How Are Bicycle Playing Cards Made?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The production of a deck of involves the three primary steps including

printing the pasteboards, cutting the sheets and assembling the deck

. While a variety of printing processes may be employed, lithography continues to be used extensively.

Where are Bicycle playing cards manufactured?

Since 1885, the Bicycle brand has been manufactured by the United States Printing Company, which, in 1894, became the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), now based in

Erlanger, Kentucky

.

What material is used to make playing cards?

By far the majority of playing cards today are made out of

paper

. Paper has been used for making paper playing cards for centuries, and some of the oldest decks in existence today are all made of paper. And it's still one of the most popular choices for making playing cards in our modern era.

Are playing cards plastic coated?

There are many misconceptions that plastic cards are 100% plastic, this is not the case.

Most “plastic cards” only have a thin coat of plastic layered on cardboard

. When Copag says plastic, it means the cards are 100% plastic. The feel of these two variations of cards is very different.

Are bicycle Cards made in USA?

A whole new way to show your patriotism. Bicycle

®

is an iconic American brand

proudly made in the USA

for over 130 years. The Bicycle

®

American Flag Playing Cards celebrate our American heritage and history.

How are playing cards coated?

The finish type (

varnish or lamination

) protects the ink and prevents scratches. Varnish is the most common finish type used for playing cards. This liquid gloss finish is applied by the offset printing press to seal in and protect the ink. Lamination is the most protective finish and makes your cards water resistant.

How were playing cards printed?

These printing plates are mounted on rotating cylinders in the printing press. When the press is running, ink rollers put quick drying ink on these plates, and a rubber roller/blanket will pass over the printing plate and transfer the ink onto the paper as it passes under the rubber roller and moves through the press.

Are playing cards toxic?

The cards are so

non-toxic

you could technically eat them (not that we recommend you try). But when you do need to finally retire or throw away an old deck, you can recycle it just like regular paper products. Printing cards does take a lot of paper.

Why do they call them Bicycle cards?

Back in 1885, when the Russell and Morgan Printing Company was preparing to launch a new line of playing cards, the company asked its employees to suggest a catchy, memorable brand name. The winning suggestion was

the name of the popular item that was then sweeping the nation: the bicycle.

Are bicycle cards used in casinos?

There's a reason

casinos use these cards

, they last a long time! You would likely go through 10 or more decks of Bicycle cards before wearing these out. What is this?

What is the rarest deck of playing cards?

With only 50 decks produced, the

Scarlett Tally-Ho Legacy Edition

is the rarest and most expensive deck of playing cards ever. The Scarlett Tally-Ho Legacy Edition deck was released as part of a 2015 Kickstarter campaign by designer Jackson Robinson.

Are bicycle rider back cards plastic?

It is made by the US Playing Card Company and this card is

plastic coated

to ensure a long life. A favourite of card players and magicians for over 100 years, Bicycle playing cards have long been known as the gold standard.

How many GSM are playing cards?

The most popular paper for playing cards is

300gsm silk card stock

. We don't offer anything less than 300gsm paper for printing playing cards because they will feel too thin and flimsy.

Who makes plastic playing cards?

The trusted Hoyle name with the durability of plastic cards creates a winning combination guaranteed to delight consumers. Hoyle 100% Plastic Cards are much more durable and resistant to bending, scratching and creasing.

How long do plastic playing cards last?

We estimate that a set of Copag will last approximately 100 to 200 hours of poker play (playing conditions will cause this to differ from game to game). We estimate a plastic coated paper deck will typically last

3 hours

of play.

How can you tell the difference between paper and plastic playing cards?

Does Congress still make playing cards?

Congress

®

Red Cardinal Playing Cards


Congress

®

cards have been the premier Bridge playing cards since 1881

. This set of two decks is available in Standard or Jumbo size.

Why are bicycle cards so expensive?

Given their popularity, it is the perfect deck for the budding magician or cardist to begin with. Of course custom playing cards work just fine for magic and cardistry too. But these typically cost more because

you are paying for the unique artwork and stylish customization

which is the very reason for their appeal.

Why Bicycle cards are the best?

Bicycle cards are perfect for most magic tricks.

They perform really well, are cheap to buy, and because of the Bicycle Cards UV-500 AirFlow finish they will be easy to handle

. Cheap playing cards that are sold in many high street shops tend to not be Bicycle cards.

How are playing cards laminated?

Varnish is the most common finish type used for playing cards. This liquid gloss finish is applied by the offset printing press to seal in and protect the ink. Lamination is the most protective card finish. Lamination is

a thin polypropylene film that is applied after the printing process is complete

.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.