I always sealed my comic bags with a blow torch…now it makes sense why CGC keeps grading my comics so low.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

This comment needs more likes lol

@jeffsuter344

2 жыл бұрын

😄

@bronxparkbench

Жыл бұрын

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!”

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

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

@Vintage-Bob

6 ай бұрын

@@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.👍

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Correct! all about those tabs making it easy on everyone!

@jamesbarron8307

2 жыл бұрын

THIS I’ve been doing the tabs as well since the 80’s....

@kellyrusk8015

2 жыл бұрын

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).

@DreadedDormammu

6 ай бұрын

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.

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.

@Vintage-Bob

6 ай бұрын

@@christianweatherbroadcasting Stop spamming channels with your goofy religious bullshit.

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

That works!

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!

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

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.

Dude, I just really enjoy your vids. Thanks for the fun and education as always.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah - thanks man!

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).

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 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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly! pro-tabbing over here. I usually only do tabs on slabs I sell but it works for raws too

Mint, ur story about how you got into comics is a thing of innocence I enjoyed all of ur video

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.

Something every comic collector needs to know.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you think so!

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Anything that can be easily pulled will also work well!

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea!

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!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

You knew it was coming! that last video was me just roasting old me for how I used to tape lolol

Thank you this was helpful :). If I use regular bags, how often should I 'change' them? 2, 5, 10+ years?

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

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! and yes - I try to never have to rebuy if I can help it

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I'd be happy to! those binders are actually custom but I could easily go over how to do it

@Shrewsclues_75

2 жыл бұрын

@@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!

Thanks for the painter tape tip! Another great video!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

You got it Luke!

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I think I can picture what you're talking about - a bit odd but if it works it works!

Thanks for your knowledge

I just learned a lot 💪👏

Great stuff bro, thanks for sharing! :-)

Very informative video thanks

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Resealable's work well too! I still think this method is superior

@vitamind-skool

2 жыл бұрын

@@MintHunterComics I agree because even resealables have their issues with folding up.

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.

@danfoley2442

Жыл бұрын

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!

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!

Hi James, what size of mylar bag were you using and what was the size of the board in it? Thanks

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.

Great video thanks what do you recommend for current books as far as bags and boards are concerned.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Got BCW Golden or Silver Age bags and boards! moderns are too tight

6:02 Good points here for slabs and bubble wrap.

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.

@rogerhaight5880

2 жыл бұрын

This guy knows what he’s talking about. 100% agree.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

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!

@danfoley2442

Жыл бұрын

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.

Great video!!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff!

Great vid dude, a lot of sellers need to have a look at this vid haha!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Tell me about it

What do you think of the original mylars where they're open at the top?

I had a question what brand is the comic board with a brown back?

Great info. Straight to the point, fundamentally sound and helpful all in one fell swoop

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Why thanks!

@iNeverHadMercy

2 жыл бұрын

@@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 🍻

what's the difference between the blue and green painters tape?

You save a incredible amount of time with this short video

@MintHunterComics

5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

Great vid👍

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great advice. 👍🏻

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

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 didn't know about the no tape thing in regards to submissions

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Oh absolutely - get that tape outta there! make it really easy for them to grade

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..

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 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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

That would also do the trick!

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!

I’ve been asking this question around can you put a tape from one and to the other two completely seal it?

Man this was great. Thanks! And you didn’t drag it out either and there was no back ground music!

Mylars are getting scarce due to oil shortages. Main ingredient in plastic is oil.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Is THAT why? interesting!

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.

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.

@ArtmonkeyProductions

6 ай бұрын

@@christianweatherbroadcasting Okay, thanks. Have a nice day, crazy person.

I’ve recently gone to color coded sticker for the backs of my bags and boards. But def painters tape for the win.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

No doubt!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I HATE removing regular clear scotch tape from mylar. It's brutal! I love blue tape so much

@James-os9ku

2 жыл бұрын

@@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 have had painters tape leave sticky residue on the bag, or even tear the bag upon removal.

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?

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

The diagonal allows the flaps to better stay down, and also a more natural flow when removing (I tend to think so anyways)

@ryanknebel4912

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

It shouldn't leave any crease through any standard board in the back

@brickhunter9537

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@danfoley2442

Жыл бұрын

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.

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.

What’s wrong with the resealable bags from BCW?

I love how I saw this video after I did a long box the wrong way. LOL

I have a batch of white painters tape; much more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional blue painters tape.

excellent

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Many many thanks

can you do an in depth video how to store your comic books, for all us new people in the hobby?

Thanks Homie

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

You got it Huck!

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.

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I find them hard to pull off! I much prefer painters tape

Better idea...resealable bags. And i hate tape so much i use tension to ship my books with gemini and bubble so no tape.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

They work but they're becoming harder to obtain and you need to be extra careful when opening to avoid finger bends

I heard painters tape doesn’t hold its stickiness very long. Usually only for about a year. Do you know is this true?

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I've got painters tape bags for the last 5 years and they work for me still! plus so easy to pull off I don't risk any finger bends

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

I cannot confirm or deny haha

Does it have to blue? Can it be a different color? Does it have to be by Scotch? Thanks

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

No! they make other colors

I use the resealable bags now.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Those can work too

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.

Good idea to use blue tape, never thought of that. And James, what is your opinion on resealable bags? Yay or nay? And what about submitting comics to CGC in resealable bags? Quick side question: do you think a comic that has already been signed should be pressed or does it risk damaging the signature?

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

They work but they're becoming harder to obtain and you need to be extra careful when opening to avoid finger bends

#comickarma This has been the most helpful video for my collecting. Thank you for taking the time to put this together!

Decades ago, I learned the hard way...no one is faster than tape!

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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

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

Very nice PSA!!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thumbs up for the zoomed in cat shot!

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Anytime my friend hahaha

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..

I was going to message you about this, a lot of my comics have the rabbit ears haha Did you see your boy Captain Carrot is coming back? He'll be in the Justice League Incarnate miniseries haha I'm excited, I've never read anything with him

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.

@danfoley2442

Жыл бұрын

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.

👍

Smart

Double sided tape! Set it and forget it. Its a bit more expensive but super convenient

is that a special type of backboard you're using? Why is it brown?

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

It is actually a special - it's from stadium comics

@comicjourney

2 жыл бұрын

@@MintHunterComics Do like this kind of board better that the typical ones we pick up at the shops?

Just bought a nice copy of tomb of dracula 1... took it out to check it... tape got caught on the back cover and created an inch tear on the book! 😢

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

NOOOOOO! not for that book!

@stefansnow4386

2 жыл бұрын

@@MintHunterComics yup, sucks... I'm still going to get it graded because it will display nice, but sad the grade is going to drop 😢

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.

@TheDudeWithoutFear

2 жыл бұрын

Preach

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

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

@getslostincomics

2 жыл бұрын

I use a light green tspe. Looks way better than the blue stuff. But that's just me

I just tape it until the bag has a crease and then I fold the tape under the comic and leave it without 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.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Hahaha I like how we have to say "survived" USPS lol

@Lithograph_Comics

2 жыл бұрын

@@MintHunterComics As I'm sure you do as well, I have horror stories. Very...costly...horror stories.

Drafting tape or archival acid-free white tape.

Just buy the sleeves that come with the adhesive strip. Painters tape is expensive. As long as you have your books in bags with boards then whatever tape is around just use it. If you have no tape then tuck the flap inside the sleeve.

@MintHunterComics

2 жыл бұрын

Resealable's have some issues - I still find this way to be best!

@daviclar867

2 жыл бұрын

@@MintHunterComics what issues?