Color Touch-Ups

[Red Oak Kid]

I ran a across a person selling comics on the web and he was very detailed in his descriptions of the condition of the comics for sale. I was familiar with most of the terms he used such a Marvel Chipping and spine roll, etc.

However he sometimes used the phrase "Cover has minor color touch-ups". This is the first time I have seen this refered to.

What is a color touch-up and how is it done? Is this considered a plus or a minus in grading a comic?

[Jezebel Bond]

I ran a across a person selling comics on the web and he was very detailed in his descriptions of the condition of the comics for sale. I was familiar with most of the terms he used such a Marvel Chipping and spine roll, etc.

However he sometimes used the phrase "Cover has minor color touch-ups". This is the first time I have seen this refered to.

What is a color touch-up and how is it done? Is this considered a plus or a minus in grading a comic?

It's considered a minus and the book gets slapped with a qualified grade because colour-touches are considered restoration.

As for the colour-touch itself, it's an attempt to 'cover up' a defect, such as a colour break in the spine, cover, or even a tear. Some amateur might whip out his acrylics, chalk or watercolours to add a dab of colour where there's a plain spot. Black areas of the cover are popular colour-touch spots. If it's minor, it can actually be removed but by someone way more professional.

[Kirk G]

Thank you for the explanation.

It amazes me that people would go to that length, but then I don't deal in high finance books.

I'm just in it for the nostalgia and the enjoyment of smelling the ink and mildew on the old newsprint issues.