Jan 24, 2026 · Handling + storage
Corner dings and edge whitening: prevention and reality
Corners and edges take the first hit: sliding into tight sleeves, rattling in boxes, binder pressure, and everyday handling. The hard truth is that many edge issues are physical loss of paper fibers. Prevention is the most powerful “restoration” tool you have.
What causes edge whitening
- Friction: sliding against rough surfaces or dirty sleeves can scuff edges.
- Impact: corner bumps in shipping and storage create visible fiber breaks.
- Tight fits: forcing cards into snug holders stresses corners and borders.
- Movement: cards that rattle in a box get “micro-impacts” over time.
What can be improved (and what usually can’t)
Sometimes improvable
- Light edge roughness from handling.
- Minor corner compression where paper isn’t missing.
- Presentation improvements that reduce how much damage “catches light.”
Hard limits
- Missing corner paper or chipped edges.
- Deep whitening from fiber loss.
- Anything that would require filling/recoloring to “hide” loss.
Prevention habits that matter most
- Use fresh, clean sleeves: dust and grit are edge killers.
- Don’t force tight sleeves: if it resists, change the sleeve or holder size.
- Store rigidly: semi-rigids/toploaders help prevent corner knocks.
- Eliminate movement in boxes: fill voids so cards can’t slide.
Shipping tip
Most corner damage happens in transit. If you’re shipping cards, use the packing method in our guide and avoid pressure points.
Read the packaging guide →