Hello fellow lemmings! I’m designing a customized deck of cards as a present for a friend of mine. When finished, I’d like to print it by myself, because online print services would cost way too much for a single deck of cards. I’d like the cards to be robust and durable, and to be easy to shuffle. Is there a particular type of paper that you recommend? Or something to apply afterward? I’m thinking of plasticizing the cards after the print process, but I don’t know how well it would come out. Any idea is welcome!
The problem with printing on cardstock and cutting them yourself, is the minor differences in the cards will cause the cards to be “marked” and people will be able to tell which card is which by feel.
I’ve found that it’s better to print the cards then put them into card sleeves (like people use for magic the gathering, or pokemon, or other trading card games) because the minor imperfections will be hidden by the protective sleeves. You can even get ones with opaque backs to make it so printing changes won’t impact the card shuffling (but it will make them a little less interesting). But you can find ones with designs on the back too if you want.
https://www.thegamer.com/best-tcg-card-sleeves/
Found this other option for making your own playing cards on BGG, but again, any variation is going to be obvious, so I’d still put them into card sleeves to even out any differences.
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/631400/my-overkill-card-making-technique
The general consensus on BGG is to use linen cover stock, which is halfway between regular copy paper and card stock thickness. Then print front and back on two different papers and spray adhesive them together before cutting them out.