The Ins and Outs of Custom Playing Card Materials and Finishes

Reposted from Catherine Miller's Blog.

 

I want to share my experience as a customer who's ordered custom playing cards through print-on-demand (POD) services.

 

When it comes to custom stuff, the thing that most of us may find the most confusing or daunting is picking from all the CRAZY options for materials, finishes, processes, and so on!!

 

So that's what I want to focus. Here are the common material and finish options for custom playing cards, gathered from different POD playing card online platforms, as well as my chats with their support staff:

 

Common Material And Finish Options For Custom Playing Cards

 

Cardstock Weights

 

First up, let's tackle the topic of card stock. This bad boy is the backbone of your deck, quite literally. Think of it as the foundation upon which your creative vision will be built. And let me tell you, not all card stocks are created equal.

 

The most common option you'll come across is good ol' paper stock. Now, don't let the word "paper" fool you - we're not talking about flimsy notebook paper here. These paper stocks are specifically designed for playing cards, with weights ranging from around 250 gsm to 350 gsm (that's grams per square meter, for you metric enthusiasts out there).

 

(A cardstock thickness reference pic I found on the Internet.)

 

The lighter end of the spectrum, like 280g/290g, is great for cardistry or if you're looking to keep costs down. But if you want a deck that feels truly substantial in your hands, you'll want to level up to something heftier, like 300g/310g/330g. Trust me; there's nothing quite like the satisfying "thwock" sound of a well-weighted card hitting the table.

 

But wait, there's more! If you really want to go all-out on the luxurious vibes, some POD companies offer plastic or polyester-based card stocks. These bad boys are virtually indestructible, water-resistant, and have a delightfully crisp snap to them. They're perfect for those of you who tend to be a little, ahem, rough on your cards (no judgment here, folks).

 

Cardstock Core

 

Once you've picked the paper weight, the next thing to consider is the card stock's core. Yep, these card stocks have colored cores, and the usual ones I've heard of are blue, white, and black. The color and density of the core have a direct impact on anti-cheating features in games.

 

If you're just a casual player and don't need a super strict gaming environment, white core card stock (which some platforms call "art paper") should be enough. Next up is blue core, which is a bit pricier and lets through less light.

 

Black core is the gold standard in the world of playing cards, especially the textured black core from Germany. But this stuff can be pretty expensive and is often out of stock, so not every manufacturer carries it. Some platforms offer slightly lower-grade black core from Italy or Japan as a substitute, and it’s a bit cheaper. As a casual player, I once tried a 280g Japanese black core deck for cardistry, and it was awesome for fanning, cutting, and general card work. However, thinner card stock has a drawback-it tends to bend and warp more easily compared to thicker ones. I guess every choice comes with its pros and cons.

 

(Taking two different decks and tearing them apart, you can definitely see that their inner layers are different.)

 

Custom Card Finishes

 

Now, let's talk surface finishes. This is where you can really make your deck pop and add that extra touch of personality, and there are really TOO MANY varieties! The most common finish is a simple matte or glossy coating, which helps protect your cards from scuffs and scratches while also adding a nice visual flair.

 

Personally, I'm a big fan of the matte finish (like matte UV or anti-scratch matte). It gives the cards a nice, velvety feel and helps reduce glare under bright lights. But if you're going for a sleek, high-shine look, the glossy finish is the way to go.

 

For those of you who really want to turn heads, some POD companies offer specialty finishes like stamping, edging, spot UV or even holographic coatings. These babies are like the playing card equivalent of a disco ball - they'll catch the light in all the right ways and make your deck truly dazzle. Well, their prices are equally expensive. If you don’t want collectible or high-end playing cards, it is not recommended to try them easily.

 

There are also some professional finishes, such as cardistry varnish and casino varnish - you can tell what they are for by just listening to the name. Casino varnish is a coating that casinos use on playing cards. It's like a special finish that makes the cards easier to handle, shuffle, and keeps them from getting stuck together. The durability is top-notch, perfect for the rough-and-tumble scene at casino tables all around the world. As for the semi-matte varnish for cardistry, it's great for decks used in cardistry, magic tricks, or anywhere you want a sleek, subtle look. It delivers a classy finish with an ultra-smooth feel that's perfect for shuffling, handling, and cutting.

 

(A deck of cardistry varnish cards I designed before, perfect fan!)

 

But wait, there's more! (Yes, I'm like an infomercial host, but stay with me here.) Some companies also offer embossing or debossing options, which allow you to add texture and depth to your card designs. Imagine running your fingers over raised or recessed patterns – talk about an immersive tactile experience!

 

Of course, with all these fancy options comes a higher price tag. But hey, you're investing in a one-of-a-kind deck that's a true reflection of your creativity and personal style. In my book, that's worth splurging a little.

 

Other Things You May Concern

 

Now, let's talk practicalities. Regardless of which card stock or finish you choose, you'll want to make sure your cards are properly cut and have a nice, smooth edge. Nobody wants to deal with jagged, poorly trimmed cards that might as well be makeshift ninja stars.

 

And don't forget about packaging! Sure, the cards themselves are the stars of the show, but a well-designed tuck box or case can really elevate the overall presentation. Plus, it'll help keep your precious deck safe and sound when it's not in use.

 

Alright, my card-crafting comrades, I've thrown a lot of information your way. But here's the bottom line: when it comes to customizing playing cards, the material and finish choices are what set your deck apart from the mass-produced packs gathering dust on game store shelves.

 

Online Custom Card Makers

 

Last and the last, here's my take on some of the online platforms I've used:

 

- MakePlayingCards: Has worldwide shipping at least 7 days and extensive options for custom card packaging; Discounts are available for bulk orders, and accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, and Discover. But, no automated print-on-demand app integration with eCommerce platforms, and the service response is slow.

 

- AcelionPlayingcards: Made in China, competitive pricing compared to European and American manufacturers (basically cheaper than the above MPC); Faster response efficiency, online designer is easier to operate. But the shipping costs are higher, and delivery takes longer, at least 15 days.

 

- PrinterStudio: Has Global delivery at least 5 days; Wholesale discounts are available; Has 10-day return policy. But no print-on-demand plugin is available.

 

- AuraPrint: Offers a 30-day refund policy for damaged and faulty goods; International delivery as fast as 7 days. But no print-on-demand app is offered.

 

Everyone is welcome to leave me a comment to discuss your experiences creating playing cards!