Comic Pressing

I heat the press up to 175 degrees and put the comic sandwich in for 15 minutes. Then I shut it off and let the comic and press cool down for 2 hours. This process ensures that the comic doesn't revert to it's previous shape and prevents curling.

Pressing can only raise a comic in the same range (e.g., 9.0 to 9.6), but it can significantly improve a low grade book.

Below is my press of Adam: Legend of the Blue Marvel #1

Before (Whole book)

Before (Middle Right)

Before (Bottom Right)  

Before (Top Right)

After (Whole Book)

After (Middle Right)

After (Bottom Right)

After (Top Right)

Presses are great, but other materials are necessary. The ordering is important:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Release Paper
• Magazine Backing Board
• Tissue Paper
• Front Cover
• Backing Board
• Tissue Paper
• Backing Board
• Back Cover
• Tissue Paper
• Magazine Backing Board
• Release Paper

 

 

 

 

Delving into comic book pressing, I realized that advice was coming from journeymen who learned through experience - at some time, they were amateurs, like me. However, some referred to experts in paper conservation to be informed. I did some of the same research and am including links to these studies with attributions. I used these findings to develop my own processes.

Practical Considerations for Humidifying and Flattening Paper

A Preliminary Study of the Effects of Pressing on Comic Book Paper

CCS Comic Pressing Services (Specifically speaks about CGC's stance on comics and what defects are good candidates for pressing)

The Conservation and Display of Comic Books

There are some great postings that offer great advice on pressing.

Amateurs tempered my fear to get started with my own books. The key I've learned is to start with good equipment. Stick with a good quality, sturdy dry mount press that can go down to around 150°F. Try to find one cheap on Craigslist, otherwise, the shipping will kill ya.

Such a frenzy and secrecy about such a straightforward process - not taboo topics like weapons, politics, or religion, but comic book pressing. Yep, this process of improving a book's quality by pressing out its imperfections. I'm going spread the word about my findings on this website where it can be shared, improved upon, and contribute to the community. Here goes nothing!