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Pokémon card repair and restoration

From Base Set holos to modern chase cards, Slabworks cleans and repairs Pokémon cards in Kingston, Ontario. Services include surface cleaning and targeted treatment for minor creases, dents, and lifted edges. We review your photos and provide a written treatment plan and quote before you ship. Mail-in service across Canada.

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Pokémon card damage we assess

We review the damage and recommend the appropriate cleaning or repair. Your treatment plan explains the expected results and any permanent wear.

  • Minor creases, dents, and binder bends
  • Lifted edges where the original material is intact
  • Light surface scuffs and holo scratches
  • Sticker or tape residue on an intact surface
  • Foil card curling and warping
  • Fingerprints and surface grime
  • Sleeve impressions and handling marks
  • Vintage card wear requiring individual assessment

Why restore your Pokémon cards?

  • Improve the presentation of sentimental Pokémon cards for a binder or display, where the condition allows.
  • Get an assessment before trying to clean or flatten a valuable vintage holo yourself.
  • Understand repair limits and grading considerations before deciding whether work is worthwhile.
  • Assess residue or surface grime on secondhand cards before attempting removal.
  • Keep a record of the work with before-and-after documentation and a written plan.

Our 5-step process

Start with a free photo assessment. Once you approve a plan, follow our Pokémon card shipping guide.

1Email photos

Send us clear photos of your Pokémon cards and describe any damage.

2Get a plan

We assess your cards and send a detailed restoration plan with the recommended tier and quote.

3Ship your cards

Mail your cards to us via Canada Post with tracking and insurance.

4Restoration

Each card goes through a careful, hands-on restoration process with before/after documentation.

5Return shipping

Your restored cards are shipped back securely with tracking.

Card restoration pricing

Two service tiers, depending on how much work your card needs.

Best for light prep

Pregrade Clean

$20 per card (CAD) + tax

Condition review and surface cleaning for cards that do not need physical repairs.

  • Pregrade review
  • Advanced microscope cleaning
  • Mold removal
  • Surface grime reduction
  • Edge fluff removal
  • Optional polish
Best for visible damage

Repairs

$155 per card (CAD) + tax

Targeted repairs for scratches, minor damage, and warping. Treatment is tailored to your card’s condition.

  • Includes everything in Pregrade Clean
  • Scratch reduction
  • Edge lift repairs
  • Minor crease repairs
  • Bend and dent repairs
  • Warp reduction
  • Premium return package with @PullShield

We recommend a service after reviewing your photos. All prices are in CAD, per card, plus tax.

Each card is assessed by condition first, then matched to the most appropriate tier and workflow.

Repairs is generally best suited to cards valued at $300+ or cards with sentimental value that justifies the cost.

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.

Risk notice: Slab cracking carries an inherent risk of card damage. We maintain professional handling standards, but damage can still occur during removal. By authorizing slab cracking, you acknowledge and accept this risk.

Card analysis add-on: +$10 CAD/card + tax

Centering, edge, and corner analysis with a grade estimate.

Grade estimates are opinions, not guarantees. Final grades and grading acceptance are determined solely by the grading company.

Pokémon restoration FAQ

How much does Pokémon card restoration cost?
Pregrade Clean costs $20 CAD per card; Repairs costs $155 CAD per card. Prices are plus tax. In-house slab cracking adds $25 CAD. Card analysis is an optional add-on at $10 CAD per card: Centering, edge, and corner analysis with a grade estimate. Grade estimates are opinions, not guarantees. Final grades and grading acceptance are determined solely by the grading company. Return shipping is billed at cost. The photo assessment is free; you approve the plan before work and pay after completion.
Can you restore vintage Pokémon cards like Base Set or 1st Edition?
We assess vintage Pokémon cards, including Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket, as well as modern cards. Suitability depends on the card stock, foil finish, and damage. Send front, back, and angled photos so we can explain what may improve and what is likely permanent.
Can you fix whitening, missing ink, or torn Pokémon cards?
We do not recolour whitening, replace missing ink or paper, rebuild corners, or trim cards. Cleaning cannot replace lost material. A lifted edge with intact material may be a candidate for assessment, but torn or heavily damaged cards may be unsuitable.
Can a creased or scratched Pokémon card look new again?
A like-new result is not guaranteed. Some minor creases, dents, and light surface scratches may become less visible, while deep creases and damage through the printed or foil layer can remain. We assess photos first and explain the likely limits before you approve a repair.
Will a restored Pokémon card receive a higher PSA grade?
There is no guarantee of a higher grade or grading acceptance. PSA lists some restoration and surface treatments under altered stock, which can prevent a numerical grade. Review the grading company’s current standards before approving work and tell us if you plan to submit the card.
How should I ship my Pokémon cards to Slabworks?
Email photos and approve your written plan before shipping. We then share intake details for our Kingston, Ontario mail-in service. Protect each card with a penny sleeve, top loader, cardboard, and padding in a suitable box or mailer. Use tracking and review insurance coverage for the declared card value.
Should I disclose restoration when selling a Pokémon card?
We recommend sharing the work performed and the before-and-after documentation with a buyer. Improved appearance does not mean a card is in its original condition. Keep the written plan with your collection records.

We also restore

Slabworks handles cards from all major trading card games.

Yu-Gi-Oh!
View service details
One Piece TCG
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Magic: The Gathering
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Dragon Ball
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Ready to restore your Pokémon cards?

Email us photos for a free assessment. No obligation, response within 24 hours.

Email photos for a free assessment

No customs. No duties. No currency exchange. Canada-wide shipping via Canada Post.

Instagram Before & AftersYouTube @SlabworksCardCare