How to Use Fanning Powder - Fanning Powder Vs. Talc for Bicycle Playing Cards

What is fanning powder?

Fanning powder is often used by magicians to improve the performance of a deck of Bicycle Playing Cards. It’s a white powder that is lightly added to the surface of playing cards to reduce the friction between each of the cards. Fanning powder is most commonly used for techniques such as card fans, spreads and cascades.

Fanning powder will increase the lifespan of the deck and will give you a consistent feel over time. It works best for a range of fanning and spreading techniques, but will reduce the effectiveness of the deck for other techniques. We recommend trying it out on just one deck, and seeing if you like the results, before you apply it to all your Bicycle Playing Cards.

The chemical

It’s usually made of Zinc Stearate. Each brand tends to add additional material to their powder.

What is the best brand and where do I get it?

This is the fanning powder most often recommended. It’s the most popular brand sold in magic shops worldwide. Different types give a range or results, so it’s important to experiment with a few brands to find out which one performs best for you.

How to use fanning powder.

Spread the Bicycle Playing Cards and sprinkle a little powder over them.
Spread the powder evenly over the surface of the playing cards.
Gather up the cards and run through a breaking in drill with the deck

Many professional magicians that use fanning powder, place the deck into a clear bag and add powder before shaking the bag. They then remove the Bicycle Playing Cards from the bag and run through a breaking in drill to ensure the powder has been distributed fully.

Which decks of playing cards work best with fanning powder?

Fanning Powder is best applied to decks of playing cards that have been broken in. Ideally air cushion finish cards such as Bicycle Playing Cards.

Is it good for card magic tricks?

Fanning powder is designed for specific card techniques, when less grip is required. A powdered deck will not work as well for many normal sleight of hand techniques.

How long will it last?

You don’t need to apply it very often. Chances are, the deck of bicycle playing cards will have worn out before you need to re-apply powder.

Fanning Powder Vs. Talc Powder.

Talcum powder absorbs moisture. As it takes on moisture it becomes sticky. This created more friction between the playing cards. Fanning powder is designed to keep the playing cards from sticking. Unlike Talc, it does not clump when it comes into contact with moisture.

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