How to Tape Your Comic Books CORRECTLY!
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- Do you know that most comics you see are in danger of tape pulls and messy "dog ears" on the back flaps of comic bags? Did you know there's an easy way to avoid all of that which most people don't do? Check out how easy it is to avoid these issues and maintain clean flat comics in bags for many years to come!
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#Howto #tape #Comics
I always sealed my comic bags with a blow torch…now it makes sense why CGC keeps grading my comics so low.
This comment needs more likes lol
😄
If it's a Superman comic, it wouldn't even feel warm to the touch.
“Honey, I need to run to Home Depot to get some painters tape!” “Oh, I’m not painting anything. It’s for my comics! That’s right, my comics!” “Yes, I was watching James again!”
Lol! downside to painters tape is it's not sold in your average office supplies aisle. you have to go to staples, home depot, true value etc
@@christianweatherbroadcasting Why are you posting your silly and delusional religious nonsense on a comic book video? There is no evidence your Jesus ever existed. There is zero evidence your god existed.
There's an even better way-- which is clued in on your section about wrapping slabs. On each non-slabbed comic, I use two pieces of tape laterally across the flap, but before actually applying to the bag, I fold over about 1/4 inch of the tape onto itself, creating a non-stick pull-tab on the end of the tape. When I go to remove the book from the bag, I simply pull the tape pieces by their tabs, and either re-apply them elsewhere on the back of the bag (or on a separate surface if needed-- edge of the table, etc) before removing the book. When I get ready to re-seal, I simply re-insert the book and re-position the tape tabs back into their original position. This way, the sticky side of the tape has absolutely no chance of coming into contact with the book. The tab method is not really time consuming once you get into the habit, and it works with all kinds of tape-- just don't ever use double-sided tape! I've been using this method for over 40 years-- while it uses a little more tape than the lazy slap-on method, it's minimal cost, especially when compared to the cost of potential damage to an expensive book.👍
Correct! all about those tabs making it easy on everyone!
THIS
I’ve been doing the tabs as well since the 80’s....
I do the "TAB" method as well. Much easier and NO chance of a tape pull.
Painter’s Tape might present a different issue in that it is thicker, so it could leave a light impression on the book behind it (even through the plastic bag). Some of that will depend on if you pack tightly or if you stack books.
I use the 2-piece, vertical Scotch method but I have made a practice of entirely removing the tape before taking out a book. I put almost everything in Mylites and Half-Backs (or some equivalent).
That's what I ran into when I bought a batch of books that had been sealed with painters tape. It was faint, to be fair, but there was an impression on all of them.
I do a similar thing but use artists tape (acid free and low tack) which is meant to be easily removed off paper if god forbid somehow it touches the comic. I also use a pull tab on the back for easy removal so it stays on the back of the bag and board and not on the flap where it could touch the comic. I understand this is extremely OCD but it works for me.
That works!
For bags and boards, forget tape. The round yard sale stickers, that can come in either white or packs of multi colors, are easy to use and easy for opening. I use one in the middle for reg bags and two, one in either side, for mylar bags. And it looks neater than tape.
@@christianweatherbroadcasting Stop spamming channels with your goofy religious bullshit.
On the Mylars, and this does depend on the backing boards to some degree however, I would recommend NOT sliding the comic in as the roughness/texture of the backing board tends to produce colour rub on the back of the book. I've found that the better option is to have the board mostly out of the bag and only a small amount of the board inside the bag (maybe an inch or so, then place the book on the board in the position you're happy with and then pull the bag (not push the board) up over the book. I also gently grip the top of the board and a small amount of the book with a cotton round so that the book doesn't move while the bag is being slid up (don't worry, you won't damage the book unless you're going super heavy with your grip). I'd also recommend pre-scoring/bending the flap before doing any of the above as it provides a better seal when taping it down (for 4 mil (100 microns)/3 mil (75 microns) Mylar).
Something every comic collector needs to know.
Glad you think so!
6:02 Good points here for slabs and bubble wrap.
I use mylar and half/full backs for everything and non-acidic archival tape. It’s worked for me for years, but I love your solution for poly bags!
You save a incredible amount of time with this short video
Thanks!
