Recommended Pressing and Cleaning Supplies

Disclamer: This is a list of materials I personally use for pressing and cleaning. I am in no way claiming these are the best options or the only options out there, but merely providing information on what I have found to be most effective for me. Before actually using these materials, make sure you have an understanding of the basic concepts of pressing and dry cleaning comics and practice on throw away books first.

The below links will take you to product pages on either Ebay.com or Amazon.com where you can purchase the products for yourself.

Pressing:

Swing Away Press 12"x10"	Has everything you need to get started
Clam Shell Press 15"x15"	Higher end with more even heating + larger press if you plan on pressing large format books.
Aluminum Plates	Plates go on the bottom and top of what you are pressing for a more even/professional press (optional, but highly recommended)
65 lb cardstock	Cardstock to place inside the front cover and back cover to support spine
110 lb cardstock	Cardstock to place before and after marvel digital download codes to prevent leaving indentations
SRP	Silicone Release Paper. Placed between magazine boards and plates.
Magzine Size Boards	Should be placed in the center of every stapled book you press. Up against the staples, not under them. This basically acts as a spacer to prevent crushing the book/staples. Also placed on bottom and top as buffer for steel plates.
Sealing iron	Used for all touch up pressing. Should be used prior to full press. Make sure you get one that has an adjustable temp range and not just "high" and "low" settings.
Latex Gloves	No fingerprints on the comics!
Massage Ball	Use in conjunction with sealing iron to gently message out divets or indentations.
Handheld Steamer	Use only with distilled water. This is for spot steaming as an alternative to the humidity chamber.
Pressing/Cleaning Guide	A really good detailed guide on how to clean/press

Cleaning Supplies: 

Precision Eraser	Clean hard to get to spots
Cap Eraser	More precise than mars, less precise than precision.
Soft PVC Eraser	Soft eraser that works well but is more gentler on paper then most other erasers.
Absorene Pad	A must have for cleaning.
Magic Eraser Sheets	Great for use on white, non-modern comics. somewhat abrasive, so use sparingly.
Swiffer Dry Cloths	General use cloth. This is the first thing to try cleaning with
Dental Tools	Good for removing caked on dirt or embedded debris

Humidity Chamber: 

40 Quart Clear Bin	Main chamber. Does not have to be exactly 40qt, but should be close.
Distilled Water	Only use Distilled water for all humidity/steaming.
Cooling Rack	Rack to hold the comic in chamber.
Spacers	I use 4 inch PVC couplings to elevate the rack, but anything of similar size will do.
Window Screen	Screen serves to prevent water droplets from getting through to the comic.

Whitening (Advanced technique, use caution):

Hydrogen Peroxide	Standard 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Blue Light Bulb	Blue light enhances the chemical reaction of peroxide and speeds up the whitening process. The heat of the bulb also increases the effect. I personally use 2 bulbs at a time about 1 inch from the page for full book coverage.
Utility Clamp Light	To hang the light bulb above the book.
Make up Brush Set	Used for applying Peroxide to the book. You want an extremely soft brush.

 

Stacking Order -

This is the stacking order from top to bottom for how a comic should be placed in the press:

Top of Press

Steel Plate

Magazine Board

SRP

Comic Cover

65 Lb Cardstock

First half of book

Magazine Board

Pages up to Digital Download Code

110 Lb paper

Digital download code page

110 Lb paper

Rest of Comic

65 Lb paper

Comic cover

SRP

Magazine Board

Steel Plate

Press pad