The Tools of the Trade

Industry standard for signed photos, posters, baseballs. Permanent pigment ink, won't smear once dry. Fine tip preferred over chisel — talent grips it like a regular pen.

For inscriptions and detail signatures on cards, comics, smaller surfaces. Gives talent more control on cramped real estate.

Opaque white ink for autographs on dark photos, helmets, glossy lithographs, vinyl records — anywhere a Sharpie disappears or skips. Shake well, prime the tip on scrap before handing it over.

For document signing — contracts, certificates, programs. Gel ink dries fast, archival, doesn't bleed through paper.

Archival-grade lightfast pigment ink. Premium choice for collectors who want a signature to outlive them on acid-free paper.

Archival pigment ink in multiple sizes. Used by comic book pros for signatures on white space — won't bleed, won't fade.

Acid-free, archival-quality polypropylene refillable sleeves. The default for organizing signed 8×10s, 11×14s, and small posters. Matt's go-to.

Same archival quality, sized for one-sheets, lobby cards, larger memorabilia. Lays flat, doesn't curl.

Rigid PVC card protectors — 35pt for standard trading cards. Use for raw cards, signed index cards, cut signatures. Buy in bulk.

For thicker cards — patches, jersey relics, vintage stock. Don't force a thick card into a 35pt loader; you'll bend the corners.

Soft polypropylene sleeves — first layer before a top loader. Always sleeve before slabbing. Use the official Ultra Pro brand; off-brand sleeves yellow.

Polypropylene sleeves rated for archival photo storage. Use for signed photos that won't fit a Profolio. Acid-free, PVC-free.

Click-out eraser for pencil signatures or pencil prep marks before signing. Precision tip means you only erase what you intend to.

For removing dried ink from paper without destroying the substrate. Used carefully this can lift Sharpie that landed on the wrong side. Test first.

Removes water-based ink from contracts and certs (NOT permanent Sharpie). Useful when an inscription gets misspelled.

For wiping helmets, vinyl, glossy photos before AND after signing. Lint-free, won't scratch. Buy a 50-pack — you'll go through them.

Reinforced cardboard with corner protectors for mailing 8×10s, posters, slabs. Don't use the free USPS boxes for >$100 items.

For shipping items to authenticators with chain-of-custody documentation. Once sealed, can't be opened without showing.

For inspecting fluorescing fibers in vintage paper, checking for stamp-and-print autographs (a real Sharpie ink fluoresces; offset prints don't).

Spot ink dot patterns from inkjet/offset reproductions vs single-stroke pen. Essential for autograph forensics on smaller pieces.