The blue tape idea for shipping is great! No tape on my bags and boards - I “pre-bend” the top of a bag over the board between heavy books for a day or two before I put my comics in.
I actually use the pull tab on runs that I like to read, that way I can take them out easily anytime I want to read them without worrying about tap pull.
Exactly! pro-tabbing over here. I usually only do tabs on slabs I sell but it works for raws too
Great video. Another tip when buying Look for a "low tac" painters tape. Normal painters tape it's great for a while but after few years it goes super stuck to the bag. This also goes for when using painters tape for painting dont leave it on for to many days it can pull the paint off the surface it's on.
That's a great idea!
Thank you four advising that grading submitters not tape their bags and also that they use paper tape when shipping comics to buyers in order to allow for recycling. I have never bought bubble wrap, padded envelopes or boxes. Always recycle there’s plenty to go around.. Nice informative video
Glad you liked it! and yes - I try to never have to rebuy if I can help it
Dude, I just really enjoy your vids. Thanks for the fun and education as always.
Hell yeah - thanks man!
Great video as usual! You should continue the theme with a storage video (cardboard long/short boxes vs. the plastic BCW boxes, etc..) I liked the binder you made for your Batman run shown in an older video but would want to know the correct way to do it since some protection may be lost.
I'd be happy to! those binders are actually custom but I could easily go over how to do it
@@MintHunterComics 100% agree with Nicholas. The Bronze and Modern Gods guys did one recently and it was good to get ideas and prospective. Because this community shares good ideas!
For slabs I use plumbing insulation. It’s real cheap and makes for quick work of insulating the slab inside of a flat rate box.
Dang, that's genius! And if you cut the pieces at a 45* angle, the corners of the slab will be fully enclosed and bulletproof!
For mylar, I use the 1-inch wide post it flags. They have flap that you can easily pull and the adhesive is similar to regular post its.
Anything that can be easily pulled will also work well!
Mint, ur story about how you got into comics is a thing of innocence I enjoyed all of ur video
Great video. I always use painters tape and it’s been the best change I’ve made. I also put a little flap on the ends of pieces of tape it works great 👍
Man you might not be the channel I found to keep up with weekly reviews or trends in prices but you always nail the oddball questions I wouldn’t know where else to ask
Over the years ive found that only using the invisible scotch tape and using your third method is best.all other tape will have a chemical reaction eventually ruining the bag.I disagree with painters tape only because it degrades much faster than normal invisible tape.ususlly drying out and becoming powder.the real scotch tape invisible only will have no reaction to mylar.
This guy knows what he’s talking about. 100% agree.
I would agree however clear scotch tape is RIGHT OUT when it comes to mylar. Yes bkue tape will eventually degrade over a decade but having to replace tape is better than risking bends, and harming a comic in my eyes!
Folding over the end of either Scotch tape or Magic tape to make a pull tab makes it easy to remove even from mylar bags. The tape curls up too much to reuse, but who cares. Definitely stick to (har!) the 3M brand name. I personally prefer Magic tape because it isn't quite invisible. Painters tape is great for shipping, but I think hand-torn pieces of it on a comic bag look like cr@p.
45 years collecting. Had only 2 tape pulls and both on low valued books.
Just one piece is needed in the middle.
Had like one dog ear.
Just be diligent when opening and pulling the book, putting books back. Just pay attention.
No need for painters tape.
If you're working for a comic shop and have to go through hundreds to thousands from a collection swapping out old plastics and boards for new ones, it'll get monotonous, fatigue, etc. yeah, I can see doing the painters tape, but your own private collection, just pay attention. No need to go through your books fast.
Solid advice. I do use blue tape when I pack books for shipping, but I don't like how it looks on my books in my collection. I use Scotch double-sided cellophane tape instead, putting a small piece on the inside flap and folding it down. When you open the bag again, the tape sticks to the bag instead of the flap, keeping the tape away from the book and allowing for easy resealing. It doesn't eliminate the dog-ear problem, unless you put a small piece on each end of the flap.
Simple blue painters tape half inch to 1 inch size across the middle back. Easy to take off and place back. Don't need two on the sides since a waste of energy and time..
