Chloe Zhang
Playing cards are usually made of paper or cardboard, but sometimes they are made of plastic or coated in plastic to make them more durable. The addition of plastic coating to playing cards became common in the second half of the 20th century, and all-plastic cards were also produced. Plastic cards are made from polymeric plastic films and sheets, such as cellulose acetate polymer, which is a semi-synthetic polymer that is much more durable than paper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of invention | Second half of the 20th century |
| Material | Plastic-coated paper, cellulose acetate polymer, vinyl plastics |
| Advantages | More durable, resistant to wear |
| Printing process | Lithography |
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What You'll Learn
- Playing cards were first introduced to Europe in the 14th century
- They were hand-painted, making them luxury goods for the rich
- In the 20th century, plastic coatings were added to cards to resist wear
- Higher-quality cards are made from cellulose acetate polymer
- Playing cards may have originated in India or China
Playing cards were first introduced to Europe in the 14th century
The first European playing cards were likely imported or brought by merchants from the Islamic Mamlūk dynasty in Egypt. These cards featured goblets (cups), gold coins, swords, and polo sticks, reflecting the interests of the Mamlūk aristocracy. The suit signs in the first European decks of the 14th century included swords, clubs, cups, and coins, with court cards depicting a mounted king, a seated and crowned queen, and a knave.
Playing cards gradually spread throughout Europe during the 15th century, becoming a favoured pastime of the upper classes. The German invention of woodblock printing in the early 15th century significantly reduced the cost of production, making playing cards more accessible. France also played a crucial role in the development of playing cards, with French card manufacturers simplifying the German suit symbols around 1480 to facilitate mass production.
By the second half of the 20th century, it became common to add a plastic coating to playing cards to enhance durability, leading to the production of all-plastic cards.
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They were hand-painted, making them luxury goods for the rich
The earliest playing cards, which first appeared in Europe in the 1370s, were hand-painted, making them exclusive luxury goods for the rich. The account book of King Charles VI of France mentions a payment of 56 sols parisiens to Jacquemin Gringonneur for painting a deck of cards "for the amusement of the king". Cards gradually spread along inland European trade routes during the 15th century, remaining a favoured pastime of the upper classes.
The earliest decks of playing cards were hand-coloured with stencils, making them extremely expensive to produce. They were owned almost exclusively by the very wealthy. Cheaper products were also produced, but they likely deteriorated quickly with use. The German invention of wood-block printing in the early 15th century significantly reduced the cost of production, which was further reduced in France in the 1480s by painting through stencils. This resulted in the distinctively simplified design of suitmarks technically designated French but now generally called international.
The next significant advance in card manufacture was the replacement of wood blocking and hand colouring with copper plate engraving during the 16th century. When colour lithography was developed in the early 1800s, the production of playing cards was revolutionized once again. Playing cards were also some of the earliest products to be sold in packaging. Early card packs were sold in paper sleeves held closed with a string. The 19th century saw the development of increasingly complex cardboard packaging, with tuck-flap boxes becoming common by the end of the century.
In the second half of the 20th century, it became common to add a plastic coating to playing cards to resist wear, and even to produce all-plastic cards. Higher-quality cards may be made from polymeric plastic films and sheets, such as cellulose acetate polymer, which is much more durable than paper. Vinyl plastics are also used in card production.
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In the 20th century, plastic coatings were added to cards to resist wear
Playing cards have undergone a series of transformations since their inception, with the 20th century seeing the introduction of plastic coatings to enhance durability. This innovation addressed the issue of wear and tear, a common problem with traditional paper or cardboard cards.
The earliest playing cards were crafted from layers of paper or thin cardboard, pasted together to create a semi-rigid material. While these cards were functional, they were susceptible to damage over time, especially with frequent use. The corners of the cards were often slightly rounded to prevent fraying, but this could only mitigate a limited amount of wear.
As printing and manufacturing techniques evolved in the 20th century, the playing card industry witnessed significant changes. The introduction of plastic coatings to card surfaces was a pivotal development. This coating strengthened the cards, making them more resistant to wear and tear. The plastic layer provided a protective barrier, ensuring the underlying paper or cardboard remained intact for a longer period.
