Would cleaning help this DD #1? 0

[Aces88]

My 12-year-old self didn't think it was a bad idea to buy a DD #1 with tape on the spine.

Could this book benefit from some kind of tape removal and cleaning process? Or might it fall apart? The tape is mostly gone but obviously the stain remains. Not sure what's possible these days. Thanks!

[Aces88]

A quick follow-on question: Even if a clean or press would help this book, would it be worth it? There are clearly some flaws here that can't be fixed. Thanks!

[theCapraAegagrus]

The 12-year old you was right. Almost any DD#1 is a treasure. This looks very nice.

I'm wondering if a press would make it look much nicer? I wouldn't touch the tape.

[William-James88]

A press would definitely make the book nicer since it would get rid of a lot of wrinkles. Definitely worth it for a DD 1.

[Aces88]

Great info, guys. Thanks!

[KCOComics]

Agreed. Removing the tape would likely require some degree of restoration and it would never look perfect. I wouldn't touch it.  It won't improve the value in my opinion. 

 

Pressing will help. 

 

And yes,  your 12 year old self had good taste! Great book. 

 

[Keys_Collector]

Check out phantomrestoration on Instagram.  He does great work and will let you know what he can do with this book regarding the tape and getting it cleaned up for you.

[Sauce Dog]

Pressing would 100% help, even if it only gets out some of the wrinkles it would be a noticeable improvement.

Leave the tape as it is now; as removal of it would also require extra work to remove the stain it has left on the paper, and potentially need tears seals / leaf casting to close up the areas near the staples in order to keep the cover on.

[Motor City Rob]

I think humidity chamber and a press will really help. Don't bother with cleaning or tape removal. Book might be too fragile and probably wouldn't help the grade.