restoring crushed boxes

[tz101]

Anyone with suggestions for bringing old game boxes back to life? I am talking about game cart boxes. I see them often in crushed condition and am wondering if there is a method of restoring them to a relatively new look.

[Ranthulfr]

I recall someone saying that those semi-rigid clear plastic protector boxes make crushed boxes look better for display purposes. And of course you could try stacking weights on an unfolded/flat box in an effort to press out the creases.

[williamc]

This is a technique I have used with success on crushed boxes. It is not for the faint of heart though; you have to get the box wet. I typically do it only with common boxes.

 

1. Prepare a flat area (tabletop for example). You will need an area that can be undisturbed for several weeks. You also need wax paper, something flat to put on top of the boxes (like a board or piece of tile), and something heavy and flat to compress the box.

 

2. Flatten the box as best you can.

 

3. Put a sheet of wax paper flat inside the box. You want it to be in between the two sides of the box, so they won't stick together after being compressed.

 

4. Submerge the box with the wax paper inside in clean, lukewarm water for a few seconds.

 

5. Put another piece of wax paper on the flat surface, then place the wet box on top of it.

 

6. Inspect the box for any stray bits of cardboard that may have become bent or loose during the submersion. Put them back into place as best you can.

 

7. Put yet another piece of wax paper on top of the box. Place the flat object on top of the wax paper & box sandwich. Put the heavy weight on top.

 

8. Let the whole thing compress until the box is dry. This can take up to a month! Don't disturb it for at least two weeks.

 

When you take the box out, it'll be really flat but perhaps a bit structurally weaker. Unfold it carefully; it'll be kind of stuck together, but eventually it should pop apart and look less crushed.

[toiletunes]

Suggestion: cut a piece of styrofoam to fit snug inside the box. I haven't tried this, but it should make the box look less crushed.