Kai Card Cleaning & Detailing
Kai's Workbench Status
- New entries: Opened for waiting list
- Current waiting time: ± 3 weeks
- Projects under consideration: 7
- Updated: 22-07-2026
Services & Rates
Card cleaning
€20 per card
Professional cleaning aimed at removing dirt, attack, fingerprints and other superficial pollution.
Card Cleaning + Corner & Edge Lift Treatment
€25 per card
For cards with raised corners, light edge lift or other small structural imperfections.
Full Service
€30 per card
The most comprehensive treatment for collectors who want to get the most out of their cards.
High-end Service
€50 per card
For cards with a rough market value of €500 or higher. High-end cards not only spend extra time on inspection, handling and documentation, but also take into account the potential impact of treatment on the presentation, collection value and merchantability of the card. Small improvements can make a significant difference to collectors in this type of card.
Treatments, Recovery & Grading Risk
| Damage / Imperfection | Improved? | Full recovery? | Grading risk | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirt and attack | . Common | . Common | . Low | Surface pollution is usually easily removed. |
| Fingerprints | . Common | . Common | . Low | Depending on the severity and how long they are present. |
| Surface scratches | . Regular | Uncommon | . Average | Can often be reduced, but not always completely disappear. |
| Deep scratches | Limited | ❌ No | . Average | Stay mostly visible, even after treatment. |
| Holo scratches | Uncommon | ❌ Rare | . Average | Strongly dependent on depth and location. |
| Edge Lift | . Common | . Common | . Average | In many cases successful treatment. |
| Raising corners | . Common | . Common | . Average | Result depending on the severity of the damage. |
| Dents | Uncommon | Uncommon | . Average | Some dents respond well to treatment, others barely. |
| Creases | Limited | ❌ No | . Increased | A increase can become less visible, but does not disappear completely. |
| Whitening | ❌ No | ❌ No | . Very high* | Cannot be repaired without adding material. |
| Material loss | ❌ No | ❌ No | . Very high* | Missing paper or ink cannot be returned without restoration. |
Important nuance
The high grading risks in whitening, material loss and ink damage apply only to persons who try to hide these damage by adding dyes, paints, paper, ink or other materials. I'm not doing this job.
For & Na
How does it work?
- Step 1: Contact us via Discord (Kaicardcleaning) or one of the contact options on this page.
- Step 2: Send clear photos of the card you want treated.
- Step 3: You will receive an assessment of the possibilities and a quotation.
- Step 4: Send the cards safely and well protected.
- Step 5: The cards are handled according to the chosen service.
- Step 6: You will receive pre and post photos of the result.
- Step 7: The cards are carefully packed and sent back.
Important to know
- Results vary per card and can never be guaranteed.
- Not all scratches, dents, increases or other damage can be completely removed.
- Treatment takes place at the risk of the owner.
- Shipping risk lies with the sender.
- It is highly recommended to send valuable cards insured.
- Some graders may assess treated cards as "Altered.".
- Grading results can never be guaranteed.
- The risks and expectations are always discussed in advance.
Why choose Kai's Card Cleaning & Detailing?
Every card tells a story. Whether it is a popular collection, a nostalgic favourite or a high-end investment, every treatment is carried out with respect for the card and attention to detail.
Transparency, care and communication are central. You know in advance what is possible, receive clear updates during the process and always receive honest advice on the feasibility of a treatment.
Why Kai?
My name is Kai and I have been active within the Pokémon TCG community for years as a collector and a fan. Favorite Pokemon is Feraligatr!
What started as a way to maintain maps from my own collection as well as possible, slowly grew into something much larger. While working on my own cards, I began to develop more and more techniques to carefully clean, treat, and bring them to justice.
Over time, community members also asked me to look at their maps. What began as helping a few co-collectors, grew into more and more requests. The positive reactions, beautiful results and satisfied customers gave me the confidence to build this passion further.
That is why I have decided to tackle my services more professionally and make them available to a wider audience.
What I love most about this job is that every card has a story. Sometimes it's a nostalgic collection piece from someone's childhood, sometimes it's a favorite Pokémon, and sometimes it's a high-end map someone's been looking for for for years. It gives me great satisfaction to have a card come out as well as possible and to make collectors happy with the result.
Transparency, realistic expectations and respect for the original product are always central. I'll always be honest with you about what's possible and what's not possible, so you know exactly where you're going before treatment starts.
What once began as a hobby for my own collection, has now become a service that I am working on with great pleasure and pride.
FAQ (Q&A)
What is card cleaning and detailing?
Card cleaning and detailing is the professional cleaning and treatment of collecting cards to reduce dirt, pollution and certain traces of use. The goal is to improve the presentation of the card while retaining the original card.
Does this increase the grade of my card?
You can, but this can never be guaranteed. Each card is unique and grading companies assess cards on many different factors. My services aim to improve the presentation and condition of the card where possible.
Can a increase be completely removed?
No. A increase is a physical damage to the cardboard and cannot be completely removed. In some cases, the visibility of a increase may be reduced, but complete removal is not possible.
Can scratches be removed?
