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J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
I have a few older mechanical (clockwork) decks of cards. Over the years the edges have gotten "dingy" Anyone have any luck sprucing up cards? I have tried very fine steel wool with limited success. In a couple of cases I may attempt re-installing the gimmick in a new deck but that will be tedious precise work.
Thanks, John |
Stanyon Inner circle Landrum, S.C. by way of Chicago 3433 Posts |
Some have suggested Art Gum erasers, emery boards...even bread dough. What you have are body/finger oils permeated into the card stock.
Good luck!
Stanyon
aka Steve Taylor "Every move a move!" "If you've enjoyed my performance half as much as I've enjoyed performing for you, then you've enjoyed it twice as much as me!" |
J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
Thanks for the suggestions Stanyon.
John |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
Experiment with a scrap deck, but White Out might do the trick. Just thinking out loud here.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
Thanks Micheal will try it on an old deck as you suggested. Worth a shot.
John |
pixsmith Regular user 184 Posts |
Find a similar deck, and try cornstarch. Dust the cards with it; it works as an absorbent, and might help to pull the grease and oils out of the cardstock. You can also put the cornstarch into a sock, and gently "erase" the edges of the deck to try to clean it up. There are also document cleaners that are sold at art supply stores that give good results in some instances as well.
Good luck. It can be a challenge! Cheers, Pix |
J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
Thanks pixsmith. I worked on one deck last night rubbing the edges with a white Staedtler eraser and was able to brighten the deck considerably. Michael I also experimented with White Out on an old deck. For a heavily stained deck this might me an option. I got decent results with a quick test. Key is to clamp the deck to minimize seepage between the cards and apply an even coat. Bic Whiteout comes with a small foam applicator which worked OK. I think cleaning if possible is a better solution but if that fails I would consider this option.
I am going to check out document cleaners at an art store as well. Thanks guys. John |
Michael Baker Eternal Order Near a river in the Midwest 11172 Posts |
My suggestion was only because most of the mechanical rising card decks that I have are built into a solid block of cards. I don't believe you mentioned if this was a regular or jumbo deck. I would hesitate to use my method for close-up work, but not at all for stage. I like the "cleaning" ideas better as a first plan.
Good luck with your project.
~michael baker
The Magic Company |
J M Talbot Inner circle 3055 Posts |
Hi Michael: It is a combo deck, small solid block and a section of "free" cut out cards. I think with careful application and some light buffing the idea could work for clos-up as well.
Thanks, John |
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