Let’s set the scene: you’ve just pulled a super-rare Pokémon holo, high 5’ed everyone in the vicinity, and carefully placed the card in a drawer. Fast forward a week, and it’s looking like it tried to transform into one of those fancy curved gaming monitors. What in the world happened here?
Today, we’re diving into what caused this unfortunate warp, how to fix it, and what you should absolutely avoid doing.
Why do Pokemon cards warp?
Right, let’s get a bit science-y. The culprit here is moisture in the air (humidity), which causes the cardstock in your cards to expand and contract. This process is natural and happens to all trading cards, but holofoil cards are particularly prone to warping. Why? The foil layer, made of thin aluminum, doesn’t expand like the cardstock beneath it. This mismatch creates the curve.
It’s a common issue across most trading cards and not exclusively a Pokemon TCG ‘thing’.
‘De-warping’ methods to stay away from
Before we dive into solutions, let’s address the methods you should avoid. It’s tempting to reach for quick fixes like a blow dryer to “dry out” the moisture, but this can warp the card further or even damage it permanently.
Similarly, drastic measures like flattening the card with a hammer or running it over with your car (yes, we’ve seen this before) might seem clever in theory but rarely end well.
Some clever cloggs might even consider using a fridge or a freezer as a storage place for Pokemon cards but don’t. While a fridge/freezer may temporarily reduce moisture, frequent door openings expose your cards to temperature fluctuations. This constant change can cause more harm than good. Keep your eggs in the fridge, not your Exeggcutes.
Methods to fix warped Pokemon cards
The best way to fix a warped Pokemon card is wonderfully simple. Take a heavy book, like those expensive uni books you never used, slip the card between its pages, and place something weighty on top. Let the card sit for a while, and you’ll notice the bend start to flatten. While this method takes a bit of time, it’s gentle and effective. You can also use a rigid sleeve, like a top loader, to apply steady pressure and help restore your card to its original shape.
Forget about your hairdryer and ditch the car keys, this straightforward approach works without risking further damage.
Preventative measures
Once you’ve fixed your cards, the next step is to keep them safe from future warping. For those super-rare holos, binders with weighted pages are excellent for keeping cards flat. You can even step it up with a ‘Beckett Shield’ which offers near-airtight protection.
If you live in a country with high humidity, making this a standard step every time you pull something worth keeping is essential. If you’re serious about preserving your collection, invest in a dehumidifier or stock up on silica gel pouches to use in your storage areas.
