How To Grade & Clean Your Sports Cards Before Submitting to PSA, BGS, or SGC
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
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Grading and Cleaning Sports Cards:
Initial Assessment:
Upon receiving raw and ungraded cards, inspect for visible damages, whitening, soft corners, and edge chipping. Compare the condition with PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and other grading service guidelines.
Cleaning Process:
Clean the cards gently using your breath and a paper towel. Huff on the card, similar to steaming up a window, then gently rub with a paper towel using a "wax on, wax off" motion. Ensure the card's corners are not damaged during this process.
Protective Coating:
Some cards may have a protective coating that may be carefully removed if it has scuffs or scratches. Peel it off gently, starting from a corner, ensuring the card itself isn’t damaged.
Inspecting for PSA Grading:
Identify which cards are good candidates for PSA grading, looking at aspects like corners, edges, surface, and centering. Compare cards with existing graded cards to establish a benchmark.
Considerations for Specific Card Types:
Different cards, such as chromium or foil cards, require specific attention and careful handling due to their susceptibility to surface damage and edge wear. Ensure you know the specifics of grading particular card types.
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Hey guys a few notes regarding this video.
#1. If you want to use a microfiber cloth or glass cleaning cloth instead of a paper towel, then use that.
#2. Be sure to ALWAYS test clean a card of lesser value before cleaning the card you intend on submitting for grading.
#3. Not all cards need to be cleaned, only the ones that have noticeable finger prints and boogers on them.
#4. Be gentle and take your time. Like I said in the video, you don't want to damage the card even further!
PSA COLLECTOR - Big Fan of your videos! Can you show a video on making PSA submissions. How do you pack your cards? What do you send in bulk and what do you send separately?
Appreciate what you do! Thank you.
I've got both of those videos up. Check out my channel page. They are the oldest videos I have up.
When PSA grades and they send it back to you do they tell you why it got a 9 or a 8
PSA COLLECTOR hey sir I have been collecting now for over 30 yrs I would love to chat with you about a few things I have
@@JAS0N_M00RE PSA nor SGC say why. BGS is the only one untill now that gives you subgrades for you to understand why it got the grade
I would use a micro cloth over a napkin honestly but that’s just my opinion 👍🏻🔥
He said “like youre petting a grasshopper” 😂
Too funny, man
Nice work
🤣 I thought that was funny as well during the editing process!
Tennessee, right?
Your videos are always not only enjoyable but also educational. I love that even during these difficult tines you are not running around searching for packs or cards to open for fun. No knock to those that do. You just give your own reasonable advice with an honest opinion. Love the knowledge you share with all of your listeners. Be safe my friend.
Thank you, brother! I appreciate the feedback. I'm not big into ripping packs and that's what everyone else is doing anyway. I like to add educational tips and tricks that everyone can use! 👍🏻
That was so great. I came into some cards my wife had tucked away for 40 years and so we are learning our P's and Q's right now. Thanks for sharing your time to share with us some of your knowledge that'll is very great of your. Thanks again!
Glad it was helpful!
Always remember to take a Phillips Screw Driver to your raw cards before you grade them to increase corner / edge whitening and decrease overall eye appeal.
I appreciate your advise to cleaning cards for submission. I followed your technic, made my 1st submission of 40 cards and got back 23 GM10's & 17 Mint 9's.
Great video, I have a bunch of 25 to 30 year old Jordan cards that are in really good condition. I am trying to find out how to go about the grading aspect. This video taught me a lot, thanks.
This was very helpful. Didn't even know this was a thing. Makes total sense. About to send off a Brady rookie..
Amazing info! You've been an inspiration to me to start my Sports Card UA-cam channel. Just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the value you put out. 😃
You're channel is off to a great start! Thanks so much for the shout out, the hustle and the support! 🔥⚡️Keep grinding!
@@GRADEDCARDINVESTOR Wow! This means so much to me. I appreciate it! 😃⚡️
Hey thanks for the cleaning tips. I doing my homework before I start submitting cards for grading.
This was so good, tense moments when you went the peel.
Cleaning cards seem like you're trying to defuse a bomb, lol! No slip ups or that PSA 10 or BGS Black Label aspirations explode right in your face instantly, lol! Great video Sir, thx !🙌🏽
🤣 serious stuff, man! No slip ups or KABOOM!
