The Importance of Double Sleeving Foil Cards
Foil cards are often more susceptible to bending, warping, or "curling" due to the way they are printed. The foil layer on the card adds an extra level of thickness and can cause uneven expansion when exposed to moisture or heat. Over time, this can lead to a noticeable bend or curl, and unfortunately, this can’t always be fixed.
Double sleeving is the perfect solution to this problem.
Why Double Sleeving Helps:
- Extra Protection: The first sleeve (usually a clear, perfect fit sleeve) provides a snug fit that helps protect the card from handling, dirt, and minor wear. The second sleeve (often a more durable, opaque sleeve) acts as a shield, providing additional cushioning and preventing the foil from warping.
- Prevents Curling: Double sleeving creates a barrier that limits the foil card's exposure to environmental factors like humidity and temperature. This drastically reduces the likelihood of curling, which is a common issue with foils, especially in warmer or humid climates.
- Enhanced Durability: With two layers of protection, your foil card is much less likely to suffer from accidental damage or bending. The outer sleeve shields the inner one from any friction, preserving both the card’s integrity and the sleeve's condition.
- Maintain Card Value: Foil cards tend to be more valuable, and as we mentioned, even minor bends or warps can significantly affect a card's value. Double sleeving ensures that your foil cards stay in pristine condition and retain their worth, whether you plan to play with them or keep them as a collectible.
How to Double Sleeve:
- Perfect Fit Sleeve: First, place your foil card into a perfect fit sleeve. These are tight-fitting, clear sleeves that protect the card from damage. They’re specifically designed to fit the card snugly without extra space, reducing the chance of the card shifting around and suffering wear.
- Opaque Sleeve: Next, slide the perfect-fit sleeve into a more traditional opaque outer sleeve (these often come in a variety of colors and designs). The outer sleeve gives the card additional protection from the elements and from other cards during shuffling, all while ensuring that the foil stays in place and remains less prone to warping.
If you're storing valuable foil cards for long periods, some players even recommend using a top-loader or clamshell casein addition to double sleeving, for an extra layer of protection.
A Word on Steven (And His Foil Fiasco)
And as for Steven, the guy who doesn’t believe in sleeving at all... well, he might think his foils are just fine without double sleeving. That is, until one day he pulls out his foil Tarmogoyf and finds that it’s now a Tarmogoyf Crispy Potato Chip. While Steven’s off arguing about the “good ol' days,” his poor cards are warping under the pressure of neglect.
So remember, when it comes to foils, there’s no such thing as being "too careful." Double sleeving isn’t just for the hyper-competitive or the overly cautious—it’s for anyone who values their cards.
In short, "Steven may not believe in sleeves, but even he won’t be able to deny the heartbreaking sound of a foil curling for good."