. (Your choice) Here is some important information to know.

1. We charge $10 per book that needs to be pressed.
2. We charge $5 to return ship your books, up to 5 books. $10 for 6 books or more.
3. We do not accept books worth over $500, currently.
4. We do not accept brittle books. They are not good candidates for pressing.
5. The client assumes all risk of loss or damage until we receive and inspect the books.
6. Cleaning during the soft launch is free with a pressing purchase.

Our procedure
We will take pictures of each book prior to any work. If a book isn't a good candidate we will tell you then and you will not be charged for that book.
Then we will clean the book. Because we don't know what is embedded in your comic we cannot guarantee that it will be removed. For example, water stains and ink cannot be removed. There are other things as well that cannot be removed.
Next, we will press the book for a minimum of 4 hours. If we believe a second pressing will help the book, we will do so at no additional charge.
After pressing we will take another set of pictures and then package the books for shipping.

We can send you before and after pictures of some books we've pressed, if you would like to see our work. Ideal candidates have folds and creases that don't break color. Spine rolls can be dramatically improved. Comics that look dirty can see fantastic improvements as well.
Ron