Cleaning · Scratch Reduction · Dent & Crease Reduction · Card Preparation · Pre-Grading
From everyday collection pieces to high-value collectibles, every card is individually inspected, documented, and treated with care.
Every card deserves an individual approach. At CardLab Malta, we don't promise impossible results or guaranteed grades. We inspect the card, identify what can realistically be improved, document its condition, and carry out the selected treatment with care.
Each service can stand alone, or combine into a full path from a raw card to a graded, slabbed one.
Specialist techniques and premium products lift fingerprints, dust, and surface residue without touching the card's integrity.
Minor surface marks are carefully reduced using conservation-safe methods built for trading cards. We never alter a card beyond accepted technique.
Every card goes under high-powered magnification and specialist lighting before we recommend anything. You get an honest read on grading potential first.
Cleaned, inspected, and packaged for the best possible presentation the moment a grader opens the submission.
We handle secure packaging, shipping, tracking, and return handling — submitting to PSA, Beckett (BGS), and CGC on your behalf. Tracked shipping is available as an add-on.
Cleaning and restoration pricing below. Grading submissions and collection evaluations are quoted individually — see "For Grading" below.
Professional Cleaning
Remove surface dirt, dust, and fingerprints using specialist products and techniques.
Full Card Preparation
Complete cleaning and presentation prep, ready for submission or display.
Corner & Edge Restoration
Reduce the appearance of corner wear and edge damage.
Crease Reduction
Reduce the appearance of creases and fold lines.
Major Restoration
Complete restoration for heavily damaged cards.
Pre-Grading Assessment
Full inspection under magnification, with an honest read on grading potential.
Send us a message and we'll give you an estimate — grading submissions need a proper look first, since pricing depends on the card and the grading company.
ItemCollect — our official drop-off and collection partner in Malta.
CardLab Malta can assess:
You'll receive our independent assessment before deciding what to do next.
CardLab Malta pre-grades are opinions only. Final grades are determined solely by the grading company.
Pre-Grade My CardInternational customers can submit cards using tracked and appropriately insured shipping, arranged by the customer. When completed, cards can be returned using the shipping option selected for the order.
A few examples of cards we've cleaned, restored, and prepared for grading.
And many more — check out our Instagram for more examples of our work.
Choose your service and tell us about your card.
Your card is inspected and its condition can be photographed on arrival.
The agreed CardLab service is carried out.
The card is reviewed following treatment and final condition photographs may be taken.
Collect your card in Malta or select tracked international return shipping.
Card restoration has limitations. We believe collectors should see real results and understand exactly what has — and hasn't — been improved.
View Before & After ResultsWe treat every card the way we'd want ours treated: examined honestly, handled carefully, and never pushed toward grading if it isn't the right move.
Not every card benefits from cleaning or restoration. Where that's the case, we'll tell you plainly — our goal is to protect your collection and your long-term value, not just to sell a service.
That's why collectors keep coming back, whether they're around the corner in Malta or mailing a card in from overseas — communication stays fast and pricing stays transparent from quote to return.
Grading is only part of what we do. We also help you understand what your cards are worth, what's worth grading, and how to look after everything else.
Not sure what your collection is worth? We assess personal, investment, estate, inherited, and bulk collections, and help identify cards worth grading or selling.
We purchase selected collections and individual high-value cards, with fair market valuations and transparent offers based on current prices.
Guidance on which cards are worth grading versus selling raw, long-term opportunities, market trends, population reports, and grading risk.
Advice on sleeves, top loaders, semi-rigid holders, storage boxes, humidity control, and long-term preservation for cards that stay in your hands.
"Not every card will benefit from cleaning or restoration — we'll always give you honest advice, because preserving your collection matters more than a service fee."
CardLab Malta works with ItemCollect as an official drop-off and collection point. Leave your cards there for cleaning or grading submission, and collect them once the work is done — a secure, convenient local option alongside dealing with us directly.
No. We can improve certain condition issues, but CardLab Malta never guarantees grading outcomes.
No. Light surface issues may respond significantly better than deep scratches.
No. Crease reduction can improve appearance, but structural damage may remain.
Physical treatment inherently carries risk. We assess cards before treatment and use reasonable care, but no restoration process is completely risk-free.
No. CardLab Malta is completely independent.
Certain restoration techniques may be considered alteration by third-party grading companies. Customers should understand this before requesting treatment or grading.
Absolutely not. It is an independent CardLab opinion.
Yes, subject to the services we accept — but contact us before sending particularly valuable cards, and use appropriately tracked/insured shipping.
Carrier losses are handled under the carrier's applicable terms and insurance. We'll reasonably assist with the documentation available to us.
Yes. Get in touch first and we'll send you packing guidelines and a recommended shipping method before you send anything.
Yes — tracked shipping is available as an add-on for €15, so you can follow your package the whole way. We recommend it for higher-value submissions. We don't currently offer shipping insurance; if you'd like extra coverage, you're welcome to arrange it independently with your courier.
We confirm receipt and inspect your cards before starting any work, then keep you updated at each stage — cleaning, submission, and return.
We'll advise on paperwork for your specific country when you get in touch, so there are no surprises at either end.
Fill in your details and your card's details below. If you have more than one card, submit this form again for each one — mention it in the notes and we'll apply any bulk discount manually.
Not sure what your card needs? Tick "Other" below and describe it — we'll recommend the right option after inspection.
Photos can't be attached automatically by this form — after you submit, please attach your photos manually in the email that opens.
We're growing. Ahead: protective accessories and grading kits, online submission tracking, collection management tools, valuation reports, and local community events.