Complete Kit Guide

 

 

 

 

Instruction and Safety Warning Sheet for CraftCard Kits

Introduction

📜 The CraftCard flattening kit is designed for the professional restoration of collectible cards. It is essential to carefully follow these instructions to ensure the safe and correct use of all kit components. If you read the word "manica" it refers to the transparent pouch normally used to protect cards, but which your browser translates from English from Sleeve into manica...

Kit contents        

  • 💧 Humidifier   
  • 🛠 Clamp and Press Kit with Pad   
  • 🔨 Crease working tools  
  • 💧 📜 Localized humidification kit   
  • 🛠 Renewal Kit
  • ✒️ Thermal Pen

 

General Instructions

  • 🧽 Work in a clean and well-lit environment.   
  • 🚫 Keep all kit products out of reach of children and pets. 
  • 🚷 Do not ingest products and avoid contact with eyes and skin.  
  • 👀 In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and consult a doctor.   
  • 🧪 Test the kit on a low-value card before treating more valuable ones.  
  • 🔍 Always work in steps, checking the result after each stage, and if necessary, restart a new treatment cycle.   
  • ⚠️ Use very little product: Too much can damage the paper. It is better to proceed gradually.    
  • 🖼 Delicate edges: Be very careful with the edges of the cards, as paper in these areas tends to absorb more product, increasing the risk of damage.

 

Polishing Kit Usage Guide

🖌 The renewal kit was created to improve the appearance of cards by removing scratches and surface imperfections. Carefully follow the steps provided to avoid damage and achieve optimal results.

  

  • 🧼 Prepare the work area: Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly to avoid transferring dirt or moisture onto the cards. Wear disposable gloves to protect the card. Prepare a flat, clean, and well-lit surface.   
  • 🃏 Choose a test card: Always start by testing the kit on a low-value card. This way you can gain confidence with the products and check for any unwanted reactions.  
  • 🧼 Use the spray with the cotton swab for initial cleaning: Spray a very small amount of cleaning spray into the cap and dip the cotton swab. Pass the cotton swab with light, circular motions over the card's surface to remove dust, dirt, or other impurities. Caution: Use little product and be very careful with the edges of the cards. In this area, the paper is more exposed and tends to absorb more liquid. After cleaning, gently dry the card with a cotton pad. Wait a couple of hours before applying subsequent creams.
  • 🖌 Use the blue cream to remove scratches: apply a small amount of blue cream to the polishing pad. With light, circular motions, pass the pad over the card's surface, trying to be as even as possible. Do not insist too long on a single spot to avoid damaging the color or surface. Regularly check the pad: if you notice signs of card color on the pad, stop immediately. Carefully remove all residue of the blue cream.
  • 🎨 Use the pigment activator for finishing (yellow cream): pour a small amount of pigment activator onto the sponge pad. Gently pass the pad over the entire surface of the card to even out the color and revive the pigments. Pay particular attention to the edges, where the card is more sensitive. Gently and thoroughly remove and check the final result.

FOR GREATER SAFETY, LEAVE THE CARD IN THE AIR FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE PLACING IT IN AN ALBUM.

⚙️ Operating procedure – Card Smoothing

1️⃣ Insertion into the humidifier

  • To properly start the humidifier (humidor), you need to prepare the supplied black/gold ingot. Start by thoroughly wetting it with distilled water 💧: this is the best choice to prevent limescale or residue from forming. If you don't have any available, you can temporarily use tap water, but it's advisable to get distilled water, such as that for irons found at the supermarket 🛒. Once well wet, let the ingot drain upside down for about 5 minutes, to remove excess water ⏳. Then, insert it into the humidor without paper and let it work for about 1 hour. Then check the hygrometer: the ideal humidity is around 90% 🌡️. The humidor of the premium version has a different humidity scale and reaches optimal humidity when it reads between 75 and 80% ✅.
  • Place the paper in the humidifying box.
  • The paper must be clean: any debris can leave permanent marks.
  • ⏳ Let it rest for a minimum of 6 hours, maximum 36 depending on the extent of the damage      

               -Light creases: 6–18 hours.

               -Deep or multiple creases: 18–36 hours.

2️⃣ Initial pressing (dry)

  • Take the paper out of the box and put it in the press:
  • 🥪 Protect it with two Sleeves (one above and one below), to avoid direct contact with the glass.
  • 🔒 Close the press with the clamps.
  • ⏳ Let it rest for at least 5–7 days.
  • 👀 Already after 2–3 days you can glimpse the final result. If you are not satisfied, move on to the localized humidification phase.
  • I recommend removing the sleeve during the last 2-4 days and replacing it with two sheets of parchment paper to facilitate drying!

3️⃣ Localized humidification (stubborn crease treatment)

  • This step is more aggressive , to be used only if necessary. It is also important to be content with the results, especially at the beginning.

