Double sleeving, step by step

In this article

• What is double sleeving, and how do you do it right? Step by step, we explain how to protect a card twice over, and which sleeve combo works best.

You have probably seen the term before: "double sleeving", two sleeves around one card instead of one. It sounds like overkill, but for players who handle their deck often and collectors who like holding or showing off their best pulls, it is a simple way to add extra protection without spending much. This article walks through how to do it step by step, and which sleeve combination works best.

What is double sleeving exactly?

Double sleeving means you first put a card in a thin, snug-fitting sleeve, a "penny sleeve" or inner sleeve, and then slide that combination into a thicker, sturdier outer sleeve (also called a "deck protector" sleeve). The inner sleeve protects the card's surface from scratches and dirt. The outer sleeve protects against bending and wear from frequent handling, for example during shuffling. Together they give a level of protection a single sleeve cannot match.

Step by step: how to double sleeve a card

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1. Make sure your hands are dry and clean. Grease and moisture leave marks on the card. 2. Slide the card gently into the inner sleeve. Keep the card straight so the corners do not bend. 3. Take the outer sleeve and slide the sleeved card in slowly, closed edge of the inner sleeve first. 4. Check that the card moves smoothly inside the outer sleeve. If it fits too tight, the corners of the inner sleeve can fold every time you take it in and out.

Which combination works best?

Not every sleeve combination fits well together. An inner sleeve that is too thick sometimes will not slide loosely into a standard outer sleeve, leaving the card slightly too tight. A reliable, widely used combo is a thin penny sleeve as the inner layer with a matte, clear deck protector sleeve around it. That still shows off the card while adding noticeable rigidity. If you are double sleeving a full playing deck, account for the extra thickness: a deck box rated for 100 cards usually holds fewer once every card is double sleeved.

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When is double sleeving worth it?

Double sleeving is not a must for every card in your collection. It matters most for cards you handle often: your playing deck, favorite pulls you like to show off, or cards you are still deciding whether to send off for grading. For the rest of your collection, a single sleeve in a binder or toploader is usually enough. That way you save time and money, and keep the extra layer of protection for the cards that really earn it.

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Ready to try it yourself? Below you will find the sleeves and deck box you need to get started right away.