I've been performing tricks (unprofessionally) for about 55 years -- but... I've never performed tricks that require roughed card surfaces (or are aided by using roughed cards), hence my newbie-type question.

A shop sold me "Rustoleum Painters Touch" clear matte for roughing. It works fine... for awhile. However, the cards seem to lose their roughness very rapidly -- after using only a VERY few times. Is this normal, or is there another brand of spray that will last longer?

Help is greatly appreciated...

(moved from "Pick-A-Card" forum)

You might try Tesco (sp?) Dullcote 1260.
You can get this in spray or paint in any hobby and craft store. It is used to dull the finish of model cars and planes.
(I prefer the spray.)
Use very little and let it dry thoroughly; the cards I've used it on have seen VERY heavy use and I've never had to re-spray.
The other advantage is that it is about half the price of roughing fluid that is sold in many magic shops. (And that is exactly what roughing fluid is! The label on the can of Dullcote is removed and a new label stuck on!)

I use Krylon Spray Matte Finish, which has worked very well for me. I may not be using the cards as much as you are, so your mileage with it may vary.

Testor's Dull Cote and Krylon Spray Matte Finish are two of the best. Be careful when using the Krylon becase if you use too much the cards will, to coin a coin phrase, "talk" too much when you slip them apart.

Testor's is the best I've ever used but I can't find it locally anymore. Good luck!

I also use Testor's Dull Cote. This is the best.

I've heard hairspray works well as a substitute for roughing fluid.

Testor's! That's the name! Thanks William and Ben.
I suppose my forgetting the name is a testimonial of sorts on how little you need, if it's been that long since I had to buy any!

Hmmm... I thought the "talking" was just inherent to roughed cards. I didn't realize that it was a problem for Krylon Matte. It's never been a problem, but I did notice it. That's all I've ever used, so maybe I'll try the others. Thanks for the advice!

The only thing I've used is the Testor's - got it at Michael's.

I know some people swear on just using wax - anyone had any experience with that?

Check out this link.

There are three cans of Rough King on the Estate Sale I posted in the Marketplace. Cheap. Even though it is is actually testor's dullcote. Cheaper than hobby shops

I bought a can of "Magician's special something" and it was a can of spray with NO LABEL at all!!!!
Thanks for the advice.