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Thread: Preservation of Signed Balls
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06-03-2008, 01:41 PM #1
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Preservation of Signed Balls
Does anyone have any good ideas on how to preserve signed baseballs in manner that allows you to look at them. I have tried the little ball cubes that claim to block UV Light, etc. The ink on the balls tend to still fade while they are located in the cubes.
Some baseballs even turn yellow when they are located in a dark closet.
A read an artilce that suggested wrapping the singned balls in sarand wrap.
Has anyone tried wrapping the balls in sarand wrap? Does it work?
Any other suggestions?
Thanks
Scott
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06-03-2008, 01:56 PM #2
Re: Preservation of Signed Balls
I have a large collection of autographed baseballs and one of the biggest keys to preservation would just be keeping the balls out of direct sunlight and other light forms. I keep all of mine in their cubes, and try not to open them often. I like some of mine to be displayed also just have to watch what kind of light hits them.
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06-03-2008, 03:55 PM #3
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Re: Preservation of Signed Balls
One of the reason autographs change colors is because of the type of pen you use. Go with a blue ball point pen. I love to use BIC pens. Because the autographs are dark and bold. Second always use a MLB ball not a cheap baseball. It doesnt matther what type of pen you use on a cheap ball it will almost always fade away. I have never tried this but maybe if you spray the ball cubes with UV clear spray that might also work.
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06-03-2008, 05:13 PM #4
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Re: Preservation of Signed Balls
I just recently bought (off ebay) a shrink wrap machine and bags to do my entire baseball collection. This method looks great when done correctly and is airtight. I first saw this done several years ago at the National in Chicago. Then I put them in the U/V ball qubes and label the front of the cubes with a labeling machine. The shrink wrapping is definately an artform and takes awhile to get the hang of it. I think the machine and 500 6x9?? bags cost me around $50. I split the cost with a collecting buddy and we share the machine whenever needed. Definately use a blue ballpoint pen because the black pens tend to fade into a yellow color. Also try to handle the baseball as little as possible. Hold it by the seams because the oil from your skin will turn the baseball yellow over time. But most importantly keep out of direct sunlight. These are all tips that I use. If I'm not mistaken, the baseballs are not a synthetic material, so any exposure to environments that would decay the leather is a negative thing.
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06-03-2008, 06:24 PM #5
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06-04-2008, 10:19 AM #6
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Re: Preservation of Signed Balls
If you shrink wrap a ball, wouldnt there be a chance of the ink coming off when you take the wrap off over time?