Trading card restoration and repair for Canadian collectors
From Pokemon and One Piece to Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic, Dragon Ball, and more, we review cards from photos, recommend work only when it makes sense, and carry out careful restoration aimed at stronger presentation for grading or display.
Not sure if your card is worth restoring?
Use the quiz wizard to screen the damage, check whether the card meets the usual value threshold, and see if pregrade clean or advanced repair is the better fit.
Why collectors trust Slabworks
The process is built for careful submissions, clear communication, and conservative results.
- Honest recommendationsNot every card is a good candidate. If the likely improvement, risk, or card value does not justify the work, we will tell you.
- Canada-only logisticsYour cards stay in Canada with tracked, insured shipping options through Canada Post and no border complications.
- Clear approval before workYou get a written plan, quote, and turnaround estimate before you ship or approve anything.
- No payment upfrontAssessment is free, approval is optional, and payment is only due after the work is completed.
- Collector-focused outcomesThe goal is visible presentation improvement for grading or display while protecting the card's value and stability.
- Conservative, ethical methodsWe focus on careful cleaning, damage reduction, and finishing, not alterations that could compromise authenticity or create grading risk.
If a card would require alteration instead of ethical restoration, we will recommend against proceeding.
- Missing paper/ink filling
- Recoloring or ink restoration
- Major corner rebuilding
- Structural alterations
- Alterations that change authenticity
How it works
Simple, documented, and easy to approve or decline.
Email front, back, and close-up photos, along with your goals. We will review the card, flag obvious risks, and tell you if it is worth discussing further.
You get an honest recommendation, a written plan, and a clear next step. If the card is not a good fit, we will say so.
If you want to move forward, we send packing and shipping instructions. Tracked, insured shipping is recommended, and everything stays within Canada.
Approved work is carried out using conservative methods, with before-and-after documentation provided at completion.
Once the work is done, payment is collected and your cards are returned with tracking. Typical turnaround is 2–3 weeks from intake confirmation, depending on workload.
Card restoration pricing
Two service tiers, depending on how much work the card needs.
Pregrade + Advanced Microscope Cleaning
Focused prep for cards that need a careful pregrade review, advanced cleaning, and a final polish before they head back out.
- Pregrade review
- Advanced microscope cleaning
- Polish
- Basic return packaging
Complete Repair
Full restoration for higher-value cards or cards with deeper condition issues that need more hands-on correction.
- Wipe down
- Microscope clean
- Scratch reduction
- Damage repair
- Warping fix
- Polishing
- Premium return package with @PullShield
Choose the tier that fits the card. We assess every submission individually and recommend the level of work that makes sense before anything moves forward.
Each card is assessed by condition first, then matched to the most appropriate tier and workflow.
Complete Repair is best suited for cards valued at $300+ or where grading potential and presentation improvement justify deeper restoration work.
No payment upfront. You approve the plan first, and payment is due after the work is completed.
Add $25 for in-house slab cracking on graded cards. Return shipping is billed at cost.
DIY vs professional restoration
Simple care is fine at home, but restoration can get risky fast. Here's how to decide when it is time to hire a pro.
- Light dust or fingerprints
- Basic storage upgrades
- Safe sleeves and top loaders
- Routine collection maintenance
- You see residue, dents, or creases
- Surface scuffs or edge wear stand out
- The card is high value or sentimental
- You plan to grade and want prep done safely
See game-specific restoration pages for common issues, FAQs, and examples of the cards we work on.
Collector feedback
The comments below are consistent for a reason: clear communication, honest quotes, and visible results.
"I stumbled upon Slabworks by accident, but I'm so glad I did. I was a bit nervous at first about sending in my cards, but Chris made me feel comfortable and at ease. He walked me through everything, and we agreed on what was to be done to my cards and the price. My expectations were exceeded; my cards look amazing! Thank you so much, and I can't wait to do business again!"
"Man you have been amazing in communication, pricing, all aspects of this transaction. I will be using you for all my card needs going forward and will pass along your name with high praise."
"As a tcg shop owner, Slabworks has been a huge boon. They've been instrumental in prepping cards for grading and restoring damage from some of our vintage singles. 10/10 will continue to send my damaged cards to Slabworks!"
Trading card restoration FAQ
Common questions about sending in damaged trading cards for restoration or repair in Canada.
Do you accept cards from outside Canada? ∨
No, we only work with Canadian clients at this time. This lets us offer fast, affordable shipping via Canada Post with no customs, duties, or currency exchange fees.
Do you offer trading card repair in Canada? ∨
Yes. Most people searching for trading card repair are looking for crease reduction, dent work, residue cleanup, edge cleanup, or surface cleaning. We work on Pokemon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Riftbound, Magic, Dragon Ball, and other trading cards using conservative methods focused on presentation and stability, and we will tell you if a card is too risky or not worth repairing.
What kinds of cards do you work on? ∨
We work on Pokemon, One Piece, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Riftbound, Magic, Dragon Ball, and other trading cards when the card and damage are a good fit for our process.
Do you work on sports cards? ∨
No. We do not work on sports cards. Slabworks is focused on non-sports trading card games and collector cards.
What if my card is too damaged? ∨
We'll tell you upfront. If a card has severe stock separation, mold risk, or heavy water damage, we'll recommend against restoration or repair.
Will this improve my card's grade? ∨
Maybe, but we don't guarantee it. We focus on conservative improvement and stability, not chasing grades. Our work prepares cards for grading while preserving their value.
What if my cards get lost in shipping? ∨
We recommend tracked, insured shipping both ways. We will share the exact shipping instructions and can help you choose the right coverage for valuable cards.
How do I know you are legitimate? ∨
We are a Canadian, collector-run business with verified reviews and before/after documentation. We provide a written plan, clear pricing, and documented intake for every submission.
Will restoration damage my card? ∨
We use conservative, ethical methods and we explain any risks before you ship or approve a plan. If a card is too risky, we will recommend against restoration.
What if I don't approve the plan? ∨
Nothing at all. No hard feelings. If you don't want to move forward after seeing the plan, we'll simply shake hands and walk away.