If you’re here, you probably care about the same two things we do: how the cards look and how they feel in a sleeve. PrintMTG exists because “good enough” proxies are everywhere—and truly playable proxies (clean print, consistent cut, real shuffle feel) are harder to find.
This page explains our process in plain English: what materials we use, how we print, how we finish, what to expect on turnaround time, and what we do if we mess something up.
Quick Summary
- Cardstock: S33 German Black Core
- Finish: UV coating with a matte satin feel (helps shuffle, makes color pop)
- Typical production time: 2 business days (longer during peak periods or custom orders)
- Shipping: Most orders ship USPS; expedited options available via UPS 2nd Day Air and UPS Next Day Air
- If we make a mistake: We reprint at our cost—printing, finishing, cutting, or shipping errors
Step 1: Cardstock — S33 German Black Core
We print on S33 German Black Core cardstock. “Black core” matters for two reasons:
- Light-blocking opacity: the internal core reduces show-through, so the card feels more like a real card in-hand.
- Structure and snap: S33 has a firm, consistent build that holds up better during play—especially once sleeved.
If you’ve ever received proxies that feel flimsy, too glossy, or “paper-y,” the stock is usually the culprit. We start with the stock that’s known for producing a closer “real card” experience.
Step 2: Printing — Color That Holds Up in Play
Our goal is simple: sharp detail, stable color, and consistent results from card to card.
That means:
- clear text and linework
- solid blacks (without looking washed out)
- artwork that stays crisp when sleeved and viewed across the table
We’re not trying to win a zoomed-in microscope contest. We’re trying to make proxies that look great in a deck, in motion, under real play conditions.
Step 3: Finishing — UV Coating with a Matte Satin Feel
After printing, we apply a UV coating with a matte satin finish.
This is one of the biggest differences between “looks okay” proxies and “feels like a real deck” proxies.
Our UV satin finish is designed to:
- enhance shuffle feel (less sticky, less drag)
- make colors pop while staying in a more “playable” matte-satin range
- add surface durability for handling
If you’ve ever had proxies that clump, scuff too easily, or feel inconsistent across a stack, finish is often the reason. We use finishing as a performance step, not just a cosmetic one.
Step 4: Cutting & Cornering — Consistency Matters
A proxy can have perfect print and still feel “off” if the cut is sloppy.
We focus on:
- consistent card dimensions
- clean edges
- uniform cornering (so the deck fans evenly and sleeves don’t catch)
The end result should be a deck that shuffles smoothly, stacks evenly, and doesn’t telegraph individual cards because of inconsistent cuts.
Production Time & Shipping
Typical production time
Most orders are produced in about 2 business days.
Production time can extend during:
- peak demand periods
- complex or unusual custom orders
- large orders requiring extra handling time
If you’re on a deadline, it’s always okay to reach out before ordering—we’ll tell you what’s realistic.
Shipping methods
Most orders ship via USPS.
If you need your order faster, we also offer:
- UPS 2nd Day Air
- UPS Next Day Air
Tracking is provided so you can follow your shipment from our shop to your door.
Our Mistake = Our Reprint
If we make a mistake with your order—whether it’s:
- printing
- finishing
- cutting
- packaging
- or shipping
…we will reprint the order at our cost.
No runaround. If it’s on us, we fix it.
FAQ
Do your proxies feel like real cards?
They’re designed to feel close in sleeve: S33 black core stock + UV satin finishing + consistent cutting. If you’re used to basic paper proxies, the difference is immediate.
How long does it take to get my order?
Most orders are produced in 2 business days, then ship via USPS (or UPS 2-Day/Next Day if selected). Peak periods can extend production time.
Can I request a custom order?
Yes. Custom orders may take longer depending on complexity and volume.