Wet cleaning, Staple cleaning, tape removal, immacuwashing a Double-Signed X-men 4

Рет қаралды 2,527

Күн бұрын

In this book I clean an X-men 4 that was double signed by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby... yes that's right both "The Man" and "The King".
Pardon the background noises from my kids playing behind me. I don't get much time with them so I like to have them around when I am working, noise and all. I could have edited it to silence but I sort of like hearing them and it is, after all, my channel, lol.
I wet cleaned this book in my comic book washer with immacuclean, removed and electrocleaned the staples with a power supply and with my electrocleaning solution. (you can make your own or wait for me to share a recipe), I then removed the tape by softening it with a solvent (toluene and Triton X-100), then of course I reassembled and pressed the book. This is a risky operation and shouldn't try these techniques on anything you are not willing to damage accidentally. Lots of practice helps.
I will someday be selling the tape removal tool (which wasn't my idea, similar things have been around for decades. I just copied the design) and the comic book washing mashing (which was my idea).
I need to keep up the R&D to make them cheaper and more effective and that requires more time and money than one might suspect.
which would you rather see first? The comic book washing machine or the tape removal tool? Let me know!
see my products at immaculatecomics.com
items used in this video
1) Immacuclean. immaculatecomics.com/shop/imm...
2) chamfered pressing board immaculatecomics.com/shop/cha...
3) capable staple tool immaculatecomics.com/shop/cap...
4) Aluminum hot pressing board. immaculatecomics.com/shop/alu...
5) other stuff I cant think of now, lol.
Like and subscribe if you want. Don't if you don't like the video or are bored. It doesn't much matter to me, I love you guys either way!
The owner of this book gave me permission to show this cleaning process, it is not my book.
start 0:00
Intro 0:10
Washing 3:43
Tape Removal 5:35
Staples 21:32
Reassembly 222:17
Pressing 24:36
Outro 30:45

Пікірлер: 71

@buckfarmer5354 2 жыл бұрын

JUST WOW!!! “Oh shit” Your magnum opus my friend. This forum is the brotherhood of evil students. Btw my first staple removal did not go well. I detached by ripping a marvel handbook II ‘89. This work is incredibly fragile. So very cool. Thanks a million Rick. You really improved this rare relic.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Buck! This one was certainly a challenge, that’s for sure. I’m glad you recognize the enormity of the effort. It was a lot harder than it seems here in the video. Keep working with the staples. You will get a feel for it. It’s definitely graduate school level stuff and not for the faint of heart!

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I'm more happy than you know that you called this my magnum opus.....because I'm done cleaning comic books for money. This was the last paid book. I have about a dozen more I'm working on for free as special projects for friends and I will continue to do a few for video demonstrations and I am sure I will ruin dozens of books in experiments. But generally, I'm out. No more cleaning and pressing comics for money for me. I cleaned my 10,000th book in November of 2020 and it just no longer brings me the same joy it did formerly. I used to manifest a feeling of giddy excitement when I even saw a key comic book. Now.... well...now I never want to see a Hulk 181 or ASM 129 again. The community of comic book pressers and cleaners has mostly really good people in it, but it also has a few who are either stroking each others' egos in a circle online or venomously attacking one another while keeping "secret" methods that we all actually already know. I tend to stay out of the groups entirely, probably to my own detriment. I have always felt that my purpose is helping others realize their purpose and it's what I love about teaching. I also love inventing things and developing them into products and processes and that's what I love about my scientist jobs. I love working with my wife and kids to build something together, and that's what I love about immaculate comics. and of course, I love the comic fam as well (especially you, Buck!) My real joy is developing new ways to improve comics safely and teaching others to do it for themselves for fun and profit. Together I think we can bring another level of enjoyment to the hobby that sustains it far past the impending doom of print media. To breathe new life into it for new generations who many never actually read the books themselves, but use the comic books as a vehicle for their appreciation for a character or to show off their wealth Somebody needs to do lead that effort and after all, quis nisi nos?

