HOT SHOT METHOD FOR COMIC BOOKS
WARNING
Do not try this method on 2002-Present modern age books with thin glossy interior pages. Color rub and color flaking will certainly occur.
What is a "Hot Shot"?
Using a damp cotton round directly on a defect introduces localized humidity. We call this method a “Hot Shot”, or “damp cotton round”. This method is by far one of our favorites to use.
How a damp cotton round works
Paper fibers respond best when slightly hydrated — it makes them flexible and pliable. A cotton round (like a makeup remover pad) holds just enough moisture to hydrate a defect without soaking the paper. When you add the tack iron on top (through a barrier sheet), you get localized steaming + flattening at the same time.
All-in-One
Think of it as a mini humidity chamber and press all in one spot. In most cases, a ball bearing or tack iron is not needed – just press immediately with the press machine.
Beginner's mistake
Do not rub. You simply blot or press down firmly with the damp cotton round.
HOT SHOT WARNING
Do not try the "Hot Shot" method on a brand-new modern age comic book dated 2002-Present, featuring thin glossy paper stock. When using a damp cotton round, it is possible to lift tiny bits of color. This causes tiny white spots along the applied area. It is highly suggested to use only very light steam mist along spine with a steam gun. Alternatively, you may use a humidity tank for 15 minutes.
This copy of a 2019 comic book formed tiny white specks of color rub from using a dampened cotton round.
USING THE HOT SHOT METHOD ON COMIC BOOKS
1. GATHER SUPPLIES
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
1. Gather your supplies: 3 cotton rounds and distilled water.
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
2. Wet 1 cotton round with distilled water and place in between 2 dry cotton rounds.
3. SQUEEZE DRY
2. WET 1 COTTON ROUND
4. DISCARD OUTSIDE ROUNDS
3. Squeeze 2 dry cotton rounds against the damp cotton round sandwiched in between and press all remaining distilled water out of the middle damp cotton round in this manner.
4. DISCARD OUTSIDE ROUNDS
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
4. DISCARD OUTSIDE ROUNDS
4. Discard 2outside formerly dry cotton rounds. You will use the middle damp cotton round as the Hot Shot.
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
5. Use the lightly dampened middle cotton round and gently glide it across dented area. You may gently push down on defect with hot shot, but do not rub.
6. PRESS IMMEDIATELY
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
5. GLIDE OR BLOT DIRECTLY ON DEFECT
6. Use this method on uneven impact dents along edges, corners, and along spine dents. Glide the cotton round directly across dent area surface using no pressure. This applies fine moisture to a localized area. You may blot the defect directly with light pressure but do not rub. Press book immediately in press machine following the recommended guidelines using the matching corresponding formula found in Comic Book CPR: First Edition. For advanced defects, apply a Hot Shot and use the tack iron and ball bearing on defect before pressing.
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Learn advanced techniques used by leading professionals in the comic book pressing industry. Featuring over 30 exclusive comic book pressing stacking layer formulas.