Greetings,
Nearly a year ago, I created a homemade game board from an old checkers board. To cover up the board, I had Kinkos print and laminate the graphics so that a dry-erase marker could be used directly on the game board. It has held up remarkably well over the past year, but as I begin to entertain the idea of self-publishing two issues arise:
1) Cost. Having Kinkos laminate every game board would pretty much elimate any profit margin. Is there a cheaper alternative to laminating that maintains the dry-erase ability? I have heard of laminate sprays, but is that really just a protective layer? What are dry-erase boards made from or covered with?
2) Ugly gutters. Since the graphics were laminated, they were too stiff and thick to be pressed in the gutters (where the game board folds). I would love to have a seamless gutter, but I couldn’t figure out a way how. My next board will be created on one of Protoparts quad-fold boards, so this will become an even greater challenge. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance,
Dekx
Thank you all for your comments. They give me a few more ideas to experient around with.
A playtester recently suggested using wax pencils or washable crayons on the game board instead of dry-erase markers. While I like those ideas, I fear that the game board surface would wear out quicker. I will have to experient with those ideas as well.
Over the weekend, I stumbled upon Write On-Cling Perforated Poly Static Sheets. Has anyone used these or something similiar before? Can they be printed on? How flexible are they?
Thanks again,
Dekx