@buckfarmer5354 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics Should auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot And days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For days of auld lang syne We twa hae run about the braes And pu'd the gowans fine But we've wander'd mony a weary fit Sin days of auld lang syne And we twa hae paidl'd I' the burn Frae morning sun 'til dine But seas between us braid hae roar'd Sin days of auld lang syne For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For days of auld lang syne And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp And surely I'll be mine And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne And there's a hand, my trusty fiere And gie's a hand o' thine And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught For auld lang syne For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne

@IllegalPriest 2 жыл бұрын

I feel this is a book that would be a good candidate for rice paper conservation to prevent further damage.

@Keyser-s0ze361 2 жыл бұрын

Bad azz video!! The more detail the better!! Thank you for all that you do for the comic fam.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!!

@Keyser-s0ze361 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics what is the devices/gadget you use to remove the tap?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Its literally just a wood burner that I welded a dulled razor blade onto. or rather I asked a friend to do it

@jerrythejitterbugcomicbook4098 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome results. Enjoyed the process as well as the scenery. Enjoy!

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jerry!

@williamshackelford6095 2 жыл бұрын

Rick everything you do is amazing. Even when you make a mistake it's a lesson. Just amazing. Thank you

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I appreciate that!

@KevinFlores Жыл бұрын

A fantastic book and an incredibly insightful reference video demonstrating your expertise! Thanks for sharing.

@ImmaculateComics Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words, Mr. Flores!

@mikebeal2425 2 жыл бұрын

Rick, while I am new to your channel, allow me first and foremost to compliment you sir. You are quite literally and ARTEEST in the truest sense of the word. ABSOLUTELY ENGROSSING to watch as you address and surgically maneuver your Comic Book canvas. WONDERFUL WORK sir!!!!! A fan and subscriber, Mike Beal

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for those kind words. I am flattered and more than happy to welcome you about the channel! -Rick

@jacobbornowsky4013 2 жыл бұрын

👋 thanks so much for showing

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

You are quite welcome Jacob!

@teflonron835 2 жыл бұрын

That book looks much improved 👍

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ron!

@raulmendieta9696 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your techniques. They encourage me to try new things. Shaky hands and all. lol 👍

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I am glad to hear it. It can be pretty intense to clean these expensive and irreplaceable books. I enjoy it but its is not for the faint of heart!

@michaelmayrend313 2 жыл бұрын

You can hear that newsprint paper crinkle. Thank you for showing much of the process in real time. Hopefully you were not burned too bad. I would agree that if the tape does not really impact value on the inside pages then that feels like it should be an activity of last resort. How about putting baby powder on the leftover tape adhesive initially, just so there was no chance of sticking to anything. And very cool to see the staple tool in action. Great idea. Kollecting Chaos has his tool for lining up staple holes. Breathe. ; ) Thank you for sharing your methods and thoughts. The background family noises also made me smile - hey, he has a real life away from comics.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Baby powder is a good idea! I went with toluene to remove it but more seemed to keep Coming out of the paper so I left silicone sheets between the pages when I was done, just in case. I decided not to remove all of the family sounds because my Goal is to demonstrate how I do this for those that want to try. I need to make the tape removal tool next!

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

also yeah the paper was so brittle I thought it may crack. I steamed it first, which helped a lot. The cover was also quite brittle and I was worried it would crack a piece off, or split entirely but amazingly after washing in my comic book washer it was quite supple and flexible. I am not sure why. I can't imagine what happened to restore flexibility but I have seen it a few times now after washing. I'll have to give that some thought.

@michaelmayrend313 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics I think you will make more as a guest speaker at comic clubs, comic conventions, and ephemera collectors conventions than making some products. A hair dryer and a plastic or wood clay forming tool, work just a well with a lower chance of burning your fingers.

