talkmagic.co.uk

I've just ordered some blank playing cards for an effect that needs pictures of cars, trains, planes and other modes of transport to be shown drawn on cards. I was going to print clip art onto labels and then stick them on the cards, but to save me doing that (and make it a more professional looking job) I wondered if anyone has ever figured out a way to print directly onto the cards? Is that possible? Does the ink smudge?

As usual, much thanks for any help you can give!

Johnny

there are lots of links to this, just can't find them...

In my experience this isn't something you will have much success with.

I have always ended up going down the route of printing on labels and sticking lapels on the cards.

If you don't have many to make up, then there is a guy in Germany - He logs on here as cardshark from time to time, who does an excellent job of printing on cards.

He's a nice guy, and he does an excellent job.

http://www.card-shark.de/index_e.cfm

You can get software, I use Avery Labels software, to print different images on different business cards that come in an A4 sheet. After tearing them from the sheet, pre-perforated, stack them together and gently sand the edges with a fine wet and dry. You can also spray them with a satin sealer from your local art shop to stop them smudging with frequent handling.

I think that because the cards are coated with a laminate, trying to print on them will just smudge the ink. I'd go the label route.

.... get it professional made: http://www.magicbycardmaker.com/pageID_2440171.html

I've played around with this for a few months now.

Using standard 808 poker cards

1) Remove vanish (Nail Vanish remover) dont use to much otherwise the cards will curl. Use a card press to hold the card flat other night and allow to dry.

2) Using Photo Shop set the size as 3.5" X 2.5", create want you like in the set size. (dont forget to set the printer to this size also)

3) Print - you will find that due to the cross hatch design of the card, the ink may run very slighty.

4) Seal the card with hairspray or other fixer - DONT RE-VANISH! (will cause ink to run)

I find that these cards are ok to use - as long as they are not compared to regular cards.

Darren @ The Magic Attic

Thanks guys - good advice all around as usual. But as Columbo might say - Just one more thing....

IF I did go down the road of trying to print on the cards directly, how do I get them to go through the printer? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't go through individually, so would I have to try and attach them to a sheet of paper or something? Seems a bit fiddly to line up the cards with the artwork as well.

Any ideas?

Johnny

i use an epson 300 - desktop inkjet - has no problem taking the cards through.


Darren @ The Magic Attic

hi, I'm trying to make my own playing cards at home. I'm looking for card which has been perforated and can be used in normal printers, which i can then put my own designs onto.
Does anyone know where i can buy something like this in the UK?

thanks