✂️ Procedure:

  • 📜 Cut out a piece of special paper the size of the crease.
  • Apply it to the crease.

🧪 Moisten it with the liquid using an applicator.

  • 🕒 Leave it on for 15 –20 minutes.
  • Remove the rice paper.
  • 🥪 Place the paper back in the press, protected by two sheets of parchment paper, for at least 7–10 days.

4️⃣ Full humidification (extensive damage)

  • If the paper has damage across its entire surface:

💦 Procedure:

  • Use the high-density pad.
  • Moisten them evenly on both sides (front and back).
  • Place the paper between the pads for 30–45 minutes for direct absorption.
  • Remove and quickly dry the outside by GENTLY DABBING.
  • Work out the creases and damage.
  • Immediately place the paper in a dry press, between two sheets of parchment paper.
  • Let it dry for at least 10–14 days.

✅ Final check

Always check the dryness of the paper:

  • If it's still soft, do not put it away!
  • Leave it in the press, protected by parchment paper , for several extra days.


🔥 Using a Heat Pen

Before You Start

  • 🔁 Practice extensively on lower-value cards before working on more precious ones.
  • 📄 Always insert parchment paper between the pen and the card, to avoid direct contact and accidental damage.

⚙️ Powering on and modes

  • 🔘 Turn on the pen with two clicks :
      🔴 Red mode → not recommended , heats up a lot
      🔵 Blue mode → recommended for normal use
  • ⏱️ Press and hold the button for 2–3 seconds to activate the heat.
  • 🔥 Apply the pen to the area to be treated without pressing too hard , experiment.

🖐️ During use

  • ✋ Do not apply too much pressure on the card.
  • ⏳ Press for 4-8 seconds, when it gets hot stop pressing and use the pen, when it starts to cool, restart the process.
  • 🔁 Repeat the process multiple times if necessary with short applications, without overdoing it all at once .

🧰 Tips

  • 📏 Always hold the pen perpendicular to the paper.
  • 🪶 Use gentle, constant, and controlled movements.

👁️ If there are traces or indentations left by the pen: 💦 Repeat the wet treatment

  • Localized humidification treatment.
  • Put the paper back in press (with baking paper) to complete the recovery.

If you haven't taken the full kit, be very gentle because you won't be able to easily recover any pressure.

 

🧼 Cleaning the humidifier and drying the box

To keep your kit always in optimal conditions (and away from mold and bad smells 😷), it is essential to regularly take care of the humidifier and the box . Here's how:

🔁 Every 3 weeks , follow this simple routine:

Humidifier Cleaning 💧

  • Remove the humidifier from the box.
  • Spray the inside a few times with the CraftCard card cleaner.
  • Allow to air dry completely for an entire day (in a dry and well-ventilated environment – no rush! ⏳).

Box Drying 📦

  • Take advantage of the same day to leave the box completely open and let it dry thoroughly.
  • This prevents moisture from accumulating and stops mold from forming .

🛑 If you don't use the kit for a while, leave it open!💤
When you don't use it for several days, it's best to keep the box open , so moisture doesn't get trapped inside🌬️

 

Disclaimer

⚠️ It is strongly recommended to use low-value cards for initial tests with this kit. We assume no responsibility for card damage caused by improper use of the products included in the kit. It is essential to carefully follow all instructions provided to minimize the risk of damage. Use the products with caution and always evaluate their effectiveness and safety on less valuable cards before proceeding with more valuable cards. Regarding grading with grading companies, there are no particular problems today if the work is done properly, i.e., without excessive insistence or leaving product residues on the card, but I deem it necessary to warn that it goes against the rules of these companies and that CraftCard dissociates itself from these uses. This product is designed to restore private collections and childhood cards that have suffered mistreatment from us as children ☠️ CraftCard does not assume responsibility for any cards returned altered by grading. It should be noted that these companies sometimes return altered even pack fresh cards that have never been touched.

 

Additional Legal Terms

  •  ⚖️ Limitation of Liability: We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, including but not limited to loss of value of cards treated with this kit.
  • 🚫 Guarantees: The product has been accurately tested and its effectiveness is proven. In case of difficulties in use, please contact mintcraftcard@gmail.com for assistance.
  • 🔄 Product Modifications: Products and instructions may be changed without prior notice. It is recommended to check for updates on this guide and on Instagram and YouTube social media.
  • ✅ Assumption of risk: By using this kit, the user agrees to assume the risk for any potential damage that may result from its use.

 

Toxicity specifications

  • 🌬 Avoid inhaling product vapors, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.   
  • 🧤 Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses when using the products. 
  • 🚪 Store products in a safe and closed place to prevent accidental access by unauthorized persons or children.   
  • 🚑 In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting and consult a doctor immediately.
  • ☠️ Contains 1,2 benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one and beeswax, may cause allergic reactions. ⚠️ The chemicals in the kit can be harmful if swallowed or if they come into contact with skin or eyes.