What i saw a comic store did one time is that they taped the edges and put the tape to the front. It’s a bit weird to describe it but easier to show a picture. It’s a really good method for sealing a comic, but i wouldn’t recommend it if you want to open it up frequently to read. I could see that method being a bit of a hassle to open up, but good way to really secure it.
I think I can picture what you're talking about - a bit odd but if it works it works!
Great tutorial dude!! I figured you would do a video like this after the last one 🤣🤣. I usually am the one doing the third option you showed with the scotch tape. Never really thought about the angled concept, but I like it. Thanks for the video man, good job!
You knew it was coming! that last video was me just roasting old me for how I used to tape lolol
Love this vid very informative. Currently I’m just using resealable bag and boards from BCW because Mylar has become really tough to get in my area. They do the job for now.
Resealable's work well too! I still think this method is superior
@@MintHunterComics I agree because even resealables have their issues with folding up.
Mylars are getting scarce due to oil shortages. Main ingredient in plastic is oil.
Is THAT why? interesting!
This "next best thing" of which you speak -- where you put a piece of scotch tape at either end of the flap -- is how I've been sealing my comic book bags for the past 40 years. I had no idea so few people did it this way.
@@christianweatherbroadcasting Okay, thanks. Have a nice day, crazy person.
I use scrap booking tape. My wife had plenty of it and it works awesome. Cool random colors too. Its like painters tape but in a perfect size.
That would also do the trick!
Very nice PSA!!
Thank you!
I didn't know about the no tape thing in regards to submissions
Oh absolutely - get that tape outta there! make it really easy for them to grade
I sent in my first sub to CGC last week, not only was it a quick turnaround for modern slow (less than 2 weeks!!!)…8 out of 10 got 9.8’s and the rest 9.6. I’m giving you all the credit as I took your advice and packed my comics like you said ;D) Cheers James!
Better idea...resealable bags. And i hate tape so much i use tension to ship my books with gemini and bubble so no tape.
They work but they're becoming harder to obtain and you need to be extra careful when opening to avoid finger bends
Thumbs up for the zoomed in cat shot!
Anytime my friend hahaha
Thanks for the painter tape tip! Another great video!
You got it Luke!
Great vid👍
Thanks!
I have a batch of white painters tape; much more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional blue painters tape.
Pro-tip #2: You can get a 3" roll desk tape dispenser for the the painters tape. I have a couple for shipping tape. Pro-tip #3: Desk tape dispenser for shipping tape is often better than a tape gun in many uses.
This is excellent thank you so much for this advice! I am the one who uses scotch tape and two pieces to avoid the dog ears but I will seek out painters tape from now on. Thank you buddy 😊
I’ve recently gone to color coded sticker for the backs of my bags and boards. But def painters tape for the win.
No doubt!
I love how I saw this video after I did a long box the wrong way. LOL
i use "post-it flags" these can be removed have a flag you can use to lift up, i also use them standing up to note a new run or comic.
Great vid dude, a lot of sellers need to have a look at this vid haha!
Tell me about it
I use the wide painter's tape, I think its 1.88".. one piece in the center. I don't have much of a problem with dog ears, since it covers a wider area in the middle. And, I still only have one piece of tape to take off. By the way, try the delicate painter's tape. You can still get major tape pulls from regular painter's tape!
One problem with painters tape is that it’s too thick, I wonder what kinda creases is creates if left in short box a long time.
It shouldn't leave any crease through any standard board in the back
@@MintHunterComics I mean the comic behind the comic you put the tape on. We all like to have our books facing forward. The front of second book will be pressed up against back of first book with tape. I figured if polybag with bag fold can leave a crease (ie UF4) then I’m thinking thickness of tape can leave a crease on the book behind it.
Yep, especially if you fold over the end of the painters tape to make a pull tab, which doubles its thickness. In my experience this isn't a problem with tabbed Magic tape, because it's thinner material.
Thanks Homie
You got it Huck!
Thank you this was helpful :). If I use regular bags, how often should I 'change' them? 2, 5, 10+ years?
I use the resealable bags now.
Those can work too
so painters tape is better than scotch tape? I just got into collecting variant covers. I have my bags and boards, but no tape yet.
Decades ago, I learned the hard way...no one is faster than tape!