Another awesome video! Instead of the paper towel I recommend a large microfiber cloth. I bought a Zeiss camera microfiber cloth from the optometry area to do the exact same technique. Softer on the card and cleans spotless.
Great tip! I recommend microfiber as well but just make sure it's the bigger size ones because the small ones can get hung up on the corners. 👍🔥
@@GRADEDCARDINVESTOR Yes, make sure its the large one. I like it large enough to where you only use the cloth to touch the card, and wear gloves if you really want to make sure you're not getting oils of finger prints on the cards. Keep up the great content PSA Collector. You're killing it bro.
This is a great video! I've just start grading cards and this is super helpful. I'm constantly trying to learn how to be a better pre-grader and get the best grade possible out of my cards. Thanks again!
Awesome tips!. I recently retired and I’m going through my 1966 and 1976 baseball cards. You help me save my 1976 Topps base Dennis Eckersley card.! Thank you!
Glad to help!
Heck of a camera focus, that lens is the real 10 in this video
I'm dreading taking all mine out to inspect the surface for fingerprints...thanks for the vid 👍
Recently made my first PSA submission. Still waiting to receive the cards back. I wish I would have taken the time to watch a few of your UA-cam videos prior to mailing them out. FANTASTIC VIDEO! Thanks for sharing.
I need to now clean and grade my 400 Jordan’s . That’s why I’m here 😁
Extremely informative video. I like how honest you are with your own card grading. Thanks for all the tips.
On the 93-94 Fleer Shaq Graded 8, part of his head is chopped off! Terrible centering. I'm suprised it graded so well. Great video....thanks
Thank you, I am getting ready for my first submission for grading and your tips were very helpful, thank you!!!!!
I always use the glass cleaning little towels. Rub really gently and come out amazing. But whatever works for everyone is all that matters! Great video! Keep them coming!
Great tip! Those work great as well!
For the amount psa charges for a submission, they should be able to email a video of the submission being graded. It would provide ultimate transparency and would be a way to bring the reputation back to par. They should also hire more help to provide a quicker turnaround time. With the technology we have available today, it can be easily obtainable. It would be nice to hear an explanation why a card was graded.
I'm sure the first 3rd party grading company that uses this platform would climb to #1 in a hurry.
For as much as they charge, they should just trim your cards up in house. Cut out the middle man, follow me?
They don’t do that because psa and bgs are corrupt and no consistency in grading. They will give gem graded to distributors that pay them off or submit in bulk
@Farmer Larry from my experience, PSA 10 will get get u more money than a BGS 9.5. Idk why cuz they're both GM, but they do.
Fun fact that will turn you off of PSA... the people who are grading your beloved cards that determine whether you get a 10 or a 9 or let me rephrase that... determine whether you earn $2,000 or $200, makes minimum wage!! Literally the same quality of employee that forgets cheese on your cheeseburger are the supposed “experts” in Grading and Authenticating 🙄. I’m all for hiring more people at these places, but this should be a high paying job. There’s a reason why you tip the Valet guy $20 to take good care of your car lol
Great card cleaning tips. I'm about to make my first ever PSA submission. Very helpful, thanks!
Nice and good luck on the submission! I’ve used his technique for my 1st 4 submissions and they arrived at PSA nice and neatly
Love the channel brotha! I'm an avid collector and love all the support you give the community. I'm going to start up my card channel soon as well. Excited for the hobby to grow!
Awesome thanks, man!Good luck with the new channel! The competition is getting stiff! Better get to grinding 💪👍
Bro thank you so much for this very informative video. It is helpful bro for the card collectors. 🙂
Nice video! I'm going to upload a demo of how to pack and ship cards soon. You have great content and are inspiring!
Thanks for the feedback! Good luck with the video. Safe shipping is key when selling sports cards. 👍🏻
Can you please demonstrate how and where you measure the top and bottom of Upper Deck cards to determine centering?
Love those power in the key inserts. I pulled the Webber back in the day. Back then Beckett had it valued more than the Jordan LOL. I ended up trading it but have since re-added it to my collection.
🤣 sounds like something Beckett would do! I’m a huge fan of this set as well 👍
Hi! My son started unboxing baseball cards last week.