@michaelmayrend313 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics Think about the process of handmade paper. Really tear up waste paper back to pulp, float it in water, then run a screen through the tub to catch pulp. Let the water drain through the pulp and screen, flip the pulp paper off the screen and allow some drying between the cooch sheets before pressing. The water bath recharges the paper fiber bonds and allows the fibers to micro re-weave while draining and air drying. I am pretty sure your washing and air drying is doing the same, allowing some of the paper flexibility and strengthen to return.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

That’s probably it!

@AlfredGoldberg 2 жыл бұрын

OMG I saw your hand moving toward the iron and it was like watching a horror movie where you know what’s about to happen. I yelled “Stop” at the TV and now my wife thinks I’m crazy.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

that's hilarious. I wish I could have had your warning. It blistered up and eventually started bleeding. It was very painful and distracting but I knew I had to focus on the job and plow through my work!

@randolphbaijnauth2499 2 жыл бұрын

Just wow.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Randolph!

@florianneumann9441 2 жыл бұрын

oh wow... what a great result with that wet-cleaning and tape removal... have to get back to practicing that, the remaining adhesive and lots of tiny work on that - combined with me ruining some 'the maxx' covers demoralized me a lot few months back ^^

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

It’s a roller coaster ride for sure !

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

the adhesive comes off a little at a time with toluene and triton x-100 surfactant. but its not quick and every time I think I got it all, more comes out in the following days.

@zandelscomicsandcards7543 2 жыл бұрын

You’re a much braver man than I. Hehe

@technicallytaqi616 2 жыл бұрын

Rick, the video was perfect. You have a library where a person can do a deep dive on a particular area. My question for this video is, the pressing stack looked way different that what I am used to (ex. No chafed board, silicone instead of a backing board or paper). I would love to see an art of the stack video, about what you consider before a press and what might you use. Thanks for taking us in this Journey, Scotland looks beautiful.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

You are right the stack was very different this time. That spine was very fragile so I modified my stack, temp, and pressure to accommodate it. Good observation !

@danfoley2442 2 жыл бұрын

A really impressive upgrade, Rick! Pretty nerve racking watching you do the tape removal. What blend of toluene and X-100 do you recommend for the adhesive removal?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I believe it was 0.1% by mass of the triton X-100 in toluene, but I think I did add a little bit of hexane to it as well.

@adamspector274 Жыл бұрын

I agree, it looked nerve racking. Personally, I seal my comics in a comic bag removing as much air as possible. I then stick it in the Freezer over night. The tape becomes brittle and falls off. No need for chemicals or tools at all.

@oldmankaens 2 жыл бұрын

What a book! An incredible job removing 50 year old tape, that's crazy. Hope you didn't burn your hand too bad. What I cannot figure, why was that tape in the first place? Doesn't look like it was holding spine or a tear together. Also, don't worry about TOO much video, we can always skip and you put the chapters in so better to have too much and hopefully less editing for you!

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lee, I echo your sentiments. I get some heart-stopping books in my care from time to time. I am always a student of cleaning comics and I am always learning from them and each book has something new to teach me, I appreciate your patience with the video. I am forced to capture time when I can get it and I don't have the luxury of a quiet studio or lots of editing time! Rick

@cjdesign5700 2 жыл бұрын

Damn! Excellent. Will hte staple cleaning come back conserved or restored?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not “coming back “ this book will not be graded. Once I’ve had a claims that my staples were replaced in pre grading when they weren’t. In that particular case I share a 40 minute video of the cleaning process with the owner of the book. I’m not sure what ultimately happened as I wasn’t updated.

@starchild6347 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic work…. You in Scotland? What part? (Nosey me!) Inverness?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Wow good eye! I indeed was in Inverness, but also Stonehaven, and Aberdeen for some of it. I've been here nearly three weeks now and I have been to almost every corner of Scotland except the southwest past Glasgow.

@RoTelnCheese 2 жыл бұрын

I’m amazed at your work. I’m curious to know if cgc graded this, would they know it was restored? Many thanks

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I get this question several times per day, the book would receive a blue label from CGC!

@RoTelnCheese 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics that’s truly amazing. I assume you’re leaving no signs of enlarged stitch holes, as that is usually an indicator that the book has been taken apart. As well as pages being misaligned when put back together.

