Different people have different hobbies. Some like to hike, run, swim or curl up with a warm blanket and a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. You, on the other hand, might have a somewhat non-conventional hobby- card collection.
If you are a card collector or player, especially the trading card games (TCG), you know the importance of taking care of these cards. You might want to collect the cards to play, keep or sell. Whichever your reason, it’s critical to maintain the cards.
Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of how to take proper care of your playing cards? Read on!
1. Ensure You Maintain Cleanliness Of Your Cards
Stains can ruin your playing cards. Some stains are easy to wipe off, while others, well, it’s a different story. To be safe, it’s better to avoid staining your cards at all. You should always ensure your hands are clean before you handle your cards.
If you are performing any task, ensure you thoroughly clean your hands before handling the cards. Your playing cards are a considerable investment. So it’s only logical to keep them clean.
2. Store Your Playing Cards In Individual Sleeves
You should be mindful of how you should store your cards. If you don’t store your cards properly, they will degrade quite fast. Using card sleeves is a great option to ensure your cards remain in pristine condition. You should order your custom sleeves to reflect your personality. You should store each of your playing cards in its sleeve. Doing this will prevent the cards from scratching each other. Remember, TGC playing cards are more fragile than others.
3. Using A Playmat Is Another Great Option To Take Care Of Your Playing Cards
Another great tip for maintaining your playing cards is to ensure you use a playmat. Every time you use your playing cards, ensure you place them on a playmat. The mat will protect your cards from dirt, oils, and other particles which might cause their degradation.
The playing mats come in several styles and designs. You also need to wash your mat regularly to ensure it’s always clean. The best option is to go for high-quality mats. They are machine washable, smooth, and long-lasting.
4. Avoid Exposing Your Cards To Heat
You will damage your playing cards if you expose them to heat. Do not leave your cards under the sun, fire, or near any source of heat. Exposure to heat leads to the expansion of the cards. The cards also warp.
To avoid warping and other effects of heat on your cards, store them in a cool and dry place. Ensure your cards are always in their card box. Doing so will protect the cards from the elements.
5. Make Use Of A Card Clip
You might have done your best to preserve your cards, but you still realize they’ve got a warp or bend. Using a metal clip is a great solution. A card clip fits around your deck of cards. It compresses the cards and rectifies the warp or bend.
The quality of the clips differs. A quality clip should have strong springs which exact enough pressure around your deck. Do not force your cards into the clip. If they don’t fit, find a clip that’s big enough for your deck of playing cards. Squeezing the cards will cause more damage.
6. Use Fanning Powder
Playing cards start to stick to each other over time. Manufactures coat cards to prevent this from happening. But over time, because of usage, the coating wears off. The wearing-off leads to the sticking together of the cards.
One way to prevent the cards from sticking together is by using fanning or talcum powder. The powder helps the cards slide over each other more smoothly.
7. Avoid Placing The Cards In Your Pockets As Much As Possible
Although you may be tempted to place the cards in your pocket, resist this urge. Your pocket gets warm. It might also get sweaty. Remember, heat and moisture are great enemies to the longevity of your playing cards.
Placing the cards into your pocket also increases the pressure as you walk around or sit down. The excess pressure damages your cards and reduces their lifespan. If you must carry your playing card deck around, try as much as possible to place it in your jacket pocket.
Playing cards have a significant role in the lives of enthusiasts. They bring pleasure and a sense of belonging. For this reason, it’s paramount to take proper care of your playing cards. Although the cards will eventually wear out, taking care of them will ensure they last for a long time. If you follow the above-stated tricks, your playing cards will serve you for a very long time.
Have you tried any of the above tricks? Do you know any other tricks you can use? Please let us know in the comments below!
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