Pokémon Card Restoration

Restoration is not about making a card look new. It is about returning it to its most honest, most presentable condition — with full transparency about what has been improved and what remains. At The Mint Workshop, we approach every card as a collector would: with patience, precision, and respect for the original.

Our Pokémon card restoration service is designed for collectors, investors, and PSA/BGS submitters who want professional-grade results without guesswork.

What Is Card Restoration?

Card restoration is the careful, methodical process of addressing physical wear, surface damage, and structural imperfections on a trading card. It is distinct from card alteration — restoration works within the card's existing condition to improve presentation, not to deceive or misrepresent.

Every restoration at The Mint Workshop is documented from intake to completion, giving you a clear record of what was assessed and what was treated.

What We Can Address

• Surface scratches and scuffs — Holo and non-holo surface marks treated through controlled surface correction.
• Crease and bend reduction — Light to moderate structural deformation addressed through humidity and pressure techniques. Every crease leaves a scar, and graders will almost always see it.
• Edge lifts — Lifted or separating edges can often be improved. Whitening is different: it’s paper and ink loss, and we can’t fix it — we don’t add ink.
• Residue and debris removal — Fingerprints, adhesive residue, and surface contaminants carefully removed.
• Soft corners — A corner softened by a slight bend can often be improved, as long as it isn’t torn. Corners with chipping or missing paper can’t be rebuilt.

Transparency note: Severe damage or deep structural creases may have limited or no restoration potential. We can’t fix whitening (it’s paper and ink loss, and we don’t add ink), chipping or missing paper, water stains, ink or marker, or factory miscuts, and we don’t rebuild cards. We will always tell you what is and is not achievable before work begins.

Before & After

Every card we restore is photographed at intake and upon completion under consistent, controlled lighting. Your submission tracker shows your card’s photos — so you have a record for your own reference or grading submission.

See real customer cards from our bench on Our Work.

Our Process

1. Submission & Intake — You submit your card via our submission form. Upon receipt, we photograph and assess the card under magnification.
2. Condition Report — We document all existing damage and outline the restoration plan before any work begins.
3. Restoration — Precision work is performed in a controlled environment. Each technique is selected specifically for your card's damage profile.
4. Final Review — Post-restoration photography is compared against intake images. The card is evaluated against grading presentation standards.
5. Return — Your card ships back to you, with return shipping insured by The Mint Workshop. Your submission tracker shows its photos and where your order is.

Turnaround Time

Standard turnaround is 24–30 business days from when your cards arrive and are checked in. Need it sooner? Expedited service is $49.99 per card with a 5–7 business day turnaround (not available for creased cards). Complex restorations may require additional time — we will communicate any changes to your timeline proactively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is restoration the same as card alteration?

No. Restoration addresses natural wear and surface imperfections within the card's existing condition. Alteration involves adding or removing material to misrepresent a card's grade. We use non-destructive methods only — no trimming, no ink, no recoloring, no varnish. Grading outcomes are not guaranteed, and we make no promise about whether a grading company will detect or note restoration work.

Will restoration guarantee a higher grade?

No. Grading outcomes are determined solely by the grading company. Restoration can improve a card's visual presentation, but we make no grade guarantees. Our job is to give your card its best honest presentation.

What types of cards do you restore?

We specialize in Pokémon cards across all eras — from 1st Edition Base Set through modern Scarlet & Violet releases — as well as other TCG titles. High-value cards and PSA/BGS submission candidates are our primary focus.

How do I get started?

Start your submission on our submission form: name each card and enter its declared value, which sets its price tier. Then use our prepaid FedEx label or ship on your own with tracking — our packing guide shows how to pack.

Start Your Restoration

Museum-quality care. Collector-trusted results. Submit your card today and let The Mint Workshop restore it to its finest presentation.

→ Start Your Submission