The answer to this question is simple: You need to use a protective cover for your album. The reason why we say that is because if you don’t have a protective cover, then two things will happen.
First, your album will get dirty, and second, it’s not going to last as long as it should. So to keep both of these things from happening, you need to make sure that your album is protected.
Three Types Of Protection
Now, when we talk about protecting our albums, we’re talking about three different types of covers. There are clear plastic covers, which are the cheapest option.
These covers are easy to apply and remove. They also come with no adhesive on them so they won’t leave residue on your album. However, they aren’t very durable at all.
They tend to crack or peel off over time. That being said, they are still useful for storing your album until you decide to invest in something better.
Next up is vinyl sticker protection. This type of cover comes with an adhesive backing. It’s more expensive than the first option, but it has many longer-lasting qualities.
The downside to this is that it takes some skill to apply. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you could end up damaging your album.
Also, once applied, it’s hard to remove without leaving residue behind.
And finally, we have the third option, which is the most expensive. This is called a custom-made album cover. These are usually made out of leather or canvas. They are the most durable options available.
They are also the most expensive. They are also the hardest to apply. You’ll need to take your album into a professional shop to have it done.
Once again, the downside to this is that they are the most expensive option.
Clear Plastic Covers
So now that we’ve covered all the different options out there, let’s take a look at each of them individually. We’ll start with the cheap option first. Let’s go ahead and take a look at the clear plastic covers.
Now, these are probably the easiest and least expensive options out there. All you need to do is just peel away the paper that’s covering the front of your album. Then, you simply place the cover over your album.
Next, you’ll want to tape down the edges of the cover, making sure that none of the corners or sides stick out.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to put your album inside of your album case, making sure that everything is placed correctly.
And finally, you’ll want to add a piece of tape around the edge of your album. That way, nothing will accidentally fall out.
Vinyl Sticker Protection
So now that we’ve gone through the process of applying a clear plastic cover, let’s move on to the next step. Which is vinyl sticker protection.
Now, this one is similar to the previous one, except it uses an adhesive backing instead of tape. When you’re ready to apply this type of cover, you’ll want to carefully peel back the paper backing.
Then, you’ll want to place the vinyl sticker on top of your album.
Make sure that it’s centered properly and then press down firmly. After that, you’ll want to taper the edges of the sticker by pressing down on the sides.
Finally, make sure that you add another layer of tape around the outside of the sticker.
There are all sorts of storage options available at online stores like eBay and Etsy.
Custom Made Covers
If you’re looking for the best option, then you should consider getting a custom-made album cover. Now, these can be quite pricey. But, they last forever. Plus, they are extremely durable.
To get started, you’ll want to contact a local art store and ask them how much it would cost to create a custom album cover for you.
Most stores offer free estimates. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding someone who can help you out.
Now, when choosing between the three types of albums, you’ll want to choose the one that offers the most value. For example, if you plan on using your album often, then you should invest in a high-quality cover.
However, if you only use your album occasionally, then you may not need to spend as much money. Either way, try to find something that fits your needs.
Storing Your Cards Loose
If you want to store your stickers or cards without peeling off the stickers, you’ll want to store them in a box or a binder. But what’s the right way to store your potentially valuable sports cards to keep them protected?
Well, if you don’t want to risk damaging the card, then you should avoid storing them loose in haphazard locations such as a draw, an old sock, or your wallet.
Instead, you should always store them in a protective sleeve. This way, you won’t have to worry about scratching the surface of the card.
Storing Your Sports Cards In A Box
Now, if you want to store your cards in a box, then you should think about the pros and cons. On one hand, boxes are great because they allow you to easily transport your collection from one location to another.
Plus, they provide a convenient storage solution. However, if you decide to store your cards in boxes, then you’ll want to make sure that you follow some basic rules.
First, you’ll want to make certain that you remove the cardboard inserts from the bottom of the box before placing your cards inside. Otherwise, you could damage the surface of your cards.
Second, you’ll want to wrap each card individually with bubble wrap. This will prevent scratches and other forms of wear and tear. Third, you’ll want to label each box so that you know which set belongs to which player/team.
And finally, you’ll want to rotate your collection every few months. This will ensure that all of your cards stay fresh and clean.
Storing Your Stickers In A Binder
Now, if you’d like to store your stickers in a binder, then you should look into the different options available. You’ll want to first determine whether you prefer hardcovers or soft covers.
Hardcovers are typically more expensive than soft covers. But, they also provide better protection against moisture and dust. Soft covers come in two varieties. The first is plastic sleeves.
These are cheap but they aren’t very durable. They tend to rip after just a few uses. The second type of sleeve is vinyl.
Vinyl is usually more expensive than plastic. But, it provides better protection against moisture and dirt. If you decide to go with vinyl, then you should make sure that you purchase a clear vinyl.
Clear vinyl allows you to see through the sleeve and view the front side of your sticker.
The Best Way To Display Your Collectibles
So far, we’ve discussed how to best store your collectible items. But, what’s the best way to display your collection? Well, there are several ways to display your collection. One option is to simply place your collection on a shelf.
While this may seem simple enough, it can be problematic. For example, you might find yourself constantly rearranging your collection as your collection grows, which may lead to scuffing.
Another option is to use a wall-mounted display rack. Wall-mounted displays are inexpensive and easy to install. Plus, they’re perfect for displaying small collections.
Finally, you can opt to hang your collection on a wall. This is probably the easiest way to display your collection.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Some handy ways to store and display your panini cards and albums so that they last a long time and are protected from dirt, grime, and water damage.
Take care of that Panini album of yours, and who knows, perhaps it will bring in a tidy sum one day.
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