Great stuff. I’ve never submitted b4. I would have thought cleaning would be a no-no as I’m a coin collector 1st, but diff ballgame here. I just cleaned a Shaq finest & gonna get more into it. In fact because of your videos I dug out my Shaq collection of 100+ diff. I was pleasantly surprised to find cards I’ve seen u submit, Power in the Key, Nicknames, Metal nuts n Bolts, Finest etc so Im havin a blast. Thank you for the tips & content in general. Nice to get involved in something to keep mind occupied due to my PTSD. But hey I’m Blessed & I embrace these stigmatized initials, I EARNED THEM!! Be safe in this crazy world we’re riding, “Doc”, MICParamedic/National Crisis Management since 9/11/2001. God Bless
I appreciate all the great tips you give us. It is great info
Thanks, Gary! Glad I can help!
I’ve seen a few of these types of videos but yours really breathes confidence. More recent videos suggest not to submit cards if they won’t be a 9 or 10. Do you think there’s still value in submitting a card that will grade as a 7 or 8?
From my opinion absolutely! A lot of it also depends on whether your a collector/investor only. There are some cards I won’t ever sell and could care less about grade but it’s nice to keep them protected with a PSA case!!!
Great video bro. Bout to send my first cards to PSA soon and will definitely use your method. Thanx man!
Good luck! Thanks for the feedback! 🙏🏻
I really think PSA 9 should hold a lot more value than they do there is such subtle difference and it's almost like you have to be in an elite class to afford what they call perfection yet PSA themselves and the other grading companies grade off center cards a 10.. Thank you Matt for all you do I appreciate you
Good video fam keep them coming! Glad I found your channel 👊🏻
Thanks! 🙏🏼 I appreciate the support!
Can you please make a video on how put a card in a penny sleeve without damaging the corners ? Thanks
Great informative video! I personally never peeled a cover off of a card before but now I know how to. Appreciate your dedication in these videos. Looking forward to more content
Thanks, Manny! I’ve got more coming!
Can u leave the peel sticker on before grading?
Yes you can! I’ve seen a ton of cards with the peel that grade high but just make the peel itself is in great condition
Just starting to get into grading cards and sending them in to PSA. Thank you for all your input and info.
How long till you get your cards back from Psa
Thanks for the video, you have been grinding and I hope you keep it up!
Thanks, brother! Grinding and hustle😅
Thank you, I'm considering submitting for grading for the first time. HATE THE PSA fees tho
Thanks very helpful. Now to learn how to send how much and price do you do that??
Very gentle. Like you're petting a grasshopper.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
If refractor coating has a few minor surface bubbles.. would it drastically impact the grade, even if no scuffs or scratches?
Can you do a cleaning tutorial on cleaning vintage cards before sending them for grading ? 🙏🏽😁 Thankyou
Dont use a paper towel lol
I would have thought the film on top of the card would increase the value of the card instead of taking it off. Have you submitted both and found out that way? Love the videos, and I watch them all. You have helped me a lot when looking at doing submissions to PSA. I am working on a 100+ bulk submission now.
Having the coating on it will increase the value on a gem mint card but that’s only possible if you pull the card from the pack yourself. Buying these on eBay means they’re probably in rough shape so I remove it. Thanks for watching and good luck on the bulk submission!
Pulled from pack myself back in 1996! Topps Finest “Sterling” Jordan. Actually in my submission box. :)
theyre graded separately as coating on or coating off in the pop reports
I wish that the values of the cards were more in psa 10 with the coating off. The appeal sucks with the coating on.
Hey make sure to use Viva paper towels. They are softer and not as rough. 😂 lol I also take a viva paper towel and wrap it around a Q tip. Q-tips leave fuzzys so make sure to wrap the Whole Q- thank you collector 👍🏻👍🏻🔥🔥
Bro you come up with topics that blow my mind. But this is a necessity with chrome cards because they look beautiful when the surface is un touched.
Lol 😂 I’ve got all kinds of crazy topics! For sure those chrome cards need a good washing! Sometimes they get yellow stains that need a thorough 🧽 scrubbing but afterwards look incredible 👍 Finest cards are also in need of a bath lol
Question, why is there a coating on these cards? I sent a Jordan 1996 finest to PWCC and was wondering how would I tell if it had a removable coating??? The card you worked on looked great after the film was removed
Hey, In recent times Sports card hobby has received a new life & it has attracted many new members to this hobby. I think it might be really helpful if you can do a video on different card types & how to identify them? (eg: base, refractor, select, courtside, emergent, rookie & etc). Thank you
Not to promote anyone else but I came across another YT video where someone did a great job on this topic If I can find it I will post it here. Unless our friend PSA collector disagrees. I don't think he will though.
