Defects Caused by Improper Pressing

Since pressing has received greater visibility in the last few years, the need for education in the market is more important than ever. How an individual presses a book can significantly impact a grade, both positively and negatively. If improperly applied, a pressing technique may damage or even ruin a book. Thus, it is important for the community to understand CGC’s standards for grading books that reflect signs of improper pressing, to encourage methods that best protect the integrity of the book. CGC takes very seriously the impact pressing may have on an individual book, as well as on the hobby as a whole.

Some of the side effects of improper pressing include staining, warping, edge rippling, crushed spines, reverse spine-roll, flaring, cockling, pebbling, gloss stains and melted inks. Each month, this column will cover one particular defect caused by improper pressing.

WARPING
Warping is one of the most common side effects of improper pressing, and can be caused by a number of factors during the process. While it may not always be evident in a person’s hand, warping becomes obvious when the book is laid on a flat surface. The edges may curl up, or the book might exhibit waviness across the top or right edge of the cover. Most warping defects can be corrected by properly repressing the book.

Warping Caused By Improper Pressing Click images to enlarge.