Card Altering Supplies

Youtube Videos On:
Altering Supplies
Etching Tools
Card Stripping Tutorial
Taping off a Card Tutorial

Some of the questions I get most are:
"What do you use to get that shiny effect all over the card? What kind of paint do you use? What kind of markers do you use?"

So, I decided to set this page up for you guys so you can easily see what I like to use.

Also, please keep in mind that, even though these are what I like to use, that doesn't mean you have to go buy these! If you already own acrylic paints or markers, give those a try. Maybe you'll find you really like how they handle, and you won't need to make any extra investments! Every artist works differently.

Please note the links below are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Using these links points you directly to the products I use, and helps support my art as well! Thank you!

Marker Extension Supplies:
Sharpie Permanent Markers (24 count)

Bic Marking Permanent Markers (36 count)
-I have this exact set. The lighter colors are fantastic for blending!

Sharpie Metallic Markers (6 count)
--These are a must.

Card Stripping Supplies:
A card must already be a foil card to strip it for that all-over shine effect. There are some videos on my YouTube Channel that show how to do this process. Below are the supplies I use.

Scotch Satin Tape - Acetone Friendly!
--This is useful for taping off a card. This particular kind resists acetone, and can also be used when stripping a card.

100% Acetone
--After finishing the last bulk purchase I made from Amazon, and finding that brand was no longer availalbe, I've been using cheap 100% acetone from Walmart or Target. Any brand will do!

Q-Tips
--Again, I included this if you want to do a one-stop shopping purchase online, but really, you can get these in your local grocery store for much cheaper. I do recommend the paper Q-Tips over the wood ones; you can trim the paper ones to a fine tip to work around small details, like Levels/Ranks on Yugioh cards.

X-Acto Knife with Safety Cap
--You can probably find this in Walmart or Target for cheaper, too. Doesn't have to be the X-ACTO brand. This is for especially stubborn cards or working around fine detail areas. These can also be used for etching cards!
See other etching supply options on YouTube!

Etching Tools
You probably have something at home you could use to etch, but if you really want to buy something, these would work! 
Fine Point Awl
Excel Awl with Grip

Paints: 
These are all paints I own and use regularly. These brands have other sets as well that may better suit your budget or needs.

Golden Fluid Acrylics, Set of 6
Golden Fluid Acrylics, Set of 10
--This is the main brand I use on most of my card alters.
--Highly pigmented, works well for detail
--Both translucent and opaque pigments (indicated on color swatch on the individual bottles)
--This is a FLUID paint; it behaves similar to the craft acrylics, but with about 10x the pigment load. These mix very well with acrylic mediums and other acrylic paints to up their color vibrancy.
--Gloss finish
--If you're brand new to this brand, I would suggest starting off with the 6-color set. I use ultramarine constantly! It's very versatile for mixing. 

MyArtscape 12ml Tube Acrylic Paint Set - 48 Count

--Medium body paint (thicker than fluid acrylics)
--Good pigment load
--Opaque and translucent colors
--Gloss finish
--"budget-friendly" paint set that works very well for paint-extended cards

Holbein Acryla Gouache CYMK Primary Mixing Set
--Highly pigmented
--Very opaque
--Flat matte finish
--If you don't want to wait for multiple layers of paint to dry using Golden, the Holbein acrylic gouache sets will allow you to work faster. Primary differences from Golden are the opacity and flat matte finish.
--If you love mixing your own colors, this set has all you need. 

Holbein Acrylic Gouache Set of 18 Colors
--Highly pigmented
--Very opaque
--Flat matte finish
--If you don't like mixing your own colors, this gives you more starting points to work from

Other Materials: 

Sta-Wet Palette
--This thing saves me SO much paint. Very convenient if you can't finish a card in one sitting. It'll save your paint for later use and keep them from drying out. Perfect if you're mixing your own colors!!
--Store it flat so it doesn't leak. 
--Palette paper can be thrown out and replaced when you need a fresh start.
--If you get mold, no need to worry. Throw out the old sheet, then use a little bleach and water to clean up the sponge and palette. Good as new. 

Sta-Wet Palette Additional Sheets
--The palette above comes with quite a few, but you can order more if you run out.

NicPro Brush Set - 21 Count
--Great variety
--I've been using MyArtScape fineliner brushes for YEARS, but it looks like they are not currently available on Amazon, and the ones I have are starting to get frayed tips (after literally a decade of regular use--would still recommend if they ever restock). This NicPro is a "newer to me" set I've been using since Feb. 2025. The liners have been great. I have had some issues with the white-bristled brushes shedding. No issues with the flats or liners, which are what I'm primarily using on card alters.