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7 Tips for Protecting Paper Game Components
Want your board games to last? Paper components like cards, rulebooks, and tokens can easily get damaged over time. Here’s how you can protect them:
- Use Card Sleeves: Shield cards from wear and spills.
- Store Properly: Keep games in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Clean Hands: Always handle pieces with clean, dry hands.
- Paper Protection Sprays: Add a moisture-resistant layer to rulebooks or player aids.
- Organize Tokens: Use resealable plastic bags to keep tokens safe.
- Laminate High-Use Items: Protect reference cards or scoring sheets with lamination.
- Inspect Regularly: Check for damage and fix small issues early.
Taking these steps ensures your games stay playable and look great for years. For more details, keep reading!
3 Ways Boardgamers Store Board Games - And Keep Components in Place
1. Protect Cards with Sleeves
Using card sleeves is a simple way to shield your cards from wear and accidental spills, keeping them in great shape.
When picking sleeves, go for ones that are snug and sturdy. A tight fit keeps your cards secure during use and minimizes the chance of damage.
You can find a wide range of protective sleeves and related accessories at retailers like Brain Games.
2. Choose the Right Storage Space
Keep paper-based game components in a controlled environment with a temperature range of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and humidity levels between 45–50%.
In addition to maintaining proper temperature and humidity, avoid placing your games in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading and warping over time. Steer clear of rooms with intense afternoon sun. Basements often have excess moisture, while attics can expose games to extreme temperature swings, making both less-than-ideal storage spots.
To protect your collection further, consider these storage options:
| Storage Type | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood Shelves | Sturdy with natural insulation | Keep away from direct heat sources |
| Metal Shelves | Strong and resistant to moisture | Use shelf liners for added protection |
| Storage Boxes | Portable and easy to stack | Opt for acid-free materials |
For added moisture control, place silica gel packets in your storage area. Storing games vertically instead of stacking them can help prevent warping or crushing.
When organizing multiple games, leave some space between boxes to allow air circulation. This helps reduce moisture buildup that could harm paper components. Regularly check the storage temperature and make gradual adjustments to any climate controls to avoid stressing the materials.
3. Keep Hands Clean and Dry
Make sure your hands are both clean and completely dry before touching any game pieces. Oils and dirt from your skin can easily transfer to cards, rulebooks, and tokens, causing damage over time.
Here’s a quick routine to follow:
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap, paying extra attention to your fingertips and under your nails.
- Dry thoroughly using a clean towel to avoid moisture on the components.
This small habit goes a long way in keeping your game pieces in good condition and pairs well with other preservation efforts.
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4. Use Paper Protection Sprays
In addition to careful handling and proper storage, consider using paper protection sprays to safeguard your paper components.
These sprays form a transparent layer that helps shield paper from moisture, oils, and general wear. Be sure to choose a product specifically made for preserving paper to avoid any risk of discoloration.
Here’s how to apply the spray effectively:
- Test first: Try it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
- Work in a ventilated space: Spray in an area with good airflow.
- Maintain distance: Hold the can about 10–12 inches from the surface.
- Apply light coats: Use several thin layers, letting each one dry for 15–20 minutes.
For the best outcome, ensure each layer dries fully before handling. Typically, 2–3 light coats are enough to provide solid protection.
Keep in mind, this treatment isn’t ideal for items like frequently shuffled cards, as the coating can affect their feel. Instead, focus on rulebooks, player aids, or other components that don’t experience much movement during gameplay.
5. Store Tokens in Plastic Bags
Keeping your tokens safe and organized is key to maintaining your game. Use durable, resealable plastic bags to store them. This helps protect against moisture, reduces wear from friction, and ensures everything stays in place for easy setup. It's a straightforward way to keep your game pieces in great shape alongside other care practices.
6. Laminate High-Use Items
Laminating is a great way to protect game pieces that see a lot of action. It adds a tough, water-resistant layer that helps keep items like reference cards and player aids in good shape and easy to read.
This method works especially well for things like quick reference guides, turn order cards, scoring sheets, character stat cards, and setup instructions. However, avoid laminating cards that need to be shuffled often - it can make them harder to handle smoothly.
Don’t have a laminator? No problem. You can use self-adhesive laminating sheets or clear matte sleeves to protect your components without changing how they feel.
7. Check Components Regularly
Routine inspections can help you spot early signs of wear and tear before they get worse. Make it a habit to check all the paper-based components of your game on a regular basis.
Here are a few key areas to focus on during your checks:
- Card edges: Look for fraying, especially on cards that see a lot of shuffling.
- Sleeve condition: Inspect for splits in the corners or foggy, worn plastic.
- Rulebook binding: Check for loose pages or stressed staples.
- Token integrity: Look for signs of peeling or delamination.
- Box corners: Watch for crushing or separation at the edges.
If you notice any problems, take care of them right away. Replace damaged sleeves, and use archival-quality tape to reinforce weak spots in rulebooks. Quick fixes like these can prevent bigger issues down the line.
Pro tip: Keep a log of your inspections and adjust how often you check based on how much a game is used. If you notice recurring damage, it might be time to rethink storage or handling methods. For example, storing games flat instead of upright could help extend their life.
A little effort now can save you from costly replacements later.
Wrapping It Up
The tips shared above offer a straightforward way to keep your paper game components in great shape. Taking care of your game pieces not only keeps them looking good but also ensures they stay playable for years. Using card sleeves, storing games properly, keeping your hands clean, applying protection sprays, using plastic bags, laminating, and performing regular checks can make a big difference.
Small habits like sleeving cards, washing your hands before playing, and storing games correctly can save you from having to replace damaged components. Plus, checking your games regularly helps you catch any problems early.
For quality supplies and games, check out Brain Games at https://brain-games.com.
Pro Tip: Put together a maintenance kit with these essentials:
- Card sleeves in different sizes
- Archival-quality tape
- Plastic storage bags
- Paper protection spray
- A clean microfiber cloth
Whether you're preserving a well-loved classic or a brand-new game, these steps will help keep your collection in top condition, making every game session more enjoyable.
