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Protecting Your Investment
by Chris Nilsen
Whether you are a new or experienced collector, you should
know the value of keeping your collectibles in good condition.
Chris Nilsen shares his ideas, one of which may surprise you!
Protecting Collectibles
Plastic sleeves are the most commonly used method of protecting
collectibles. The Japanese resealable sleeves are some of the
the best available and are a minor expense to protect your investment.
You can get appropriate sizes for CD's, 7", 12", and
magazines. They work great for keeping dust, dirt, smoke, liquids
and other contaminants from your pieces. Used record stores
will likely carry plastic sleeves, but you won't find them at
many chain stores. Record shows are another good bet. One of
the best sources is Bags
Unlimited. They carry a wide selection of bags and boxes
for the collector and dealer. They advertise in Goldmine magazine
regularly.
Cleaning Records
Before I bag up anything for storage, I clean it first. The
best thing I've found for cleaning records is lighter fluid
(yes, lighter fluid!). It takes off almost anything and leaves
no residue. Get a soft cloth and squirt some fluid on it. Place
the record on a towel and hold it down firmly on the label with
a clean hand. Wipe the entire record in a circular motion going
with the grooves. Lighter fluid will also remove stickers from
covers. Put just enough on the sticker to make it wet and wait
a few minutes. The fluid will loosen the adhesive and allow
you to pull up the entire sticker without removing the cover
surface. Wipe off any adhesive left behind.
Cleaning CDs
Many solutions and devices are available at stores that sell
CD's. I use the pre-moistened towlette type. Always wipe the
play surface from the center to the edge while handling the
CD from the edges and or center hole.
Storing Records
I take all records out of the covers before I package them
up in plastic sleeves for storage. Get some paper or poly-lined
inner sleeves if you have records without them. Placing a piece
of cardboard between the record and cover will prevent things
like ring wear, bent corners, and the like. I use appropriately
sized boxes to keep different formats separate. Records should
be stored upright and not packed tightly.
Storing Magazines
Laying them flat is best. Plastic sleeves will prevent covers
from coming loose and other damage. Using a backer card for
flimsy publications will keep them from getting bent up.
Storing CD's
Not as critical as vinyl or magazines since most have a plastic
case. You may want to use a small piece of cardboard for protection
of those card sleeve editions.
Storing Other Items
For those unusual things like box sets or odd-sized items,
I find a box that is the right size or slightly larger and use
bubble wrap or styrofoam peanuts around it.
Condition is an important aspect of collecting. It's best to
buy anything in as-close-to-new condition as possible, and keep
them that way. Always handle records and CD's so your fingers
never touch the playing surface. Abused items are not very desirable
to other collectors should you ever decide to sell them in the
future. Selling price should vary depending on the condition,
therefore a mint (M) or near mint (NM) item is worth more than
a very good (VG) item. As you collect you will find that not
all sellers grade records quite the same.
Mint is the most overused term in grading, and unless an item
is unplayed with perfect packaging, it is not truly mint. Goldmine
magazine has developed a standard that many experienced dealers
adhere to. Happy collecting.
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