Some superficial scratches can be significantly reduced. Deeper scratches can often not be completely removed. In advance, I always give a fair assessment of what is realistic.
Can dents be removed?
That depends on the nature and depth of the damage. Some dents may be reduced or treated while others remain permanently present.
Can you remove whitening?
No.
Whitening arises because the card's top ink and/or paper layer is damaged or disappeared. If material is missing, it cannot be brought back to the original state in a legitimate way.
Some restaurateurs claim to be able to remove whitening completely by adding dyes, paints or other materials to the edges of a map. This is considered by many collectors and grading companies to be restoration or alteration.
My goal is not to mask damage or add material, but to present maps as well as possible within the limits of what is considered responsible and ethical. That's why I work as much as possible within the standards that collectors associate with PSA. When whitening is present, I will always honestly state that this cannot be completely removed without changing the card.
Is card cleaning the same as restoration?
No.
My services focus on cleaning, improving the presentation and treating certain superficial imperfections. I do not add dyes, paint, paper, ink or other materials to cards to hide damage.
Restoration techniques where material is added to mask whitening, damaged edges or missing parts are considered as alteration or restoration by many collectors and grading companies.
My goal is precisely to present maps as well as possible without artificially changing the original features of the card. That's why I try to work as much as possible within the standards that collectors associate with PSA and other major grading companies.
Is the treatment safe for my card?
Each card is treated with utmost care. However, each treatment carries a risk. Therefore, cards are treated only at the risk of the owner.
Can treated cards still be graduated?
Yes, treated cards can still be sent to grading companies. However, it is important to know that some grading companies may consider certain treatments as "Altered." This risk always lies with the card owner.
Do you work within PSA's guidelines?
I try to perform treatments within the limits of what is generally considered to be responsible maintenance and preservation of a card. My goal is to improve the presentation of a card without adding material or artificially hiding damage. Ultimately, the grading company remains responsible for the assessment of a card.
Do you work on maps of other TCGs?
Yes. Besides Pokémon cards, cards from other Trading Card Games can also be handled, such as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece, Lorcana and other collection card games.
What happens if my card has more damage than expected?
During the inspection, I will contact you when details are discovered. A treatment outside the agreed work will never be carried out without consultation.
Can we call ahead to discuss my cards?
Yes.
Although many questions can easily be answered via Discord or messages, I understand that some cards or entries deserve extra attention. Especially with high-end cards, larger entries or cards with complex damage, a personal conversation can be pleasant.
On request, a telephone appointment or Discord call can therefore be scheduled to discuss the maps, expectations, risks and possibilities in detail.
During this conversation we can look at:
- The current state of the map
- Which treatment is most appropriate
- Realistic expectations of the result
- Possible grading risks
- Shipping and insurance options
- Expected lead time
I think it is important that customers are well informed before sending their cards. Transparency and fair expectations are always central to this.
How long does a treatment take?
This depends on the number of cards and the necessary work. On average, cards are treated within a few working days after they have been received.
Do I get photos before and after?
Full Service and High-End Service provide pre- and post-photos as standard. Other treatments can be made on request.
How do I send my cards?
Always use sleeves and strong protection such as semi-riguide or toploaders. For valuable cards is insured sending highly recommended.
Can I deliver and collect my cards personally?
In most cases I only work via shipping and my mailbox address.
I do this to ensure both my own privacy and the security of my customers' cards. It is not desirable to disclose my address or to use it as a permanent delivery point.
In exceptional cases personal transfer is possible. This is done only by appointment and at your own discretion. Depending on the situation, we can meet at a public location in my area or during a fair or event where I am present.
However, for most customers mailing via the mailbox remains the safest, most practical and most professional method.
What if my card is worth over $500?
For cards with a rough market value of €500 or higher, the High-End Service rate applies. These cards receive extra attention, more extensive documentation and more individual treatment.
Why does a treatment cost €30 for one card?
A treatment consists of more than just cleaning a card. For each card time is spent on inspection, documentation, communication, preparation, treatment and quality control.
In addition, specialised materials and techniques are used that have been developed with the preservation of the map as a starting point. The price therefore reflects not only the treatment time, but also the expertise, care and responsibility that come with each card.
Do I get a discount on multiple cards?
For larger entries, customization can be possible. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities.
Can you turn a PSA 6 into a PSA 10?
No.
My service is not a panacea and cannot remove any missing material, heavy wear, deep damage or structural damage. When a card has whitening, heavy increases, material loss or other permanent damage, these factors continue to affect the assessment of the card.
The purpose of card cleaning and detailing is to present a card as well as possible within the existing state of the card. In some cases superficial pollution, slight scratches or certain imperfections may be reduced, but it is important to keep realistic expectations.
Fair communication comes first. Therefore, I will always indicate in advance what is expected to be feasible and what is not.
Why would I have my cards handled?
Many maps contain contamination, attack, fingerprints or other superficial imperfections that derive from the presentation. Professional treatment can make a card look more visible, which can be attractive to collectors and potential buyers. Although results can never be guaranteed, proper treatment can contribute to a better presentation, merchantability and general appearance of a card.
Application
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