From glued paper to plastic: how playing card materials have evolved

European playing cards have evolved from sheets of paper glued together or mounted on cardboard to modern card stock treated with varnishes that help the cards glide smoothly. In the 20th century, the arrival of plastic brought a revolution: washable decks that stood up far better to repeated use.

Glued paper

Several sheets were joined with paste and pressed together. The middle layer, sometimes darker, stopped players from seeing through the card. We cover this in how the earliest playing cards were made.

Card stock and varnishes

During the 19th century, the industry improved quality and consistency. Finishes made cards easier to shuffle and helped them last longer. We explain more in the history of Heraclio Fournier.

Plastic

Plastic decks withstand water and heavy use. They are common in bars and in games where the cards get handled a lot.

And now, the screen

Digital decks neither wear out nor bend. Even so, many players miss the feel of real cards. If you play with a physical deck, take good care of it.