From Artwork to Your Doorstep: The Complete Playing Card Manufacturing Process

Whether you are a game publisher planning your first print run or an established brand expanding your catalog, understanding how playing cards are made helps you talk to your factory, control quality and avoid costly mistakes. Here is a step-by-step look at the card game manufacturing process inside our facility.

Step 1: Artwork Preparation and Pre-Press Proofing

Every deck starts with print-ready artwork. Our pre-press team checks your files for correct bleed, CMYK color mode, 300 dpi resolution and safe margins. We then produce a digital proof or a physical sample so you can confirm colors and layout before production begins.

Step 2: Printing with CMYK and Pantone

Cards are printed on high-quality paper stocks, typically 330gsm art paper for a classic casino feel, or PVC for waterproof and durable cards. Full-color CMYK printing delivers vibrant, accurate graphics, while Pantone spot colors can be added for brand-critical shades and metallic effects.

Step 3: Cutting and Sizing

Printed sheets are precisely cut into individual cards. Standard poker size is 63 x 88 mm and bridge size is 57 x 87 mm, but we can produce any custom size you need. Precision cutting ensures every card in the deck is perfectly uniform.

Step 4: Lamination and Special Finishes

To protect your cards and improve handling, we apply gloss, matte or linen lamination. Special finishes such as spot UV, foil stamping and embossing add a premium touch that makes your product stand out on retail shelves.

Step 5: Quality Control

Every batch goes through strict inspection before shipment: color consistency, cutting accuracy, card thickness and box integrity are all checked. Defective cards are removed so every deck you receive is ready to sell.

Step 6: Packaging and Shipping

Finished decks are packed into tuck boxes, rigid boxes or customized packaging according to your design. We then arrange safe, on-time delivery to your warehouse, with a flexible MOQ starting from 20 pieces and a lead time as short as 3 days for standard orders.

Start Your Custom Playing Card Project

Quanzhou Shengluan is a professional playing card and board game manufacturer in China, serving game publishers and wholesalers worldwide with OEM/ODM services. Send us your artwork or request free samples and our team will respond within 24 hours.