Julzlex28 Posted May 12, 2020 Posted May 12, 2020 I just ordered the Epic Tarot, released by Lo Scarabeo in 2017/2016, written by Riccardo Minetti and art by Paolo Martinello. I love the art, the themes and connections within the deck, and the fact that the wands are books. But I am shocked at the cardstock. It isn't so much that it is thin but that it is so unfinished that there are already noticeable nicks and chips. It is a brand new deck. I could tell as soon as I opened it that this would be a problem. I am not sure what to do. I ordered some sleeves but I don't know how those will work. Should I lightly laminate? I actually have a deck with thinner cards - the Nature-Speak Oracle - but the cards are finished so it isn't a problem. What should I do so I can use my deck and still preserve it?
TheFeeLion Posted May 12, 2020 Posted May 12, 2020 (edited) Hmmm... you could try edging the deck so the chips aren't noticeable. You could also try maybe using something like that clear contact film. Especially if it's just one side that's doing it. I'm not experienced with doing either of those things but I know there are other people floating around on there that likely are Edited May 12, 2020 by TheFeeLion
Julzlex28 Posted May 12, 2020 Author Posted May 12, 2020 I don't want to edge it as what will happen is that the edges will continue to be nicked. Because there is no finish whatsoever. I have a Lo Scarabeo deck from the late 90s and the cards are fine, no nicks - but they are noticeably finished. The difference is immediate. The contact film sounds like it has potential.
AJ-ish/Sharyn Posted May 12, 2020 Posted May 12, 2020 return it to the seller as defective. I would think adding sleeves and film to a deck would make it unshuffleable.
Julzlex28 Posted May 12, 2020 Author Posted May 12, 2020 37 minutes ago, AJ-ish/Sharyn said: return it to the seller as defective. I would think adding sleeves and film to a deck would make it unshuffleable. I would rather not do this as I really like the deck and want to keep it. After I received the deck I googled reviews about the cardstock and finally found a couple with the same problem. So it isn't just my deck.
Julzlex28 Posted May 12, 2020 Author Posted May 12, 2020 12 hours ago, TheFeeLion said: Hmmm... you could try edging the deck so the chips aren't noticeable. You could also try maybe using something like that clear contact film. Especially if it's just one side that's doing it. I'm not experienced with doing either of those things but I know there are other people floating around on there that likely are I don't want to edge it as what will happen is that the edges will continue to be nicked. Because there is no finish whatsoever. I have a Lo Scarabeo deck from the late 90s and the cards are fine, no nicks - but they are noticeably finished. The difference is immediate. The contact film sounds like it has potential.
gregory Posted May 12, 2020 Posted May 12, 2020 Mine is perfectly fine. So I would contact Lo Scarabeo. Their customer service is excellent.
AJ-ish/Sharyn Posted May 12, 2020 Posted May 12, 2020 does it look like this? I wouldn't expect damage in a new deck, not at all, but this is what most colored borders look like after some usage. (and this is a LoS deck) These don't feel different, I mean I can't run my fingers down them and feel paper separating. My LoS Etruscan looked like this after a few years use and I inked the edges with a Tsukineko Brilliance copper ink pad and they have remained like new with much use since. I'm really sorry for your disappointment. LoS cardstock is my favorite commercial deck stock. Were I really feeling ripped off I'd mail the deck to LoS offices in Italy so they can see the problem. They will make it right by you, they are good people.
Julzlex28 Posted May 12, 2020 Author Posted May 12, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, AJ-ish/Sharyn said: does it look like this? I wouldn't expect damage in a new deck, not at all, but this is what most colored borders look like after some usage. (and this is a LoS deck) These don't feel different, I mean I can't run my fingers down them and feel paper separating. My LoS Etruscan looked like this after a few years use and I inked the edges with a Tsukineko Brilliance copper ink pad and they have remained like new with much use since. I'm really sorry for your disappointment. LoS cardstock is my favorite commercial deck stock. Were I really feeling ripped off I'd mail the deck to LoS offices in Italy so they can see the problem. They will make it right by you, they are good people. I don't feel ripped off. Honestly, it will probably look like that after a while and I will simply ink the edges like you suggest. There are just a couple nicks because as you said the deck is new and that is what they look like. So that is a very helpful picture. Other reviews have commented that the deck is rather thin cardstock and other people have commented on the card stock being a bit flimsy. I think I am just used to thicker cardstock. And I am a perfectionist neat freak. But your response is extremely helpful. I will say this...the deck shuffles like a charm. I might even ink it now, although I have no idea how to ink a deck. That is why I asked for advice! Do you have a picture of the inked deck? I should probably wait until it gets to the point your is at, correct? Edited May 12, 2020 by Julzlex28 Add on
AJ-ish/Sharyn Posted May 13, 2020 Posted May 13, 2020 @MoonGypsy is the inking master :), I just followed her successes. As far as I know LoS cardstock has never changed over the 20+ years I've been using their decks, but I think ...just think mind you, that we see noticeable ink chipping when the back is basic white cardstock and the fronts have colored borders. Like trimming decks, I find inking edges to be very soothing. Working on a card, turning them all four directions, gives new insight into each card if we allow it to penetrate without over thinking it. To ink I use the above brand, little teardrop inkers, not great big pads. I put an old towel or a couple layers of paper towels on the table or my lap, draw the ink pad gently across the edge and then wipe not the edge itself, but brush the front/back gently against the cloth/paper. That removes anything that over runs the edge itself. Next side, the same, next side the same.... As with trimming, I used an old free card deck from a casino to practice on. I got my little four pack of inks from a scrapbooking/papercrafts store along with my corner rounder for trimmed decks, but like everything else it can be ordered online now. Don't be tempted to use a Sharpie, the ink will come off on your fingers forever. https://www.amazon.com/Tsukineko-4-Pack-Brilliance-Inkpads-Planetarium/dp/B000WWMK04/ref=psdc_2933761011_t3_B000XAKEEY
Recommended Posts