Poker chips deserve special care and handling to maintain their pristine condition for years of play. While chips are made to withstand normal use, a little effort goes a long way to keep your set looking new. This article outlines tips to properly store, handle, clean, and care for your poker chips to prevent damage like chipping, scratching, and label wear. We’ll cover topics like using protective cases, controlling moisture exposure, gentle cleaning techniques, avoiding heat damage, and reconditioning older sets. By following basic maintenance practices, you can keep those coveted poker chips in flawless shape no matter how often you enjoy playing poker with friends. Read on to learn insider secrets for preserving your chips.
Store in Chip Cases
Keep chips in a dedicated poker chip case when not in use. Quality chip cases have padded dividers to separate and protect chips from rubbing or chipping at the edges. Cases also keep chips clean and prevent dust buildup. Invest in cases made of solid wood, aluminum or heavy-duty plastic for the best protection.
Control Moisture
Moisture can be the enemy of preserved poker chips over time. Excess humidity exposure causes clay composite and ceramic chips to gradually absorb moisture, resulting in softening, warping, and labeling damage. To prevent moisture issues, always store poker chip cases in controlled climate conditions, avoiding damp basements, garages or attics where humidity is high. Consider using silicone bead packs or desiccant moisture absorber packets inside chip cases and cabinets to actively absorb ambient moisture from the air and keep things dry. Never submerge poker chips in water or liquid cleaners, as the composite material will soak up the moisture like a sponge.
Handle with Care
Always pick up chips properly by the sides, avoiding touching the label or face. Dropping chips on hard surfaces or stacking unevenly can easily chip and scratch them. Take care when transporting chip cases to prevent dropping or impact damage. Set chips gently on table felt during play rather than tossing.
Clean Gently
Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe clay composite or ceramic chip faces clean as needed. Avoid abrasive cleaners or brushes that could scratch. For stuck dirt, rub very gently with a soft eraser. Disinfect chips periodically by cleaning with gentle isopropyl alcohol. Air dry completely before storage.
Avoid Heat Exposure
Leaving poker chips in hot conditions like vehicles or direct sunlight can damage the inlay and composition. The adhesives can soften and graphics fade. Keep chips away from direct heat sources. Consider using UV-resistant cases if storing long-term.
Watch Chip Denominations
Improperly stacking mixed chip denominations scratches faces. Always stack same-value chips together. Utilize chip risers or trays to separate denominations on the table. Never pile loose chips into cases – use slotted dividers.
Inspect for Damage
Check chips periodically for signs of wear like scratched faces, faded or peeling labels, softening, warping or edge chipping. Rotate heavily used chips out for pristine chips during play to prevent wear. Consider recoating, relabeling or replacing any chips showing excessive damage.
Recondition Periodically
Over time, cleaning alone may not suffice to restore poker chips to like-new condition. Many manufacturers offer economical reconditioning services to refurbish, relabel and repackage well-loved sets. This revives older chips for extended use.
Conclusion
Don’t take your poker chips for granted – a little routine care keeps them looking pristine for years on end. With some simple diligent care, those chips become an evergreen part of your poker nights and a treasured keepsake of fun memories. So be sure to give your poker chips the care they deserve – your set will reward you with enduring quality and keep those games going strong.