If you Gild it, they will come

[Thedissident001]

I have a few gilded decks in my collection, and have considered how it has become somewhat of a “go-to” feature for certain creators, whereas other creators avoid offering gilded equivalents altogether.

I have noted different grades of gilding for both the decks I own, and reports from others on ones that I don’t. Hand gilded seems to sound the super-premium selection, and creators like UUSI have a particularly good name for the art. I suppose the same is true for companies or individuals in the realms of book gilding or high end publishing.

I wonder whether the increasing availability of gilded decks does anything to diminish the value of the option in other collectors eyes. Is it something you regularly purchase or seek out? What premium are you happy to pay as compared to the ‘regular’ offering? Anything else you seek or shun?

[Thedissident001]

Just realised The Planets Venus LE deck isn’t gilded, just in case that being in the pic confuses anyone else also haha

[guru]

With 3 gilded decks (Divine Art, Bharata Original Edition & Bharata Tarot) done, let me share my insights.

First, the title of this post "If you gild it, they will come" doesn't stand its ground in reality.
I've talked to a number of collectors who do not like gilding at all, it is personal preference.

All 3 decks above are hand gilded in a facility that does book & antique gilding or restoration.

In your picture above, all other decks (except Bharata) are either gilded by Gamblers Warehouse or USPCC (not sure of USPCC btw even though decks are printed there. Usually creators get the gilding done by Gamblers Warehouse before getting the decks shipped). GW is offering very economical rate for gilding the decks which they do before shipping. With MPC also offering gilding at a very affordable rate, you are right in saying that there is increased availability now than earlier.

For companies like USPCC, the process is more mechanical and automated than others.

Screen Shot 2018-07-03 at 9.59.59 PM.png (277.4 KiB) Viewed 974 times

Note: The source of the above image was a Kickstarter deck that I don't recall now. It was to be printed by USPCC for sure but it could not meet its funding goal, so I assume this image or the process mentioned is coming from USPCC.


I personally like gilding a lot which was the reason that I offered it at the start of the Kickstarter campaign itself rather than putting it as a stretch goal. I do understand that there is a tradeoff between gilding vs handling of the deck so you are going to find people who will always go for better handling of the cards rather than a gilded deck, and it applies to both creators and collectors.

PS: Art GIlding Academy in NSW, Australia is the real deal in gilding & gold leafing. Check the 2-hr workshop cost and you will know what I mean.

https://www.artgilding.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MagikFingerz]

As someone who uses most of the decks I buy, I've never cared much for gilding. It's costly and degrades the handling of the cards. That's not to say I'm opposed to it, but it definitely needs to fit the theme and be on a deck that's meant to be looked at rather than handled (excessively, at least).

[theCapraAegagrus]

I typically avoid gilded decks that aren't gold, silver, or bronze. They're usually cheesy and look cheap (Regal). Alloy, Pearl Tally-Hos, and Apothecary II are exceptions to that rule in my collection.

They also have to compliment the deck very well. All of JR's Tally-Hos look 10 times better gilded. There has to be some stark contrast between the combination of materials and colors. The Gold Liberty Gilded decks are an example of 'meh'.

Sunish's Bharata Tarot is another great example of gilding making a deck look 10 times better.

IMO, if you don't have a 'classic' design, gilding the deck doesn't make much sense to me. Luxx decks just feel too modern for me to give a crap about their gilded offerings. I'm not one who will buy just anything gilded.

[flashcards]

I personally avoid gilded decks. They remind me of the crappy gilded (probably Congress) that we had laying around the house when I was you. Even as a child they were unpleasant to handle and I thought it made themlook cheap. As an accumulator rather than a true collector I am much happier with a deck that has decent artwork and handles well. I am usually quite happy with the player's deck version of whatever fancy deck that comes out. I feel no need to spend $100 on Lotrek's Arabesque (which is truly amazing) when the player's deck recreates most of the artwork and is printed by USPCC. I know I am in the minority here and this kind of thinking does not drive the aftermarket speculation that many collectors thrive on. I'm also on a very limited card budget and would rather have 10 decent decks than one super blinged out deck that will never be opened and just sit on a shelf. To you collectors, buy, sell, and have a good time. To the creators, keep pushing the envelope for the true collectors and speculators but don't forget to offer reasonably priced player's decks for us low end accumulators so we can take part in the fun, even in a small way.

[Bradius]

I am glad to say flashcards that you are in by far the majority of card collectors (accumulators, whatever). Most people purchasing designer playing cards don't want to spend tons of money and don't have a huge budget. The fact that you are very choosy about what you will buy, I think makes you an exceptionally good person to comment on what you would buy (and why). Deck designers that don't keep the majority of modest collector/accumulators in mind run the significant risk of failure. Adding a few high end decks can help boost a campaign across the finish line, but without a good basic deck, it will never get close enough for the designer decks to help!

[synedrionmg]

Out of personal preference I'm a sucker for gilded cards and various other add ons but ultimatly the design of the deck is the main seller for me gilded or otherwise, the design or theme of the cards are the main thing that grabs my attention. If the design isn't something I like then gilding on't make a difference for me.