I use one piece of scotch tape or celotape at an angle of 30° from the Vertical and then when I put all the bags and boards together in a box, I go down the sides with a rule to remove the dog ears... But if you put them in properly and you don't cram them in the box so tightly you won't have dog ears and i normally allow my finger thickness to be the gap between comics, then I can squash the comics to get them out, anything less than that and the comics are too tightly packed in my opinion.
Man this was great. Thanks! And you didn’t drag it out either and there was no back ground music!
Might be a stupid question, but why use tape at all? I personally hate opening taped bags and always worry I'll catch the tape on my books. Instead, I just fold the flap inside the bag.
You sound like a CGC submitter! hahaha - submitters never use tape. You don't have to store it taped but it's a good idea to insure dirt can't get in
Pro-tip: If it's just sitting in a your private collection don't use tape, just fold it over and let friction keep it pressed in place. Eventually, the flap will stay permanently folded.
I cannot confirm or deny haha
I have had painters tape leave sticky residue on the bag, or even tear the bag upon removal.
Great stuff bro, thanks for sharing! :-)
what's the difference between the blue and green painters tape?
Great info. Straight to the point, fundamentally sound and helpful all in one fell swoop
Why thanks!
@@MintHunterComics you have a VERY influential channel on Pop Culture. As an old school collector I appreciate it......hope others that watch/support Do as well 🍻
Mister mint hunter sir, I use a scotch double sided tape and it’s far more easier to open the bag or to just close it, it that a bad method?
I stand by the painters tape method. I've NEVER had a comic get caught on the tape. I usually move it when I open a comic plus it's easier to get off the bag.
Double sided tape! Set it and forget it. Its a bit more expensive but super convenient
the tape examples are great, painters tape is easy to take off! I usually don't have any reason to remove a book from the bag unless it's something I've bought and want to look at for the grade, so almost every book I take out of the bag goes into a new bag and board. If I'm selling it and the tape breaks in half like your mylar example when I'm taking it out to scan, it gets a new bag.
I HATE removing regular clear scotch tape from mylar. It's brutal! I love blue tape so much
@@MintHunterComics James, just a quick follow up to this comment here ; I've been having the same issue with scotch tape and Mylar. Would I be correct to assume blue painters tape doesn't leave residue/brutal Malebolgia like goo on the Mylar ? Thanks
I wish EVERYONE that sells and ships comics used painters tape! So much better than clear shipping tape. Also, I prefer the resealable bags so I never have to mess with tape to begin with 👍. Great vid man, always enjoy your stuff!
So much cleaner and efficient
I always tape at an angle. Lower right to the side so easier to open from left to right. Also Green painters tape has less stickiness.
I actually use scotch tape so it stays on the fold, and fold the tape to create a pull tab at the end of the tape. Works 100% never ruins the plastic.
I angle my tapes the same direction. That way when I'm pulling the flap up from the right, I get the long angle on both. But great idea on the painters tape; I had never thought of that. Does it add any thickness over the volume inside a shortbox?
The diagonal allows the flaps to better stay down, and also a more natural flow when removing (I tend to think so anyways)
@@MintHunterComics Definitely. I just mean that I angle them both diagonally in the same direction, going this way / /, instead of this way \ /. So when I slide my finger from right to left under the flap, they both have that natural flow.
I don't use tape at all. The bags I use have flaps, I just fold the flap inside. No fear of tape pulls ever. Best to all.
Folding the flap into a poly bag works okay, since the material is soft enough that the ends of the flap will easily curl inward to allow the flap to fit into the bag. And this eliminates the possibility of tape pulls, as you say. One downside is that it's pretty easy to accidentally pull out the tucked flap when lifting a poly bagged comic out of the box by its top edge while searching for another comic.
In contrast, the flap on a mylar bag has to be trimmed to fit inside the bag, as it will otherwise ripple badly (because it's wider than the interior of the bag, and the material is too stiff for the ends of the flap to agreeably curl inward). Also, a tucked flap won't stay inside a mylar bag unless the flap is firmly creased along the top of the bag. Unfortunately, this not only makes it harder to remove the comic from the bag, it also creates wickedly sharp left and right corners at the top of the bag.
Very informative video. I would use the blue tape cause that's what my brother had, little did I know that was the good tape to use.
