What supplies do I need to protect my comics?
Essential Supplies
The basics are bags and boards. Bags come in sizes for current, silver, and golden age comics. Boards should match the bag size and be acid-free.
Current size (7" x 10.5") fits most modern comics. Silver age (7.25" x 10.5") for 1956–1970. Golden age (7.75" x 10.75") for pre-1956.
You'll also need storage boxes. Short boxes hold about 150–175 bagged comics; long boxes hold 300–350 but are heavy.
- Polyethylene or Mylar bags
- Acid-free backing boards
- Short or long storage boxes
- Tape or labels for sealing bags
Upgrades for Valuable Comics
For comics worth more than $50, use Mylar bags (e.g., MylarLite, 2 mil or 4 mil). They are more rigid and provide better protection against moisture and gases.
Consider professional grading and encapsulation from CGC or CBCS. This gives a tamper-evident hard case and a certified grade, which can increase resale value.
If you don't grade, at least use a top-loader or rigid holder for high-value books to prevent bending.
- Mylar bags (2 mil or 4 mil)
- Top-loaders or rigid holders
- Professional grading (CGC, CBCS)
- Humidity control packs (e.g., silica gel)
Tools for Handling
Wash and dry your hands before handling comics. Oils and dirt cause damage. Cotton gloves are optional but can reduce fingerprints on glossy covers.
Use a clean, flat surface. Avoid bending the comic or opening it too wide, which can crack the spine.
Keep a soft eraser or white eraser for minor pencil marks, but never use chemicals or tape on comics.
- Clean hands or cotton gloves
- Flat, clean workspace
- Soft eraser for pencil marks
- Never use tape or chemicals
Common mistakes
- Using regular tape to seal bags—it can leave residue and damage the comic over time.
- Buying bags and boards that are not acid-free, which can cause yellowing and brittleness.
- Handling comics with dirty hands or while eating, leading to stains and oils.
