RESTORATION POLICY.
What you can expect from OakLab — and what we can never promise.
Draft — awaiting final legal review. This page is a plain-English placeholder, not legal advice. Items marked REVIEW must be confirmed by OakLab and a qualified adviser before launch.
THE OAKLAB ETHICAL RESTORATION COMMITMENT
At OakLab, we believe every collectible deserves to be treated with care, integrity and respect for its originality.
We are committed to ethical restoration practices and uphold ourselves to the highest standards of professional responsibility.
We never trim cards, conceal or repair whitening through recolouring, or perform rebacking.
Our objective is to responsibly preserve and improve a card’s condition where possible, while maintaining transparent records of its condition and any restoration performed.
We do not guarantee third-party grading outcomes or increases in market value.
Every card entrusted to OakLab is handled with respect for its authenticity, history and collectibility.
1. Outcomes vary
Every card is different. Material, finish, age, print method and existing damage all affect what is achievable. Restoration outcomes vary from card to card, and any examples shown on this website are illustrative unless clearly stated otherwise.
2. No guaranteed defect removal
OakLab cannot guarantee the removal or improvement of any specific defect, including dents, creases, scratches, staining, or edge and corner wear. Our assessment describes what we believe may be realistic; it is not a guarantee.
3. Work begins only after your approval
We assess your card, propose a treatment and give you a price. No work begins until you have approved that proposal. If anything unexpected arises during treatment, we stop and contact you before continuing.
4. Grading-company eligibility
Restoration or treatment may affect a card’s eligibility with third-party grading companies, or how they label or grade it. OakLab does not guarantee any grade, grade increase or grading outcome.
You are responsible for checking the current policies of any grading company before sending a treated or restored card to them. OakLab does not submit cards to grading companies on your behalf.
5. No affiliation
OakLab is independent. We do not claim any affiliation with, endorsement by, or partnership with PSA, CGC, BGS, TAG or any other grading company. Names are used only to identify those companies.
6. Shipping and insurance
Please do not send a card until we confirm your quote and send shipping instructions. Cards should be packed securely and insured appropriately for their value while in transit, both to and from OakLab. Return postage is charged separately unless otherwise stated. REVIEW Liability while cards are in transit and in OakLab’s care.
7. Documentation
We photograph and record your card’s condition on arrival and after treatment, and share these records with you.
8. Pricing and cancellation
Prices on the Lab Menu are starting points; your agreed quote is final for the agreed work. REVIEW Cancellation, refund and consumer-rights wording.