I don't use any tape, I just tuck the flap in behind the cardboard.. it seems fine and stays in.. I don't have a huge collection though, mainly trades, so maybe I'm missing something..
Great advice. 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
excellent
Many many thanks
Great video thanks what do you recommend for current books as far as bags and boards are concerned.
Got BCW Golden or Silver Age bags and boards! moderns are too tight
Very informative video thanks
is that a special type of backboard you're using? Why is it brown?
It is actually a special - it's from stadium comics
@@MintHunterComics Do like this kind of board better that the typical ones we pick up at the shops?
Hi James, I agree the less tacky the tape the better…but man that blue tape is ugly AF. My OCD will not allow that…I find the double scotch method works just fine.
Preach
I get it! I know the blue is ugly but I have crippling OCD and I got used to it! It's just what's best for the comics! haha
I use a light green tspe. Looks way better than the blue stuff. But that's just me
Thanks for your knowledge
I think I'm gonna buy a lot of painters tape soon
It's the way to go dude. I am so over scotch tape and trying to pry tape off comics which could potential cause bends.
@@MintHunterComics I've worried about bends as much as tears. This is a great great great video
@@mikegonzalez503 buy scotch magic tape. Cheaper than painters tape and works just as well
Yeah i received a comic the other day in the mail. It was not packed properly. The bottom spine corner was dented. I was frustrated. I didn't think. Opened the bag. Forgot about the tape. It found its way onto the cover 😐
I just tape it until the bag has a crease and then I fold the tape under the comic and leave it without tape.
Great video!!
Thanks Jeff!
Does it have to blue? Can it be a different color? Does it have to be by Scotch? Thanks
No! they make other colors
I’ve been asking this question around can you put a tape from one and to the other two completely seal it?
I use Color Coding Removable Circle labels. The regular painters tape looks ugly in my opinion. The labels work like a charm.
Hi James, what size of mylar bag were you using and what was the size of the board in it? Thanks
can you do an in depth video how to store your comic books, for all us new people in the hobby?
Drafting tape or archival acid-free white tape.
Very nice. The extra effort is worth it, and from a financial standpoint, I will more likely save the seller and/or rebuy from people who pack books properly. On the flip side, I will never buy from a seller again if they half-ass it on the packing, even if the package survived the USPS.
Hahaha I like how we have to say "survived" USPS lol
@@MintHunterComics As I'm sure you do as well, I have horror stories. Very...costly...horror stories.
What do you think of the original mylars where they're open at the top?
Horizontally no, you need vertical at a angle, this subject is really not needed cause you need to take tape off any comic you looking at and put it on your shirt simple
I just learned a lot 💪👏
I just use scotch tape with a little tab cut out of a flash cards
Avery Multi-Use Labels... the little 3/4" circles. They come in white and several colors and 315 cost around $2... Try 'em out, you will never use anything else Trust Me!
See I've had issues with those! sometimes they stick more that I'd like em to!
@@MintHunterComics if they say removable on the package I feel like they are very close to the adhesive strength of painters tape... I used a generic brand one time and they did have too much adhesive so I was also not thrilled with them but as long as they are the Avery brand I really like how clean the look is and how easy it is to open my bags. They can be reused 2 maybe 3 times then just replace them.
Two pieces of tape freaks me out and one piece always messes the bag up... I'm a serial resealable bag user.... I know... I'm horrible lol.
I dont use tape I just fold the top an tuck it in the back
I've been collecting book for 30 years
Mint Hunter Comics, i need a favor, do you know what Batman book from thw 90's has the Joker with red eyes on the front cover? I had that book years ago and want a copy of it but i don't know the issue number any help would be great,thanks.
Have you ever used avery dots? They are my go to for closing up a bag flap. Don’t use them when bubble wrapping and stuff but haven’t had any issues with them for comic storage. They’re super cheap on Amazon for like 1000 of em.
I find them hard to pull off! I much prefer painters tape
What’s wrong with the resealable bags from BCW?
If you’re not going to seal the bag,does it really matter which way round the book is?🤔
If not sealing don't worry about tape at all! same thing with any books going to get graded )although if getting graded you want the flap to fold to the front and with no tape)