Comic Pressing and Cleaning in Canada: Does It Really Boost Your Grade?
If you’ve ever looked at a comic and thought, “It’s almost a 9.8…”, you’ve probably wondered if pressing or cleaning could push it over the edge. For Canadian collectors, the question isn’t just “does it help?” — it’s also “is it worth the cost, shipping, and risk?”
Comic pressing and cleaning have become standard practice for investors trying to squeeze every possible dollar from their slabs. But there’s a lot of misinformation floating around — especially in Canada, where fewer local services exist and cross-border shipping can get expensive.
Let’s break down how pressing and cleaning actually work, when they make sense, and what Canadian collectors should consider before taking the plunge.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
What Is Comic Pressing?
Comic pressing is a non-restorative process that uses heat and pressure to remove dents, bends, or spine warping from comic covers. It doesn’t involve adding any materials — it simply flattens the book to its original shape.
A well-done press can take a book from an 8.5 to a 9.4, or even a 9.6, depending on severity of defects. While that might sound minor, those half-point jumps can add hundreds or even thousands to the resale value on key issues.
CGC and CBCS both allow pressing — and it doesn’t disqualify a book from being labeled “Universal” (blue label), since no restoration is added.
What Is Comic Cleaning?
Cleaning is often confused with restoration, but it’s not the same thing.
A “dry clean” involves removing surface dirt, smudges, or pencil marks with gentle tools (erasers, powders, microfiber).
A “wet clean” can use safe solvents or moisture to lift deeper stains — but it’s far riskier and typically done only by professionals.
For Canadian collectors, dry cleaning is more accessible since a few reputable local services now handle it domestically. Wet cleaning is best left to trained pressers with insurance or guarantees, often based in the U.S.
Does Pressing Actually Improve Grades?
In most cases — yes, but not always.
A professional pressing can significantly improve presentation and overall grade, especially on Bronze and Modern Age books where paper quality allows it.
However, pressing won’t fix color breaks, tears, or missing pieces. If a crease has color-breaking damage, pressing only flattens it — the break line will still show, and graders will notice.
That said, grading companies like CGC and CBCS do recognize pressing benefits, and most major dealers press before submission. Many collectors even call it the “secret weapon” for unlocking 9.8 potential.
How Much Does Pressing Cost in Canada?
Pricing varies, but here’s a rough guideline:
| Comic Tier | Typical Pressing Cost (CAD) | Cleaning Add-On | Average Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern | $15–$25 | +$10–$15 | 2–3 weeks |
| Bronze/Silver Age | $25–$40 | +$20 | 3–4 weeks |
| Key/High Value | $40–$60+ | +$25 | 4–6 weeks |
Canadian services (like Canuck Pressing, The Pressing Shop, or local CGC facilitators) can save you customs and shipping fees compared to U.S. options.
If you’re submitting directly to CGC or CBCS, both offer in-house pressing, but you’ll face longer turnaround and higher shipping from Canada.
The ROI of Pressing and Cleaning
When it works, pressing can be one of the highest-ROI moves in comic investing.
Example: A raw Amazing Spider-Man #300 graded 8.5 might sell for $800. Pressed and regraded at 9.4, it could hit $1,200–$1,400 — a massive return on a $30–$50 service.
However, the ROI shrinks if:
You’re pressing lower-value books (<$100 value)
The comic already presents near-perfect (9.6+ range)
You incur heavy cross-border costs (shipping, customs, insurance)
Pressing and cleaning are tools — not magic. They make sense when the math checks out.
Risks & When to Avoid It
Not all books should be pressed.
Older, brittle paper (Golden Age or early Silver) can crack or warp under heat. Amateur pressing can even lower your grade by leaving “pressing marks.”
Avoid pressing when:
Paper feels fragile or brittle
The defect is a color break (won’t improve grade)
You’re unfamiliar with the presser’s reputation
If you do press, always use someone with verifiable experience — ideally with before/after photos and insurance coverage.
Recommended Strategy for Canadian Collectors
For Canadian investors, here’s the practical breakdown:
Use a domestic presser whenever possible. Saves customs, delays, and risk.
Press key issues or books worth $200+ — that’s where ROI matters.
Skip pressing minor moderns unless you’re chasing a 9.8 resale.
Bundle pressing and grading through facilitators during conventions like Fan Expo Toronto or Ottawa Comiccon — it can save weeks of turnaround time.
Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes — when done smartly.
Pressing and cleaning are proven methods to improve grades, resale value, and presentation, especially for Bronze and Modern Age comics.
For Canadian collectors, the key is choosing the right presser and calculating ROI before sending books across the border.
It’s not restoration. It’s optimization. And in a market where half a grade can mean hundreds of dollars, that’s worth understanding.
photo sourced from www.cgccomics.com
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