HP Up Tutorial

Hydration Phase (HP) Up regulates moisture flow in and out of a card, keeping it on a stable, sustainable plane during restoration.

  What you'll need
  - HP Up spray
  - 2× acrylic plates
  - 2× EVA mats
  - Parchment paper
  - 4+ small clamps
  - Optional: thick blotter, heat press

  Procedure

  1. Lay down an acrylic plate and place an EVA mat on top.
  2. Spray the EVA mat evenly with HP Up — 5 passes on each side.
  3. Lay 2–3 sheets of parchment over the mat.
  4. Place the card paper-side down on the hydrated parchment.
  5. Cover with another sheet of parchment, then the second EVA mat, then the second acrylic plate.
  6. Clamp the stack with 4 or more small clamps spaced evenly around the card for uniform pressure.
  7. Leave for 5–6+ hours, then remove and work on the card.
  8. If indents remain from your restoration, rehydrate and repeat steps 1–7.

  Finishing

  Flatten the card as normal. Plate it for 3–5 days, replacing the parchments often. A thick blotter alongside the parchment speeds drying.

  Tip: A heat press accelerates the process — full guide at CardConservation.com.