Preparing Cards for Grading

Grading prep isn’t about making a card look better — it’s about not making it worse.

Start by inspecting the card under good light. Look for surface scratches, corner wear, edge damage, and centring issues. This helps set realistic expectations before submission.

Always sleeve the card before placing it into a semi-rigid holder. The sleeve should be clean and undamaged. Avoid tight-fitting sleeves that put pressure on the card.

When inserting into a semi-rigid:

• Go slowly

• Keep the card straight

• Never force it

Many graders recommend using a small pull tab or leaving the sleeve slightly proud to make removal easier later.

Do not clean cards with chemicals or cloths unless you know exactly what you’re doing. Improper cleaning can permanently damage surfaces and lower grades.

After the cards are secure inside their semi-rigid holders, you now want to stack them and place them between two cardboard stiffeners (held in such a way they can no longer move freely. Then put them inside a bubble mailer or box, but size it right. Movement inside a box causes far more damage than most people realise.

Good grading prep is about patience, not tricks.

Michael - Founder, Sleeve It Up

Useful Links:

• Grading Bundle
• Penny Sleeves