Graded trading cards are kept and shown in PSA cases, which are plastic containers. The purpose of their design is to shield the cards from abrasions, rips and bends. However, do they also shield the cards from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which may degrade the print and substance of the card and cause fading or discoloration? This post will address this issue and provide some advice on safeguarding your priceless card collection.
What is UV Light, and why is it Harmful?
Compared to visible light, ultraviolet light is a kind of electromagnetic radiation with a shorter wavelength and more energy. Both artificial and natural sources—like tanning beds and fluorescent lamps—emit it. Natural sources that release it include the sun. There are three types of UV light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. The most frequent forms of UV radiation that reach the earth’s surface are UVA and UVB, while UVC is mostly absorbed by the ozone layer.
UV radiation may affect materials and living things in a variety of ways. In both people and animals, it may result in sunburns, skin cancer, eye damage, and premature aging. Additionally, it may change or deteriorate the chemical structure of paints, dyes, polymers, plastics, and other materials. The impacted materials may then fade, become yellow, fracture, peel, or become brittle as a consequence.
Due to the fact that trading cards are composed of paper and ink, two organic materials that readily oxidize or degrade when exposed to UV light, they are particularly susceptible to UV damage. Over time, the card’s picture may lose some of its color and detail, which will diminish both its aesthetic value and attractiveness. Additionally, the substance of the card may weaken or crack, leaving it more vulnerable to physical harm.
Are PSA Cases UV Protected?
The question of whether PSA cases are UV-protected or not has no conclusive solution. On their website and in their literature, PSA does not formally state that any UV protection elements are included in their cases. While some collectors assert that contemporary PSA cases are somewhat UV resistant, others contest this assertion or argue that it is insufficient to guard against UV deterioration.
Using a UV lamp or UV meter to gauge how much UV light enters the case is one method of testing PSA cases for UV protection. This is especially crucial for preserving the condition of delicate items like Pokémon Break cards. However, as various UV light sources may have varying effects on the card’s material and ink, this approach may not be particularly precise or dependable. Furthermore, according to the quality and makeup of the plastic used, successive generations or batches of PSA cases may provide varying degrees of UV protection.
Comparing the state of cards that have been kept in PSA cases for a long period with cards that have been kept in other kinds of holders or containers is another technique to evaluate the UV protection of PSA cases. This approach, however, could potentially be ineffective since the card’s state might also be impacted by variables other than UV light, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, handling frequency, etc.
As such, it is difficult to say with certainty whether PSA instances are UV-protected or not. The most secure assumption is that they aren’t, or aren’t adequate, to stop UV damage over time.
How to Protect Your Cards from UV Damage?
Using PSA cases alone is not the only way to preserve your cards from UV ray damage; you also need to take some other measures. The following advice will help you maintain your card collection:
- Keep your cards out of bright artificial light sources and direct sunshine. Keep them out of the light and away from windows.
- Put extra layers of protection on your cards, including team bags, top loaders, sleeves, etc. These may provide an additional layer of protection from UV rays and other environmental elements.
- Make use of holders or containers with UV protection characteristics that have been shown to work, including acrylic display cases with UV coatings or filters. These may prevent all or the majority of the damaging UV rays from getting to your cards.
- If you keep your cards out in the open, rotate them on a regular basis. By doing this, you may stop your cards from unevenly fading or discoloring from unequal light exposure.
- Keep a constant eye out for any fading or degradation on your cards. If you see any changes in the state of your card, act quickly to stop more harm.
How Do I Protect My PSA Slabs?
You should heed the advice I provided in the piece I prepared for you in order to safeguard your PSA slabs. The key points are summarized as follows:
- Keep your slabs from harsh artificial light sources and direct sunshine. Keep them out of the light and away from windows.
- Cover your slabs with extra layers of protection, such as team bags, top loaders, sleeves, etc. These may provide an additional layer of protection from UV rays and other environmental elements.
- Make use of holders or containers with UV protection characteristics that have been shown to work, including acrylic display cases with UV coatings or filters. These may prevent all or most of the damaging UV rays from getting to your skin.
- If you set your slabs in a conspicuous area, rotate them on a regular basis. By doing this, you may stop your slabs from unevenly fading or discoloring from unequal sun exposure.
- Keep a constant eye out for any fading or degradation in your slabs. You should act right away to stop more damage if you see any changes in the state of your slab.
