Zarelli Space Authentication proudly offers pressing as an additional service to help restore damaged lithographs, postal covers and other printed materials to their former glory. Using time-tested conservation methods, pressing is a safe process to remove or mitigate bends and waves from certain paper items. Pressing is not for all items and it’s important to understand what kind of defects it can correct. See below for more details.

“My Neil Armstrong signed portrait was a four... after pressing it was a nine!”
— A collector from Pennslyvania

What is pressing?

Pressing is a time-tested conservation technique that uses moderate heat and pressure to flatten bends and waves in paper materials. In some cases, light humidification is used. In our pressing process, no chemicals or solvents are used.

Pressing is not for:

  • Lab-produced photographs

  • Computer photo paper

  • Removing color-breaks or tears

  • Removing foxing, stains, or musty odors

  • Items signed with certain paint pens

  • Fragile or brittle items

  • Items over 8.5 x 11 inches

Pressing is for:

  • Removing or mitigating bends, creases, dents, and moisture waves

  • Lithographs

  • Postal covers

  • Postcards

  • Magazines

  • Letters

  • Items signed with most pens, including, ballpoint, Sharpie, water-based marker, fountain pen, rollerball and pencil

  • Maximum size is 8.5 x 11 inches

Pressing is a service intended to remove or reduce certain defects in paper items such as bends and waves. Results may vary depending on factors such as severity of the defects, condition of the paper, etc. Therefore, Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC makes no warranty or representation, and does not guarantee pressing service results.

How to submit your items for authentication and pressing

  1. Download and complete a Submission Form. If you have more than five items, please use an additional form(s).

  2. Refer to the chart below for fees.*

  3. Securely package your item(s) and ship to the address on the submission form. Be sure to include the submission form with your submission.

  4. Payment: We will send a Paypal invoice before returning your items - you do not need a Paypal account; you can use any credit card or Venmo to pay it. Or, you may include a check with your submission. If you include a check for authentication fees, we will invoice you for return shipping once that is calculated.

  5. Turnaround time is typically 20 business days (does not include shipping time.)

* Extra handling fees may apply for oversized items that require special/excess shipping materials and/or extra handling time to remove from packaging and ship.

Pressing Service Fees

Pressing fees are in addition to any authentication fees. Zarelli Space Authentication will selectively accept items for pressing only. Contact us in advance to inquire. We will not press any item deemed to be not likely authentic.

Item

Pressing Fee
Standard Item
Includes most single-signed items not detailed below		 $25
Neil Armstrong, Jim Irwin (White Space Suit Portrait only) $100
Mercury 7, Apollo 1, Apollo 8, Apollo 11, Challenger, or Columbia crew signed item $140
Apollo, Gemini or Shuttle crew (other than those noted above) $60
Multi-signed items Contact for quote

Questions about fees or submitting?

For a price quote for an item not in the chart, or for submission questions, please use the form below.

Please note that authenticity determinations are opinions based on many years of hobby experience and study of space and aviation autographs. Authentication involves individual judgment that is subjective and requires the exercise of professional opinion, which can change from time to time. Therefore, Zarelli Space Authentication, LLC makes no warranty or representation, does not guarantee authenticity and shall have no liability whatsoever for loss or damages allegedly sustained as a result of opinions rendered.