Hi everyone. I am aware there is a topic on this issue from a few years ago (Dec 2016 I think), but I just wanted to check if anyone has tried anything since.
I recently acquired a few theme decks that ended up being shadowless, but with residue (pics below). I have heard different discussions on how to remove the residue (windex, various oils, rubbing alcohols, someone even suggested WD-40 to me). Anyone had any luck since the last topic?
Iâd imagine most people are worried about further damaging the card.
If you have any similar era âdisposableâ bulk to hand, I would just trial and error on those first to see what impact each method has on the card. If looking to grade, Iâd avoid any interference completely and just accept the cardâs condition as-is.
I tried to clean a ninetales off using only water. It did not work and caused a large âscratchâ where the adhesive dragged the ink.
The card would have looked better without any attempt of cleaning!
It could be possible that there is a solution that would only affect the 25 year old adhesive but it is still risky
Leave it as is. The residue tells a story of how WOTC thought these decks were meant to be opened in 1999/2000 and not kept sealed.
I am guessing the last thing on their mind for packaging was making sure it was safe for stoarge years down the road.
Not much you can do. I took a mildly damp cloth with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol and was able to clean it off a bit so it wasnât as sticky, but youâll never get rid of it all cleanly. Cards like these are good playing or binder copies. I would not recommend WD-40, itâs really just throw away motor oil and might cause even more damage.
100%. You own a piece of history in the hobby. Most vintage collectors will immediately recognize that card for what it is. If you want the card without the residue buy one already graded in the grade of your choice (or mint raw card depending on what youâre collecting).
Yeah. I checked it out and the residue has definitely affected the card structure in some places, such that even if I removed it it would leave small burn spots. I did try a few solvents on the Hitmonchan but it ended up just taking down some of the paint and having it look slightly worse.
My OCD self just wants sees residue and wants to clean it lol, but thatâs a pretty interesting take too. It certainly is a unique marker that otherwise wouldnât happen. Tells a story.
I am kinda curious, is it 100% that the shadowless theme decks have this residue or does it depend on the edition of the box? At least, all 3 of mine did.
Oh I feel ya on the OCD thing. Haha. Personally Iâd look at this as a cool addition to the collection, keep it as is and just buy another mint copy or a graded copy to go with it 
Yep Iâm going to do that, will put them somewhere nice. Residue or otherwise, I was pretty happy to open them and find the old rulebooks and damage counters etc. Nice nostalgia trip. I could never afford those decks when I was a kid. It wouldâve been a lot of money to even ask my parents for one, I probably wouldâve been slapped for asking for the set of 4 lol. Itâs way more to get them now, but it was a small goal of mine achieved. Now to find the Zap deck!
I just noticed your post in the recent purchase thread with the three decks. Very cool, congrats!
Windex on a high quality microfiber cloth. Practice first, and it wonât be perfect. But it will remove the surface level.
I donât think Iâve opened one without the residue.
No cap saliva
As others have stated, any attempt at cleaning will further damage the cards. Really neat cards and story though!
Have cleaned some of these up w a bit of windex on a microfiber rag. Have to be super gentle with them as it will take off the ink if you rub too hard. Will not come out perfect but have turned a few of these into good binder quality cards. Good luck!
If you test on some cheap cards first, bestine might work. I use it for getting stickers off of game boxes/game art without damaging them, though it is a bit of a struggle with really old, dried on glue.
Thanks. Sorry, one more question - do you know if residue happens with the shadowless two player starter set also?
It does not happen with the shadowless 2 player starter deck.
I think I recall seeing a shadowless deck opened where the cellophane was put on backwards, so that the opening was on the back, leaving the shadowless holo to be residue free.
We can only hope that thereâs a backwards packaged no damage ninetales deck still waiting to be opened
Wow sounds amazing, I hope someone finds one!
