Should you double sleeve your trading cards?
Trading cards have become more than just a hobby for many enthusiasts; cards hold value and are more collected than ever. Whether you're into sports cards, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, or any other trading card game, protecting your cards is crucial. One of the most common questions amongst card collectors is whether to double sleeve their trading cards. Here, we'll discuss whether it's worth it, and under what circumstances.
What is double sleeving?
At its core, double sleeving is using two sleeves to protect a card instead of one. Generally speaking, this would be with a "perfect fit" sleeve (a slimmer polypropylene sleeve that hugs a card tight) and either a standard "penny sleeve" (a regular polypropylene sleeve) or a "deck sleeve" (also sometimes called a "matte sleeve" - a more durable sleeve with a hard back). In this article, we'll be focusing on using a deck sleeve.
In order to double sleeve a card, first place it inside of a perfect fit sleeve. Once your card is inside the perfect fit sleeve, simply place it inside of a deck sleeve.
Pros of double sleeving
1. Enhanced Protection
Double sleeving adds a second protective layer to your card. This added layer acts as an additional barrier against dust, moisture, and other potential hazards.
2. Prevent Edge Wear
Double sleeving adds an extra layer of cushioning around the edges of your cards, helping to prevent against edge wear and chipping - some of the most common damage on cards, especially for TCG players.
3. Bend & Curl Resistance
When using tougher deck sleeves, the harder backing of the sleeve alongside the perfect fit sleeve help to combat issues with repeated bending, or curling of holographic cards caused by humidity & temperature.
Cons of double sleeving
1. Increased Bulk
A double sleeved card will be at least double the thickness - and weight - of a standard trading card. This is easily noticeable, and may impact the ease of storage or transportation for your decks and collections.
2. Added Cost
Quality inner and outer sleeves can be a lot more expensive than standard penny sleeves. If you have a large collection, the cost of double sleeving every card can add up quickly. If you're looking for cheaper options, Heirloom offers very affordable matte deck sleeves.
3. Time-Consuming Process
Double sleeving requires additional time and effort compared to single sleeving. If you have a large collection or frequently update your deck, the extra steps involved in double sleeving may be a deterrent.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to double sleeve your trading cards depends on your priorities as a collector or player. If protection is paramount and you're willing to invest in the extra cost and effort, double sleeving is highly recommended. On the other hand, if you prioritise convenience or shift your deck around, single sleeving might be more suitable. With that being said, for any heavy TCG player we'd recommend double sleeving - there's a reason why all the pros do!
Whichever option you choose, remember that maintaining the condition of your trading cards is essential for preserving their value and enjoyment over time.