Yeah, man! Share away!
can you show a vid on cleaning older cards ... 80s or 90s?
I have a bunch from the 1970's and I am curious if the same technique is a good idea.
Do most cards that are in the Chrome format like Topps Chrome, optic, prism Etc have the protective coating on them?
On that Shaq card did you notice some sort of printing on that film layer he pulled off? That was weird cause obviously it didn't show on the card when we first were looking at it
LOVE THE CONTENT
as a guy who loves detailing his car, and has had glasses for a long time, the circle motions cleaning the cards drove me crazy lol
This is just an awesome informative video. I've been collecting for 37 years off and on and had a lot of trouble figuring out these newer card grades. I've had a lot of issues I've noticed with chrome cards that I've had stored for years in peeny sleeves. The sleeves stick to the cards and leave some weird film on the cards. However the film comes off rubbing it but can scratch the cards.
I had that issue w multiple cards from the early 90s w Penny and Shaq. Im trying to try n get it off w the eyeglass cloth and some success but I may hafta take the L ok n those few that have that. I need more time to sit and be persistent w them
as a pokemon card collector i apperciate this video a TON
You are the only guy I trust on You Tube when it comes to cards. I Just bought on Ebay a unopened pack of 1986 Fleer for $600. What would you do? Open and try to find that Holy Grail Jordan, or keep in pack and try to resell later for more than I bought it for?
Lol thanks for the feedback! Honestly, I would keep it sealed myself. Once you open it the cards inside could only be worth a fraction of what you paid. Consider sending it to PSA to get authenticated and encased as well.
@@GRADEDCARDINVESTOR thanks. Besides PSA and the long turnaround time and $200 a card. Can you recommend another reputable company that worth sending cards too?
I subscribed to your channel and have learned a great deal. It has paid off !!!! Was hoping to learn a little more the ends and outs about rookie cards. I know you can make it happen.
Thank you! The info that provided in this video is helpful.
Now I will subscribe and watch some others. Keep up the good work!
Honestly the difference between like a 9 and a 10 sometimes you need a microscope to find it yet PSA is so inconsistent there was a couple Michael Jordan's rookie that sold for like $700k, And one of them was off center so obvious yet they both had a 10 on them, You probably know what auction and cards I'm talking about. I wish they're consistency was there a 10 should be an absolute 10 with zero flaws not a card that is probably the sickness of a card or more off center and yet still a 10. Thanks Matt for all you do I appreciate you
What about wearing certain types of gloves to handle cards to keep skin oils and such from transferring to the card surface? Is that overkill?
wait, what about cleaning around on-card autos? Is there a way to clean over the signatures without risking smudging the auto?
Thanks for this video! Exactly what I was needing! About to make my first submission to PSA soon.... keep up the great content!
Thanks, bro!! Good luck on the submission👍
You hear back on your shipment?
CLONG PRODUCTIONS yeah! It’s currently in Phase 3 of the process... I did the bulk / value submission... took about a month to start the process... it’s gonna be a while longer...
You do good job , very much appreciated!!
Can I submit both Pokémon cards and sports card in the same submission? Thx!
I believe so, so long as the years fall within the same type of submission like 2017-current for example
What about using kimwipes to clean the card surface?
I have a lot of Optic cards... Can you do a video of them. Basketball and Football... That would be awesome. Thanks anyway if not. I did learn a lot today.
Is the back held to the same standard as the front when grading when it comes to centering I had a few where they were perfect in front lil off in the back never did grading but I will be starting after new year I have over 45000 thousand card going as far back as 61
paper towel can scratch the surface so i would not use it. I would use a micro fiber cloth. They come in all different sizes and textures. I use the small ones that come with eye glasses. You have so much control when using one of those because of the size.
I agree. You have to very careful with what you use. Some cards can be cleaned with a paper towel like the new panini but the older chrome cards I use a microfiber.
Great job showing us how to grade and clean our cards.