Effects of Air and Moisture on Trading Cards
Trading cards may be impacted by air and moisture, particularly if they are composed of paper or cardboard. Over time, air and moisture may cause the cards to fade, peel, distort, or break, which will lower their quality and cost. Here are a few consequences of moisture and air on trading cards, along with various preventative and mitigation measures.
Air effects on PSA Trading cards
The card’s material and ink may oxidize due to air exposure, which may lead to degradation or discoloration. The surface of the card may get damaged or stained by dust, debris, or other pollutants carried by the air. Your cards should be kept in sealed, acid-free, archival-quality sleeves or containers to prevent air damage. Additionally, you should keep your cards away from sudden temperature fluctuations or severe temperatures since they might cause the material on the card to expand or shrink thermally.
Moisture Effect on Trading Cards
The material of the card may expand or contract due to moisture, which may cause the card to bend or curl. Additionally, moisture may lead to the formation of mold or mildew, which can harm the card’s look and integrity. Your cards should be kept dry, well-ventilated, and low in humidity to prevent moisture damage. To remove extra moisture from your storage sleeves or containers, you could also use desiccants or packets of silica gel. Sweaty or damp hands should not be used to handle cards, as this might cause the surface of the card to get moist.
Storage of PSA Cards in ideal places
One of the most crucial things to remember while keeping your cards is to keep them out of intense artificial light sources and direct sunshine since they may fade or discolor the print and substance of the card. Additionally, you should keep your cards away from excessive humidity and temperatures since these might lead to warping, cracking, or the formation of mildew. It is advisable to keep your cards in a dry, cool area with enough ventilation and little light.
Depending on your preferences and financial situation, you may use a variety of holders and bins to keep your cards organized. Among the most typical ones are:
Plastic sleeves:
These are single-card-sized, clear, thin pockets. They shield the card from scuffs, fingerprints, and dust. Although they are inexpensive and simple to use, the card is not given much stiffness or support by them. For further protection, you may use them in conjunction with other holders or containers.
Toploaders:
These are single-card-fitting, stiff plastic holders. They guard against corner damage, bending, and creasing of the card. Although they cost more and are bulkier than sleeves, they provide the card with more stability and longevity. For further security, you may place a sleeve inside a Toploader.
Card savers:
These are plastic containers that are semirigid and carry one card apiece. They guard against corner damage, bending, and creasing of the card. Although they are less expensive and smaller than top loaders, they provide the card with less support and stiffness. Some grading businesses prefer that you send cards to them for grading and validation.
Storage boxes:
These are boxes made of cardboard or plastic that may accommodate many cards of various sizes. They shield the cards from light, moisture, dust, and filth. They are affordable and practical for keeping a lot of cards. To arrange your cards according to a subject or category, use labels or dividers.
Binders:
These are three-ring binders with nine-card pocket pages that can accommodate many cards. They shield the cards from light, moisture, dust, and filth. They make showcasing and perusing your cards simple and enjoyable. For various card sets or collections, you might use different binders.
Displaying PSA cases Cards
Select holders or containers with established UV protection characteristics, including acrylic display cases with UV filters or coatings, if you want to exhibit your PSA case cards in a prominent location, like a wall, shelf, or mantel. These may prevent all or the majority of the damaging UV rays from getting to your cards. Additionally, to avoid uneven fading or discoloration from unequal light exposure, you should rotate your cards on a regular basis.
Some examples of display options are:
Frames:
These are metal or wooden frames with a glass or plastic cover that may hold one or more cards. They shield the cards from light, moisture, dust, and filth. They look great on a table or wall as a way to showcase your cards. To make a one-of-a-kind exhibit, utilize frames in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns.
Shadow boxes:
These are metal or wooden boxes with a glass or plastic lid that may contain one or more cards. They shield the cards from light, moisture, dust, and filth. Though they provide greater depth and dimension for showing your cards, they are comparable to frames. To make an eye-catching display, utilize shadow boxes in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns.
Wire baskets:
These are metal receptacles that have the capacity to store many cards, either loose or stacked. The cards are not shielded from light, moisture, dust, or grime by them. They look great on a tabletop or shelf as a casual, rustic way to display your cards. To make a creative display, use wire baskets in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns.
Conclusion
Popular and practical containers for graded trading cards are PSA cases. They may not, however, provide sufficient defense against UV rays, which, over time, may fade or deteriorate the material and print on your card. As a result, you need to take additional safety measures and strategies to shield your card collection from UV rays and other outside influences. You can keep your cards beautiful and valuable for many years by doing this.