Have you ever left a beloved belonging by the window for too long, only to find it looking like a ghost of its former self? We’ve all been there! But what if I told you that some Pokémon trainers are doing this on purpose to their precious cards?
That’s right! Welcome, fellow enthusiast, to the wild and fascinating trend of “sunbleaching” Pokémon cards. It’s a practice that’s gaining some serious traction online, turning vibrant, colorful pocket monsters into pale, ethereal versions of themselves.
But why on earth would anyone intentionally use the sun’s powerful rays—basically a real-life Solar Beam—on their collection? And how does it even happen? Let’s dive into the sunny depths of this trend and find out!
The Science of Sun-Sorcery: How Does This Actually Work?
Before we get into the why, let’s tackle the how. That ghostly fade isn’t magic; it’s a scientific process called photodegradation. Think of it as a battle at the molecular level!
The ink on a Pokémon card gets its color from complex molecules called chromophores. When sunlight hits the card, it’s not just visible light that comes through—it’s also invisible, high-energy Ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This UV radiation is the real culprit. It bombards the chromophores, breaking down their chemical bonds. As these bonds break, the molecules are altered and lose their ability to absorb and reflect light in the same way, causing the colors to look faded or “bleached.”1
Different colors fade at different rates, too.2 Inks like reds and yellows tend to absorb more high-energy light, causing them to break down faster than darker colors like blues and blacks. This is why you might see a card’s red elements vanish long before its black text does. So, when you’re sunbleaching a card, you’re essentially orchestrating a controlled chemical reaction to create a whole new look!
Why Are People Doing This?
It might seem like madness to intentionally damage a Pokémon card, especially with some fetching prices that could rival a small treasure hoard. But the reasons behind this trend are as varied and interesting as the Pokémon themselves.
Taking the “shiny” card to the next level
For many, sunbleaching is all about aesthetics. Think of it as creating your very own, ultra-unique “shiny” Pokémon. The process fades the original ink, often leaving behind a ghostly, monochromatic, or sepia-toned version of the artwork. A fire-red Charizard might transform into a pale, spectral dragon, or a deep-blue Blastoise could become a silvery phantom.
This creates a one-of-a-kind card that stands out in a collection. It’s a way for collectors to put a personal, artistic spin on their cards, making something that is uniquely theirs. In a world of mass-produced collectibles, a little bit of personal flair can be as exciting as finding a secret rare in a booster pack!
The Joy of Custom Art
Beyond a simple all-over fade, some creative trainers are taking it to the next level. By using tape or other materials to mask off specific parts of the card before leaving it in the sun, they can create incredible custom designs. Imagine a Venusaur where the vibrant pink flower remains, contrasting against a pale, sun-bleached body. The effect can be particularly striking on foil cards, creating a new dynamic between the faded art and the shimmering finish of a holo vs. reverse holo.
This technique turns a simple Pokémon card into a tiny canvas. It’s a form of alteration art, much like the popular 3D-cut cards you may have seen. It’s not about the card’s monetary value anymore, but about its value as a piece of unique, fan-made art.
A particularly popular trend within this niche is targeting just the iconic yellow border of the card. Some collectors feel the bright yellow clashes with the card’s artwork, especially on modern Full Art or Secret Rare cards. By carefully masking the entire center of the card and leaving only the border exposed, these patient artists can fade the yellow to a clean, silvery-white. This gives the card a more uniform, metallic look that many find more aesthetically pleasing, almost like a custom frame for their favourite Pokémon!
A Misguided Treasure Hunt?
Here’s where we need to be crystal clear: sunbleaching a Pokémon card is considered damage. While it might look cool, understanding what makes a Pokémon card valuable is key, and this process will significantly decrease its official value. There is a common misconception that these faded cards could be passed off as rare “printing errors,” like a card that missed an ink layer during production. This is not the case. Experts can easily tell the difference between sun damage and a genuine error, such as a miscut Pokémon card, and learning how to avoid Pokémon card scams is an important skill for any collector.
So, if you’re thinking of doing this to your secret rare Charizard to try and triple its value, think again! You’re more likely to turn a legendary Pokémon into the collecting equivalent of a Magikarp.
How to sunbleach your cards
Feeling a bit daring? Intrigued by the idea of creating your own ghost-type Pokémon card? If you’re ready to experiment, here’s a guide to get you started.
Disclaimer: A Word of Warning!
Before we begin, let’s repeat the crucial mantra: This is a permanent process that is considered damage. Do NOT try this on valuable cards or cards you have a sentimental attachment to. This is purely for fun and artistic expression. Before you begin, you should have a good grasp of Pokémon card rarities to ensure you don’t accidentally ruin a hidden gem. Think of it as an irreversible evolution for your card, so choose your Pokémon wisely!
What You’ll Need
- A Pokémon Card: If you’re wondering what to do with Pokémon card bulk, this is the perfect project for your common cards and duplicates!
- A Penny Sleeve: A simple, clear plastic sleeve to protect the card from direct dirt and moisture.3
- A Window with Direct Sunlight: The more sun, the faster the process. A south-facing window is ideal.
- Tape (Optional): If you want to create a custom design by masking parts of the card.
- Patience: This isn’t a quick process!
Steps to follow
- Choose Your Pokémon: Select the common card you’re willing to send on this solar adventure.
- Sleeve It Up: Place your card into a clean penny sleeve. This will protect it from any dust or condensation on the window.
- Get Creative (Optional): If you want to make a design, now’s the time! Use small pieces of tape on the outside of the penny sleeve to cover any areas you want to protect from the sun. The ink under the tape will remain vibrant.
- Find Your Spot: Tape the sleeved card to the inside of a window that gets several hours of direct sunlight each day. A car’s dashboard or windshield is also a very effective (and intense) spot.
- Wait for the Magic: This is the hardest part. The sunbleaching process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the intensity of the sun and the original colors of the card. Remember, reds and yellows will fade faster!
How Long Does It Take?
Check on your card every week or so to monitor its progress. You’ll slowly see the colors begin to wash out. Once it has reached your desired level of “ghostliness,” you can remove it from the window and admire your custom creation!
Is Sunbleaching Worth It?
So, should you join the ranks of the sunbleachers? If you’re a creative person who loves to customize your collection and you have a stash of common cards you’re happy to experiment with, it can be an incredibly fun and rewarding project. It offers a new way to interact with the hobby and create something truly unique, especially if your get your kids involved.
However, if you’re a collector focused on preserving the mint condition and monetary value of your cards, this is a trend to avoid like a surprise encounter with a full team of Zubats.
Ultimately, the beauty of the Pokémon TCG is the diverse community and the many ways there are to enjoy it. Whether you’re a competitive player, a master collector, or a sunbleaching artist, what matters most is the passion and fun you get from it.
So go ahead, catch ’em all… and maybe give one or two a nice, long sunbathe!
