BALL BEARING METHOD
Why a steel ball bearing?
A 1.5" steel ball bearing has a perfectly smooth, round surface. When you roll it over comic book paper fibers, it redistributes them gradually, rather than flattening them all at once like a flat iron tip would. The curvature lets you apply controlled, rolling pressure into the dent, helping to “massage” the paper fibers back up into alignment.
BEFORE USE
Wipe any lubricants and oils from a new ball bearing before use. They are coated with lubricants to prevent rusting.
Precautions
Avoid edges, spine, and corners with roller ball. Applying too much downward pressure on the cover causes paper fibers to expand and stretch which cause permanent damage.
Location
A ball bearing works best on the main centralized areas of a comic book cover or interior page.
THE BALL BEARING METHOD
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
1. Insert protective stacking layers: Place a backer board at centerfold. Place a sheet of 65 lb cardstock paper under book cover. Place a sheet of SRP Paper on top of the cardstock paper, underneath the cover.
2. LOCALIZED HUMIDITY
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
2. Introduce localized humidity to the defect. For deep denting, place book inside humidity tank for 1 hour. For fixing localized areas, apply a Hot Shot (damp cotton round) directly to affected area. Alternatively, apply light steam to defect using the Cut Outmethod.
3. TOP PROTECTION LAYER
1. PROTECTIVE STACKING LAYERS
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
3. Place a clean sheet of SRP Paper or 20 lb copy paper on the cover as an exterior protection layer. Apply heat with the tack iron.
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
4. Gently place steel ball bearing directly on SRP Paper or copy paper. For deep dents, you may perform this method on the other side of cover (be sure to brace rest of book against a walled surface like in Fig 2.9) to push the defect outwards.
5. ROLL THE BALL BEARING
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
6. PINCH AND ROLL (ALTERNATE)
5. Begin to gently roll the ball bearing aroundthe affected area. While the area is still slightly warm, gently roll ball bearing over the defect in multiple directions: First with light vertical passes. Then horizontal passes. Then circular motions. The round shape redistributes the paper fibers evenly without leaving flat spots or new dents. Always apply light, gradual pressure — let the weight of the ball bearing do most of the work.
6. PINCH AND ROLL (ALTERNATE)
4. PLACE BALL BEARING ON COMIC
6. PINCH AND ROLL (ALTERNATE)
6. Alternatively, pinch the ball bearing and roll your wrist around in circular motions while gently pushing downward on the defect. Repeat steps 3-5 a few times until defect has flattened. Avoid adding too much humidity – one application is all that’s needed. Once the results are to your satisfaction, press book immediately in press machine following the recommended guidelines using the matching corresponding formula in Comic Book CPR: First Edition
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