Printing Custom Cards help...
Custom Cards forum
Posted on Feb. 4, 2014, 9:37 a.m. by ClansInitiate
Hey, I designed a few custom cards to represent my friends in my playgroup, and I want to have a physical copy of each of them so I can give them their own cards of themselves... So I need help on what is the best way to print up custom cards? Preferably a cheap way that still works pretty well. Thanks for any help you can give!
ClansInitiate says... #3
I guess that would work, do you happen to know the dimensions, say pixel-wise, of a Magic card so I can print them with the best chance to fit?
February 4, 2014 9:47 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #4
If you are using MSE, here's what I do.
I take a pre-existing foil of next to no value. I then use Acetone (paint thinner, Oops solvent, etc) to remove the ink with a cloth.
Once this is done I use MSE, which is a free download, and print them from that program as it prints near correctly every time.
Now you carefully trim the edges around the cards and you now have a foil card.
I do this with tokens and emblems.
I print them onto self adhesive transparency sheets (I got mine from staples). Cut them out and carefully stick them on.
February 4, 2014 9:57 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #5
(Note that you have to choose the transparency option on the print preferences for your printer for best results.)
February 4, 2014 9:58 a.m.
ClansInitiate says... #6
Cool, can you post a link to MSE or tell me how to find it online, please? That sounds great.
February 4, 2014 10 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #8
You are going to want a work surface that can't be damaged or one that no one cares if you do damage, Acetone is some strong stuff sometimes.
I find that Theros foils clean off with little to no effort.
February 4, 2014 10:05 a.m.
what he said. yea, it's a good thing i was able to watch some of the proxy tutorials on youtube before WotC had them taken down. will be using alternate/full art cards for my Cube
TS: also try to google some full art MTG cards. some of them look very good, esp. on foil. will be nice to use them during casual play; or as gifts
February 8, 2014 1:08 a.m.
@Ohthenoises, what kind of printer do you use? Does it have to be a high quality printer?
February 8, 2014 4:06 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #14
Any inkjet printer should do it but you can buy transparencies for most printers just make sure they are self adhesive.
I will put a disclaimer here now though: DO NOT MAKE MTG CARDS IN AN ATTEMPT TO PASS THEM OFF AS REAL. USE THIS FOR CUSTOM SETS, TOKENS, OR PROXYS ONLY. Also, using copyrighted art and trying to sell them is a huge no-no too.
February 8, 2014 8:03 a.m.
ClansInitiate says... #15
Yeah, I might have mentioned this in the original post (too lazy to check) but I'm planning on making custom cards as gifts/jokes for a few people in my playgroup.
February 9, 2014 2:29 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #17
No I saw that, I'm just covering my ass with all of the recent counterfeiting stuff going around.
The Fiol Proxies can be pretty damn convincing if you do them carefully so I always make sure not to beat around the bush. I made a Black Lotus proxy for a friend and in the type line I entered "Artifact-Proxy".
February 9, 2014 8:14 a.m.
MisterRoach says... #18
I make inserts for commanders that you slide into a sleeve in front of the actual card. 
February 9, 2014 4:13 p.m.
ClansInitiate says... #20
Ok, I need help... what should I export them as (on a PC here) and how big should they be when I print them?
February 16, 2014 9:59 p.m.
ClansInitiate says... #21
Ok, I figured out how to make them print the correct size, and have successfully created one of 9 custom cards... but... is the shiny foily part supposed to shine through and sparkle, or not? 'Cause they definitely don't look foily...
February 17, 2014 11:34 p.m.
Ohthenoises says... #22
Did you use the transparency setting on the print options? Mentioned that earlier in the thread.
February 17, 2014 11:38 p.m.
ClansInitiate says... #23
Ahhh... no. Should my printer have a transparency setting? Or should I be able to select a transparency setting when I print, from the print menu?
February 17, 2014 11:41 p.m.
Ohthenoises says... #24
Paper type needs to be changed. Should have a drop down menu.
February 18, 2014 12:12 a.m.
ClansInitiate says... #25
For paper types all I get is like matte paper, photo paper, and normal printer paper...
Smith_and_Tonic says... #2
Well if you have access to a color printer, you can just print them and glue them onto a card. It isn't the highest quality but it does work.
February 4, 2014 9:45 a.m.