Spreading cards out to dry after handling them?

[bugboy]

Hey guys,

After handling a pack of cards for a prolonged period of time, they fan and spread less smoothly
than when they were first taken out of the box (I'm assuming this is normal, and a result of
skin oils and moisture accumulating on the cards).

Would it be beneficial to, after handling the deck, to spread them out on a table as a means
to evaporate off any moisture that accumulated on the surfaces of the cards? If so, would
you spread some face-up and some face-down? Also, does practicing near an air conditioner
provide any benefits?

Any feedback would be appreciated, thanks.

-A.L

 

[WyattSB]

It might make a tiny difference, but when it comes down to it, its just pieces of paper, they aren't invincible. You can do all these things, wash your hands, press the cards, keep them away from humidity and sunlight but really, they will always wear out. Its just unavoidable.

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

Spreading them out may help a bit. But it probably won't do much unless you leave them for a long time. As in a week or more. You can find those silica packets in a lot of electronics and put those in a box with your cards. That will draw the moisture out.

Also, using hand sanitizer will get rid of a lot of the moisture in your hands. You should always be sure to wash your hands before handing your cards, as that will also keep the moisture down.

Working near an air conditioner will probably help keep the moisture down somewhat, as an A/C unit does pull the moisture out of the air. The air near it will simply be more dry, so there's less moisture to absorb into the cards.

The overall problem, though, is that cards will gather moisture and oils and will become unusable after a while. What 'unusable' is to each person varies, though. Also, I've found that if I take a deck that has gotten sticky through use and leave it in the box in a dry area for a while, when I come back to them months later they tend to work pretty well again.

 

[Randy]

Silica gel packets can help with this. Put two of them in with the cards and leave em for a few days. This SHOULD help them dry out quickly. But when it all comes to it. They're just playing cards and there is nothing wrong with learning how to work a deck of cards that doesn't work like butter. Because in reality, when people will hand you a deck. It will be missing cards, dirty and look like it's been in a mid wrestling match. So learn how to do simple easy things with cards like that.

Or you can do what Dai Vernon used to do and throw the deck out and tell them to get you a better deck. Or just toss the deck and buy a new one. Their like 2.99 a pack (I think 10 bucks for a brick at Costco.).

 

[Mr.Presidigitation]

I don't see how anyone can come to the conclusion that spreading cards will allow them to regain their finish.
If you spread the cards on a table they will at most just warp.
I know this because I have been working with cards for many years.
If you want that new deck feel you are going to have to get new cards.
This is what I do and what you should do as well.
You're welcome/

 

[ArmanMagic]

This is what I do and what you should do as well.
You're welcome/

Cocky much?

 

[bugboy]

Cocky much?

Hahah, agreed.