The process of applying plastic coatings involved treating the card stock with a thin layer of plastic, such as cellulose acetate polymer or vinyl plastics. This treatment resulted in a more durable and long-lasting product. The plastic coating not only extended the lifespan of the cards but also improved their handling characteristics, making shuffling and dealing smoother.
In addition to plastic coatings, the 20th century also saw the emergence of all-plastic cards. These cards were made entirely of plastic, offering even greater resistance to wear. Plastic cards were more durable than their paper or cardboard counterparts, ensuring they remained in good condition for extended periods. This innovation was particularly advantageous for card games that required extensive shuffling, dealing, and handling, as it minimised the risk of damage during gameplay.
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Higher-quality cards are made from cellulose acetate polymer
Playing cards are traditionally made from paper or thin cardboard. However, in the second half of the 20th century, it became common to add a plastic coating to paper cards to make them more durable. Some manufacturers also began to make cards entirely out of plastic.
One of the first applications for cellulose acetate, a type of plastic, was as a safety film used to coat the fabric wings of aeroplanes during World War I. Cellulose acetate was patented as the first injection moulding compound, revolutionising plastic fabrication. Cellulose acetate is made from wood or cotton fibres that are treated with acetic acid and acetic anhydride and then turned into a powder. This powder can then be mixed with other chemicals to produce a plastic dough, which can be made into sheets, rods, or powder.
KEM cards, manufactured by the United States Playing Card Company, are made from 100% cellulose acetate plastic. They are the only playing cards in the world made from a mix of cellulose acetate and paper. The cellulose acetate coating makes the cards hard-wearing, water-resistant, and tear-resistant. KEM cards are said to last up to 50 times longer than paper-based playing cards. The plastic coating also prevents marking with dyes and inks, making the cards more secure for use in casinos and magic shows.
Cellulose acetate is a more expensive raw material than PVC, another type of plastic used in playing cards. However, KEM cards have a loyal customer base due to their durability and flexibility.
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Playing cards may have originated in India or China
Playing cards are believed to have originated in Asia, with China, India, and Persia being the most likely sources. However, the exact origin remains a mystery due to a lack of solid historical evidence. Paper is fragile and typically does not survive well over time, making it difficult to ascertain the true origins of playing cards.
One of the earliest mentions of playing cards comes from a 9th-century Chinese text known as the "Collection of Miscellanea at Duyang," written by Tang dynasty writer Su E. The text describes Princess Tongchang, daughter of Emperor Yizong of Tang, playing a "leaf game" in 868 with members of the Wei clan. The first known book on the "leaf" game, the "Yezi Gexi," was allegedly written by a Tang woman and received commentary from subsequent dynasty writers. Some scholars believe that playing cards were invented during the Tang dynasty, and there is evidence of drinking games and cards with icons representing coins, which later appeared in Western Europe.
Playing cards may have been introduced to Europe by Arabs, crusaders, gypsies, or traders. The earliest unambiguous record of playing cards is from a 1294 police report in Shandong, China, where gamblers were arrested and their cards and printing blocks confiscated. However, it is unclear if these were truly playing cards or tile games like dominoes or mahjong. Fragments of card-sized parchment dated to the 13th century have been found, but their purpose remains uncertain.
Playing cards first appeared in Europe in the 1370s, likely in Italy or Spain, and were hand-painted luxury goods imported or possessed by merchants from the Islamic Mamlūk dynasty centred in Egypt. Cards gradually spread along European trade routes in the 15th century, becoming a favoured pastime of the upper classes. German wood-block printing and French stencil painting in the early 15th century reduced production costs, making playing cards more accessible.
While the exact origin of playing cards remains uncertain, the consensus points to Asia, with China, India, and Persia being the most likely sources. The spread of playing cards across continents and their evolution into a beloved pastime attest to their enduring appeal.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic-covered playing cards were invented in the second half of the 20th century.
Playing cards are traditionally made of rectangular layers of paper or thin cardboard pasted together to form a flat, semi-rigid material. In the second half of the 20th century, it became common to add a plastic coating to paper cards to make them more durable. Higher-quality cards are made from polymeric plastic films and sheets, such as cellulose acetate polymer.
Plastic-covered playing cards are more durable than paper cards and do not wear out as quickly.
Playing cards can also be made from a cotton-paper blend, vinyl plastics, or thin plastic.
