Wax Stain Removal

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Posted By: Nick G

I know the topic of Wax stain removal is somewhat controversial.

I recently bought a nice collection of 51 and 52 Bowmans but most had wax stains on the back. I know in the past i have heard that lighter fluid would take it off (though im sure with an awful smell attached). I also remember Al Rosen selling some sort of "tonic" to do this as well but that was years ago.

Im not even 100% sure i want to remove the stains, im just curious as to my options. So i was curious...

1- Is there a safe, effective way to remove them?
2- Will it pass PSA or SGC?
3- How "frowned upon" is it now a days to remove a wax stain?

Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Nick

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Posted By: Steve

Not sure the lighter fluid trick will work on those cards. It worked
on cards with a more glossy back.

51 and 52 bowman backs are too fiberous.

Try it on a beater first.

PSA does not downgrade early bowmans for wax stains as so many of them have it.

Being sold in penny packs (1 card at a time) will do that.


goodluck


Steve

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Posted By: MikeU

Call "Mr. Mint" he at one time sold an elixer in SCD for $99 a bottle.

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Posted By: Kevin Saucier

Large wax stained removed on back and intentionally submitted with a chemical odor. Yes, it is frowned upon and considered altering.




Kevin

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Posted By: James Gallo

What it you were able to just rub or lightly scrap it off with no residue or damage.

I have opened a bunch of 1975 topps mini packs and often there is a wax or gum stain. I can usually lightly scrap it off with ease and no damage to the card.

Would this still be considered altering?

I would certainly consider a chemical dip altering but what about just scraping it off?

James G

Looking for 1915 Cracker Jacks and 1909-11 American Caramel E90-1.

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Posted By: Nick G

Kevin:

So is it a magical secret on how its done?

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Posted By: Steve

Did the text on Danny's card smudge immediately or post-holdering?

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Posted By: steve

OK, here it is, drum roll please........use a womens nylon, like Leggs or similar. Get an old nylon from the wife or girlfriend - rub it over the wax - removed ! Remember to do it very carefully and gently so as not to ruin the card in the process. steve

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Posted By: Steve

That won't work for early bowmans, the card stock is to fiberous.
The wax is embedded into the stock. Acetone may work.

The nylons will work for most topps issues though.


Steve

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Posted By: Kevin Saucier

Did the text on Danny's card smudge immediately or post-holdering?



Neither. I believe that was part of the original printing. I've never seen ink smudge when removing wax. It will fade or rub off if the chemical(s) is too strong though.

Drum roll...that was funny. For wax/gum stains of front that will work. For the single guys, if you don't have panty hose you can use a silk tie or fine silk anything. Even better...eyeglass cleaning cloth (not sure what they call those).



Kevin

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Posted By: leon

To most true collectors of cards (not plastic) taking something off of a card that wasn't intended to be there in the first place isn't altering. If the stain is taken off with something other than water it could be considered altering since there may be a residue or smell left on the card after the removal. I have only ever used water and a cue tip to get yucky stuff off of cards and will continue to do so.....as many hobbyists do. For full disclosure I sometimes erase pencil marks too but will usually disclose those when selling......regards

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Posted By: Paul S

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Posted By: boxingcardman

Mine is called "Made In China"; same as most of the stuff I own.

Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc

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Posted By: FRED BROMBERG

O.K.GUYS, HERE'S THE DEAL!!! THERE IS A COMPANY IN UPSTATE NEW YORK THAT HAS BEEN REMOVING STAINS SUCESSFULLY FOR 15 YEARS. COMPANY NAME IS "GONE WITH THE STAIN", AND HAS HAD FOUR ARTICLES WRITTEN ON THE AFOREMENTIONED SUCCESS(THREE IN SCD, AND ONE IN BECKETT). OWNERS NAME IS DICK TOWLE, AND WORKS WITH COLLECTORS AND DEALERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. PHONE NUMBER IS 315-3758542

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Posted By: Anonymous

So there is no answer for the back then?

Pantyhouse im sure wouldnt work on the the back since the wax has "soaked in".

Any ideas for the back?