Most often, playing cards start to bend, warp and even fade after using them for some time. When the playing cards are subjected to dirt, shuffling becomes challenging, not to mention how it affects their lifespan. All the same, you can preserve playing cards by storing them safely and taking good care of them. Here are ways you can take care of your playing cards the correct way and make them last longer.
Put Sleeves on Your Cards to Prevent Wear and Tear
Card sleeves are also an efficient way of preventing your cards from any stains and damages. To get the best result, ensure you get the right card measurement to make sure you get a pack of sleeves just the right size for your playing cards. Slide each and every card into a sleeve to keep them safe and protected. Shuffle your sleeved cards and keep them preserved.
The best part is that card sleeves can be bought online or from a hobby shop. As seen at yourplaymat.com/products/custom-card-sleeves, they come in various styles to choose from, including the standard version and matte finish options. You can pick from an amazing range of colours and patterns or have them custom-made with your own unique image.
While at it, it’s worth noting that the sleeved cards may be thicker than the original box can accommodate. Therefore, you may need to buy a new deck case to accommodate the extra width.
Get a Quality Playmat
A playmat can also help prolong the longevity of your playing cards. Whenever playing a card game with your peers, ensure it is played on a quality playmat. It helps protect them from dirt, dust, and other kinds of damaging elements often found on regular surfaces. Just like card sleeves, playmats can also be custom-made or picked from a wide range of options online.
Keep the Cards in the Box When Not In Use
Always put your cards back into the box they come in after you’re done playing. This goes a long way in preventing bending. While putting your cards in the boxes, ensure they fit tightly. Storing playing cards tightly fitted into their boxes prevents them from moving around, which could cause damage to the corners. Also, avoid using rubber bands when holding your cards together… they end up deforming them. If you don’t have their original boxes, consider getting a new deck box from your nearest hobby shop.
Store Your Playing Cards in a Cool Dry Place
Storing playing cards in a cool and dry place prevents them from warping. Dry locations such as drawers, closets, or cupboards in your bedroom or living room are the best options. Avoid storing your playing cards in areas with exposure to direct sunlight. This will help avoid fading. Also, store your card boxes by standing them on their edges or even laying them flat to prevent them from getting bent or moving around. Here are a few more helpful tips regarding playing card storage:
- Place your cards out of children’s reach, e.g. on a high shelf
- Avoid leaving your cards in the car, they can easily warp and deform over time.
- Consider buying card cases that can hold multiple boxes at the same time. You can order them online from hobby stores.
Carry Playing Cards in Metal Card Clips to Prevent the Corners from Bending
Using metal card clips is a perfect way of preventing your play cards from getting deformed, especially while travelling around with them. They fit around your deck cards in their boxes and therefore they cannot get damaged while in your pocket or bag. However, since some metal cases will only fit standard size cards, ensure you get a metal car clip that is the same size as your deck. Additionally, avoid putting your cards in your pocket without a metal card clip because they will absorb sweat and moisture.
Avoid Eating Greasy Foods While Playing Cards
Playing cards may go well with chips and nuts but at the same time, the grease can transfer to your cards causing stains and warping. Therefore, when playing cards, avoid greasy foods and instead choose less greasy and sticky snacks like fruits and vegetables. In actual facts, it goes a long way to avoid eating anything while handling your cards to avoid risking getting your cards greasy and dirty.
Playing cards will always be vulnerable to unnecessary wear and tear if not protected rightfully. They should be taken good care of when in use and when not in use. Thankfully, the few tips above can help lengthen the life of your playing cards, perhaps long enough to pass them down as an heirloom.