Will you pay more for unopened cel packages?

[chongfran]

Some studios produce cels which come in a sealed bag with a nice frame, etc.. in post-production cels and reproduction cels.

So, I was just wondering when storing them away, do most of you open up the sealed bag to separate those cel layers and background, if any or leave it as it is?

Let me know if I'm wrong that a sealed bag coming from the studio when sold unopened will worth more in than those which have already been opened? For a buyer such as myself, I would prefer that the cel package has not been opened before.

Of course, characters of anime as well as poses, facial expressions all play a part. If those are not taken into consideration, is this still true?

[Goldknight]

For the longest time I left cels sealed that came like that then once I spoke with other collectors and S/R labs guy i immediately open all my cels now to let them breathe and get air. It avoids paint issues. It may decrease the value in some people's eyes, but at least I'm making sure the cel will last longer. Better than reselling a cel still sealed with huge line fades and paint messes.

[graymouser]

I open and put the separate layers in their own bags. Many of the rilezu I have bought have an extra layer of acetate between painted layers to reduce the paint damage to sticking so that may be overkill.

I have gotten a few where everything was taped together though. On many of them, the tape was applied to the colored parts of the laser copy background. I hate having to decide between letting the tape slowly damage the background or risk removing the tape and damaging it directly.

As for value, I think most of them will go down in value once they are sold. I don't think whether the packaging is opened or not will change a lot. Some rilezu and repros may increase in value if people become nostalgic, but that will probably be years down the road and only for particular shows.

[kathpatty]

As I have bought several in the past- rilezu, I found several with the paint layers already beginning to stick together...I personally separate the layers
The taping to the background also is an issue. People will buy what they like regardless if it is unopened or not.

[Cypress]

I could care less if it is opened or not. I open them all up when I get them anyway to inspect them and see how shiny they are.

I guess I must have some raven energy!


I don't really bond with my cels as mine until I hold the acetate in my hands.

[sensei]

Most of the cels I have bought show strong reactions between the cel paint and the bag in which they are stored. Usually, the back of the bag is heavily puckered around the paint, I assume as a result of the chemical activity of the paint. This looks bad and I think it is bad for the cel, so I always replace the cel bags as soon as I get the cel. Plus I always scan the cel outside of the bag, and, like Cypress, it gives me a chance to see how sparkly and radiant the Precioussss is. And some sealed-up cels still have that "new cel smell" that is heavenly to huff as soon as you get the bag open. Yes, yes, it makes my hair go gray, but I love it.

BTW, I have always felt that letting cels "breathe" is a myth, as the only trace lines I see fade are the ones in direct contact with the paint, not the ones on the front that you'd expect to be affected by toxic fumes given off. However, sealed-up bags always trap a little bit of extra air, and that makes the cels difficult to store, so I always leave the bags open or snip off a corner (not with the cel still inside!)

[ReiTheJelly]

Sensei, according to S/R Labs, the reason to let cels 'breathe' is because as the pigments and tracelines oxidize, they actually let off gas. If the cel is bagged, these gases become trapped and actually hurt the cel even more.