How To Make Print and Play Game Cards

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, Martin takes viewers through his process of creating print-and-play cards for the prototype war game, 'The Shores of Tripoli.' He shares the tools and materials required, including a rotary cutter, hole punch, and 3M spray glue, as well as techniques for printing, aligning, and cutting the cards. Martin also demonstrates how to apply a glossy finish with Rust-Oleum enamel and round the corners of the cards for a more professional look. The video provides step-by-step guidance for making cards that are both functional and visually appealing, perfect for home printing enthusiasts.

Takeaways

• 😀 A three-layer method is used to make print-and-play cards: plain paper for the front and back, with cardstock in the middle for sturdiness.
• 😀 Tools required include a rotary cutter, straight-edge ruler, self-healing mat, corner rounder, hole punch, heavy-duty scissors, spray glue, and clear enamel coating.
• 😀 The process begins with printing the card files, followed by applying Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel to seal the ink and provide a glossy finish.
• 😀 Aligning the front and back cards is crucial, and the use of a light source can help ensure accurate alignment before gluing.
• 😀 Hole punches are used to help align the front and back of the cards precisely before adhering them together.
• 😀 The cards are cut out using a rotary cutter to ensure clean and precise edges.
• 😀 Rounded corners are added to the cards using a Kabamaru Pro corner rounder to give them a professional look.
• 😀 It’s important to spray glue outside to avoid fumes and damage to the indoor environment.
• 😀 The final cards, although well-aligned and rounded, don't have the flexibility of mass-produced cards and should not be riffle shuffled.
• 😀 The process is hands-on and allows for a personalized print-and-play experience, ideal for board game prototypes or home gaming setups.
• 😀 The cards are printed at poker size (2.5 x 3.5 inches), and this method works well for small batch card production at home.

Q & A

What is the game 'The Shores of Tripoli' about?

The Shores of Tripoli is a war game still under development and beta testing, designed by Kevin Bertram. The script references making a print-and-play version of this game.

Why is Martin making a print-and-play version of 'The Shores of Tripoli'?

Martin wanted to try out the game after hearing about it and decided to create his own print-and-play copy since he had already made the board but had procrastinated on making the cards.

What are the three layers used for making the cards?

The cards are made using three layers: a front layer of plain paper, a back layer of plain paper, and a middle layer of cardstock.

What tools does Martin use to cut out the cards?

Martin uses a rotary cutter, a metal ruler with cork backing, and a self-healing mat. These tools help him to cut out the cards accurately.

Why is a self-healing mat used in the card-making process?

A self-healing mat is used to prevent damage to the underlying surface when cutting the cards, ensuring that the table or work area stays protected.

What is the purpose of using a corner rounder tool?

The corner rounder is used to give the cards rounded corners, which helps create a more professional and polished look for the print-and-play cards.

What brand of spray glue does Martin recommend, and why?

Martin recommends 3M Super 77 spray glue, as it is his preferred brand for adhering the layers of the cards. It’s durable and lasts for multiple builds.

What is the role of the Rust-Oleum enamel spray in the card-making process?

The Rust-Oleum clear enamel spray is used to coat the cards, sealing the ink, preventing smudging, and giving the cards a glossy finish, which makes the colors pop and enhances their appearance.

Why does Martin use a hole punch during the card-making process?

The hole punch is used to create small alignment holes that help ensure the front and back of the cards are perfectly aligned when glued together.

What type of paper does Martin use for the cardstock, and why?

Martin uses Neenah bright white cardstock with a weight of 65 pounds for the middle layer. This weight is lighter than his usual choice of 110-pound cardstock but still suitable for the project.

What is the advantage of using a rotary cutter over other cutting methods?

The rotary cutter provides precision and accuracy when cutting out the cards, ensuring that the edges are straight and clean compared to using scissors or other methods.

What is the importance of the proper alignment of the card backs and fronts?

Proper alignment of the card backs and fronts ensures that when the cards are glued together, they match up correctly, providing a clean, professional look.