Card Spray Tutorial

Welcome to the Gem Card Care family!

Whether you are prepping for a major grading submission or just keeping your personal binder pristine, our card spray is designed to safely lift grime, fingerprints, and smudges to reveal the card's original luster. Follow these steps for a flawless finish every time. 

Video instructions can be found here.

What You Will Need:

  • Gem Card Care Spray
  • Two clean premium microfiber cloths (One for application, one for buffing)
  • A soft, non-abrasive mat or clean workspace
  • Penny sleeves and top loaders (For immediate protection afterward)

Step-by-Step Guide 

  1. Prep Your Workspace

Clear your area of any dust or debris. Lay down a soft, clean mat. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your collection, or wear fitted powder-free gloves.

  1. The Initial Application

Ensure there is no debris on the microfibers. Never spray directly onto the card. Instead, apply one or two light pumps of Gem Card Care spray directly onto the round microfiber cloth. When working close to the edges on the back of paper cards, use the pointed precision foam applicator.

  1. Gentle Wiping

Hold the card steady by its edges. Using the damp section of your microfiber cloth, gently wipe the surface of the card in a single direction (e.g., top to bottom). Do not press hard; let the solution do the heavy lifting to break down surface oils and dirt. For stubborn issues, use the pointed precision foam applicator with some spray on it. Do not wipe on the edge of the card as this can cause bubbling.

  1. The Final Buff

Immediately take your second, completely dry microfiber cloth and gently buff the surface in light, circular motions. This removes any remaining moisture and brings out that pristine, factory-fresh shine.

  1. Protect and Store

Hold the card by its edges (to avoid fingerprints) up to a light source at an angle to ensure no smudges were missed. Once you are satisfied and the card is 100% dry, immediately place it into a fresh penny sleeve/top loader.

Gem Card Care Pro-Tips:

Test on Bulk First: Always practice your technique on a low-value bulk card before working on your heavy hitters.

Keep Cloths Clean: A dirty microfiber cloth will do more harm than good. Wash your cloths regularly without fabric softener, or swap them out for new ones frequently.

Indents/Creases: Paper cards can soak in moister to pop out indents and make creases easier to work on. View our podcast or wiki for more detailed information on these advanced restoration techniques.