Dent and crease restoration: techniques and common issues
Dents and creases are some of the most common reasons collectors reach out. The tricky part is that these are structural issues: paper fibers have been compressed or displaced. Improvement is often possible, but the safest path is slow, controlled, and patient.
Dents vs creases (why it matters)
- Dent: an impression where fibers are compressed; the surface may still be intact.
- Crease: a fold line where fibers are bent; ink/coating may also fracture along the line.
- Rule of thumb: the more the crease breaks ink or creates whitening, the more limited the outcome.
A safe workflow (high level)
We aim for least-invasive improvement. That usually means controlled moisture, even support, consistent pressure, and time. A common approach is a light spray soak (a fine mist, not saturation), then foam pads to support the area, then consistent pressure applied evenly over time. The hardest part is patience: rushing is how surfaces get damaged.
The goal is to gently relax fibers, not to “wet the card.” Too much moisture can swell paper, shift inks, or create waviness.
Proper support reduces the chance of creating new pressure marks. The work is about distributing force, not concentrating it.
Steady, moderate pressure is safer than heavy pressure in short bursts. Too much force can burnish gloss or create a “pressed” look.
Improvement often happens gradually. We check frequently and stop early if the surface shows signs of stress.
Common issues that complicate dent/crease work
- Ink fractures and whitening: even if the paper is flatter, broken ink can remain visible.
- Coating sensitivity: some finishes haze or burnish easily under pressure.
- Foils and layered stocks: material layers can react differently to moisture and pressure.
- Old DIY attempts: heat, heavy books, or scraping can leave permanent surface clues.
What “good expectations” look like
The best results are usually subtle: a dent catches less light, a crease is less distracting, the card presents cleaner at normal viewing angles. Some creases can be improved dramatically, but there’s always a risk/reward decision to make.
If your goal is grading, we’ll be extra conservative. If your goal is display and sentimental preservation, we can sometimes prioritize presentation while still staying within a safe, respectful approach.