Most comics don't arrive in perfect shape for grading. A slight bend. A subtle spine roll. Tiny flaws that weren't there the day it left the spinner rack. Nothing major, but enough to cost you a grade.
But what if you could correct those imperfections without crossing into restoration? That's where pressing comes in. Comic book pressing has become a go-to technique for collectors who want to improve a comic's appearance and potentially its grade.
Still, it's not magic. And it's not for every book.
In this guide, we'll help you understand when pressing makes sense, why it matters, and how to do it right without risking the value of your comics.
What Is Comic Book Pressing?
Comic book pressing is a process that uses heat and pressure to smooth out surface-level flaws, such as spine rolls, bends, and light creases, that can develop over time due to handling or storage. It's a way to restore a comic's natural shape without altering its ink, color, or content.
Unlike comic book restoration, pressing doesn't add or replace anything. There are no touch-ups or repairs involved. Instead, it gently reshapes the paper to minimize imperfections while preserving the comic's originality.
For collectors, that distinction matters. Restoration can affect a comic's marketability. Pressing, when done correctly, helps a book present as it should be clean, crisp, and ready for grading or resale.
When Should You Press a Comic?
The best time to press a comic is right before grading, especially if the book has minor flaws that could hold back its score. It's also worth considering before resale, when presentation affects buyer confidence and value.
Pressing comics for grading makes the most sense when a comic is in overall good shape but shows signs of wear from storage or handling. This includes spine rolls, light bends, non-color-breaking creases, finger bends, or shallow indentations.
If the book still has solid color, no tears, and no water damage, it's likely a good candidate.
On the other hand, if a comic has deep creases, mold, moisture stains, or structural damage, pressing may not help and could even make things worse.
In short, press when the book has visible but fixable flaws, and you're aiming to increase comic value by maximizing its condition for grading or resale.
Why Comic Pressing Can Increase Value
Comic grading is based on the condition of the book, like its sharpness, alignment, color, and structural integrity. Even minor flaws can drop a comic's grade by more than you'd expect. And with grading, every half-point matters.
That's where pressing makes an impact. By removing light creases, indentations, or a mild spine roll, pressing comics for grading can improve a book's rating from a 7.0 to a 9.2 or higher. For specific key issues or high-demand variants, even a small grade bump from pressing can add hundreds, sometimes thousands, to a comic's value.
"Pressing won't create value, but it can reveal value."
This process doesn't magically transform a poor-condition comic into a gem. But it can unlock the full potential of a well-preserved book that's hiding behind a few creases or bends.
That's why many collectors press books before submitting to CGC. It's not just about presentation, but also about ensuring the book is judged on its actual condition.
If you want to give a comic its best shot at a higher grade or present it well, comic pressing is worth considering.
Pressing vs Cleaning: Know the Difference
Pressing and cleaning are often mentioned together, but they do very different things. Pressing fixes the shape of a comic, flattening out bends, creases, and rolls. Cleaning involves removing dirt, smudges, and light marks that dull a book's appearance.
Dry pressing is the most common method. It uses heat and pressure to smooth the paper, without adding any moisture.
Dry cleaning, in contrast, involves tools such as dry erasers or pads to lift dirt from the cover.
Wet cleaning takes it a step further, using light moisture to tackle deeper stains, but it's riskier and is best left to professionals.
Trying any of these techniques without proper tools or experience can easily backfire. Heat damage, staining, or warped pages are all too familiar with DIY attempts.
That's why many collectors leave it to professionals or CGC-authorized pressers who specialize in collectible comic care.
If your comic needs both cleaning and pressing, many services offer combined options to prepare books before grading.
How to Get Your Comic Pressed Professionally
If you're planning to press a comic, especially before grading, the safest approach is to work with a professional. Third-party comic book pressing services and CGC Authorized Dealers have the tools and experience to handle valuable books with care. They also understand what grading companies look for, which helps ensure your comic is properly prepared for submission.
Some grading companies, like CGC, offer in-house pressing through Certified Collectibles Services (CCS). A convenient option, though turnaround times can be longer during busy periods.
Pressing typically costs between $10 and $30 per book, depending on the service and the comic's value. Higher-end books may cost more due to added handling or insurance needs.
Wait times vary anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, so it's worth factoring that in if you're aiming to sell or submit by a deadline.
Many services also offer pre-screening, which helps you decide if a comic is worth pressing before you commit. A simple step that can help you avoid unnecessary costs and improve your grading outcomes.
FAQ
Does CGC know if a comic has been pressed?
No, CGC does not flag pressing unless it crosses into restoration. Since pressing doesn't add or alter materials, it's considered a non-restorative method and won't affect your book's "universal" label.
Can pressing damage my comic?
Yes, if done improperly. Overheating, incorrect pressure, or pressing a damaged book can lead to warping, staining, or paper splitting. That's why professional comic book pressing services are strongly recommended.
How much can pressing improve a comic's grade?
It depends on the flaws. In some cases, pressing can bump a comic up one to three full grade levels by removing bends, rolls, and creases. But results vary by book and condition.
Is comic book pressing worth it for modern books?
Sometimes. High-value modern keys or their variants can benefit from minor defects. But with lower-value books, the cost of pressing might not make financial sense unless you're aiming for a perfect grade.
Conclusion
Comic book pressing is less about chasing perfection and more about helping a good comic look its best. It's a simple yet careful step that can make a real difference in how a book is perceived and valued.
The key is knowing when it's worth it. For high-grade candidates or any comic you plan to slab, pressing often makes sense. However, if a book is worth less than $100 or has severe damage that pressing can't fix, the cost and effort may not be worthwhile. Like any tool, pressing works best when used with intention.
Whether you're planning to slab a key issue, build a long-term collection, or take better care of your comics, pressing is one more way to support the value and legacy of the hobby.
At Binary Sundown, we believe every comic deserves to be seen at its best. Whether you're preserving a key issue or preparing for grading, we're here to support your collecting journey.