@zandelscomicsandcards7543 2 жыл бұрын

Is there any way to remove pen ink from a comic without damaging the comic? I just purchased a Superman #100 that’s complete but it has ink all over the front cover. Not thick ink. Just a lot of it. Like he drew glasses on Superman and drew some other stuff. Is there some way to remove that without damaging the comic even worse?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

It’s not impossible but not easy and definitely not without risk. I do have some videos demonstrating it

@grailcollector713 2 жыл бұрын

Where do you get the staple tool ?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

I made it! I sell them on my website too. immaculatecomics.com

@archangel0891 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome job there Rick! My arse would have collapsed attempting the tape removal nevermind on a Lee/Kirby signed Xmen book. Did that book go to CBCS for signature authentication as CGC woulda green labelled it right? Do you submit to CBCS too? All best bud 👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Stephen! Its definitely not for the faint of heart. I tend to get very zen centered when doing this level of work on that valuable of a book. Its takes huge coconut balls for sure. I do not submit books any longer. All I can say about this book is that the owner is very very knowledgeable about Kirby and Lee signatures.

@archangel0891 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics are you still accepting cleaning and pressing submissions even though your not submitting to CGC? Ive for a Marvel Spotlight #2 signed by Mike Ploog that needs a Jedi masters touch!

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

@@archangel0891 I dont do any work for money any longer. taking money for it has sucked all the joy I have for the hobby our of it. However I will consider doing a book for you for free if I feel it is within my power to do it! email me and send pics.

@toasty-toast 2 жыл бұрын

I thought tape does not impact grades? Love the background scenery where you are filming btw!

@florianneumann9441 2 жыл бұрын

Depends... not above a certain grade ( think 5(?) - when it's used for preservation, otherwise it just counts as a major flaw... at cgc that is... don't know about cbcs). As it has this insane double signature, my guess is 'the customer' may wants to send it into CBCS to have the signatures authenticated and the book slapped in a signature series... so maybe he isn't sure either if this lessens the value or may lead to a restored slap

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the friendly words about the scenery, you are always very kind! It doesn't matter either way about the tape. The customer wanted it removed so that's what happened and he was aware that it may not bump the grade. He wanted "no cellulose or acetate on the book". I distance my thinking from grading and valuation of books and you will rarely hear me talk about it in my videos. Obviously, It is a concern for most people so it must be addressed within the community. But I like to learn and practice all methods and to teach others. That's my goal. Grades will be mentioned from time to time but that's not a focus, which irritates some viewers. I love the books, not the grades, I want them pure, presentable, readable, and preserved. So you may get a different focus from me than on some other channels. It is a deficiency in my character if I want to make money, but if I wanted to focus on making money I would keep all of this a secret and just clean and sell my own books for profit.

@michaelmayrend313 2 жыл бұрын

@@ImmaculateComics I think you will be richer (monetary and experience wise) by ways you cannot imagine yet because you freely shared your knowledge and passion for comic books.

@johnusera2099 2 жыл бұрын

WOW ! The book is now beautiful. Are you on Instagram ? I have a great presser but to do what you did is on a another level.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

@@michaelmayrend313 thanks Michael!

@bruh_hahaha 2 жыл бұрын

can I send you my books to work on?

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry, but I don't do that anymore.

@mauricedevereaux6573 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video Rick, but I jumped with fright when you burned yourself! Eek! Will you ever be selling that tape remover tool you used in your store? Cheers!...:)

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah if I ever get a length of time at home I will figure out a way to products them at scale and sell them!. The design wasn’t my idea, so I want to make sure I am not violating at patent laws if I sell it, too.

@ImmaculateComics 2 жыл бұрын

yeah the shaft of that tool is much hotter than the tip so it was a pretty bad blister later. I had to work through the ouchies to get all the tape off because I had softened it and it would only be more difficult later if I let it dry. The first thing I did was make sure I didn't accidentally damage the book when I jerked my hand away!