Paper adequate (thick to print, not see through) for printing playing cards

[Tebasaki]

I've been searching high and low for paper thick enough to print some playing cards. I've got a laser printer (brother) and my own cutter and although I've been to all the local paper supply stores in my area, I can't find a paper thick enough to print on both sides and not see through it (because they're playing cards).

I've also gone the route of online paper distributors. One has an excellent type of paper, but it's perforated (can't use it) and they won't tell me what the weight is or any more information that I can just find and buy. The others send me sample cards, which would work, but they're too expensive for my business at the moment. these playing cards aren't just numbers with images so I can't just buy a deck from one of those companies either.

Paper weight is confusing because there's different weights, different stocks, and I'd love to get a variety of thicknesses and try them all until I find one in particular, then just buy that; but no one sells anything but an entire ream of paper.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[gordo]

I've been searching high and low for paper thick enough to print some playing cards.

It's not the thickness of the paper that makes it opaque, it's how it's manufactured.

Try these suppliers:

Crusader Paper
Stoplight and blockout papers - paperboard merchant/converter for paper manufacturers.
Brian at: (978) 794-4900 Ext. 112

and:

The United States Playing Card Company
Corporate Headquarters
300 Gap Way
Erlanger, KY 41018
Phone: 1-800-543-2273 or 1-800-542-7430
Fax: 1-866-781-5866
Email: [email protected]

Retailer/Wholesaler
Phone: 1-800-543-CARD
Fax: 859-815-7493
Email: [email protected]

Casino Sales
Phone: 1-866-682-6048
Fax: 1-866-783-5863
Email: [email protected]

best, gordo

 

[OkiTech]

Hi, if you still pursue this idea - what you have isn't quite enough for the project. Lets imagine you find the paper. What will make it more opaque - the ornament on the back of the cards.
#1 - oh Brother - this is crapiest printer you could pick and I guarantee you that any cardstock you choose - it will not be able to handle thickness of it.
#2 - You need a round cornering machine.
#3 - Like nothing else, playing cards are taking some beating and are usually coated or over-laminated.
I had never manufactured any but holding a deck in my hands, this is what I can see so far.

 

[Big Dave]

We do it as a "novelty" gift item. We use Mohawk 50/10, 100# cover, 2.5" x 3.5"
with a cheap 1/4" corner rounder ($50 used off ebay)
Toner only, with "novelty photo" on back of card, no laminate/uv coating.
It's a gift / for fun, it's not for everyday use for 4 hours a day....

 

[OkiTech]

It will be certain death penalty for that Brother printer... I think it is rated for #80 cover on it's good day.