Great tip..but what about older wax cards like topps that had the gum in the packs ? What would you suggest the best method be in cleaning them for submissions
Matt love your channel please do more of the decades a lot of collectors do not have Tiffany or rare company cards can you do a countdown with out them for your basic collector
How do you press cards to flatten out bowing and creases in corners?
Thank you I'm going to submit my first card which believe it or not is a hockey one ive had more luck in retail w hockey have a KIRILL KAPRIZOV YOUNG GUNS ROOKIE
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
What about factory lines or small print lines on the back of prizm cards? seems to be nearly impossible to find any without them
How much is it to send a card to PSA cause I have a 2020 panini Mosaic silver Ceedee Lamb that I want to get graded.
Thanks for this good video, just a one question about cleaning the card, can I also use cotton, for wiping the surface, cotton balls gentle wipes to the surface. All thanks from here and more informative videos of sports cards to come!
What about cards without the glossy finish or chromium?? Early to mid 80's cards for example?
Should I also clean cards that I got of a sealed pack?
Great video. Thanks for your help.
How would you suggest cleaning 93/94' sp foil cards? Is there a video you could link here on UA-cam?
instead of using paper towel would it be better to use a micro fiber cleaning cloth like the ones that come with glasses?
Yep! Use those instead of the paper towels. I only use the paper towels on cards I know it won’t damage the surface.
PSA COLLECTOR okay cool thanks fam 🙏🏻 just getting into basketball card investing and have a lot cards in coming in the mail so wanted to be prepared 😂 your videos have been very helpful thanks!
just clean one direction away from the corner and edges
@Chris I’m subbing to HGA I’ll let you know how it goes
@@JerHetrick so I’m not the only one who noticed microfiber can damage cards
I have a rookie George Brett worth 40000 if it’s gem mint but it is in rough shape. Is there any way I could manipulate it to get in into better condition
I would see if you can use any corner flattening tools and the might bump up the grade. But no matter what I would grade it. A psa 9 sells for upward $7,100...
Sometimes I think companies make off center cards on purpose lol
Yup 100%
Of course they do, just like they know what cards not to package as much in packs aka the rare ones
Tyler herro prizm and bam adebayo optic are impossible to find a centered card for. The hero’s are left thick right thin, and the Bam’s vice versa. Been trying to buy them both and they all are off centered.
Tyler herro prizm and bam adebayo optic are impossible to find a centered card for. The hero’s are left thick right thin, and the Bam’s vice versa. Been trying to buy them both and they all are off centered.
They must . They see how this is booming now theres no way anybody would buy a retail pack at $1000 plus if they knew a charizard was for sure in it so they stop us from reselling them ourselves for sure
@ 6:55 trimmed MJ Power in the Key card?!? Looks too good to be true! I collected these Fleer Ultra cards as a kid. Very hard to get Gem Mint "Power in the Key".
How about using a can of air to blow off particles so you're not going to rub a scratch on the chrome cards?
Great hints. How did you pull up the Jordan from eBay and zoom in so much and so clear. Thanks
What if every thing is perfect. Corners, centered, but there is tiny indentions in the card. Like you have to have a light shining on them to see it...is that normal or would it knock it down to an 8 or 9?
Great info...when do they officially charge your credit card? When the receive or 15 business days after it gets graded...thanks!
Love your videos. Very helpful!! Could you tell me what you recommend for best lighting / magnifying you use before sending in cards to be graded. Also any other tips
This was very informative. I have been going through some of my cards and I want to clean a few of them before submitting. Your videos are awesome. I have a question. What do you do with all of these common cards from these box breaks? I have over 90000 cards now and my wife isn’t liking me storing all of these in the house.
Max Kellerman I doubt most of the commons would sell for $1-2 on eBay. I did end up selling the majority of the cards for $3K. I kept most of the high end cards and will likely sell them on eBay
Max Kellerman I’ve never sold on eBay, but I would like to.
Really important question! When it comes to cleaning cards, is it possible to rub off an autograph?
Yeah if you use alcohol it will come right off. Never use alcohol lol. Only steam from your breath and don’t wipe over the auto
About what grade would you say is equal to raw for the newer cards?😊
How do you know what cards have a protective coating on them?
I have some cards that were sitting in old plastic binder sleeves that through the years got sorta sticky/melty and it transferred onto the card. What would you suggest I use to remove it from the card?
nice job on grading