Sleightful logoSleightful

Fresh Coat by Rich Relish and Craig Petty

Created by: Rich Relish, Craig Petty

Fresh Coat is a unique mentalism trick utilizing a specially designed deck that resembles color swatches from a paint store. Each card in the deck features four different colors, creating the illusion of endless possibilities for the spectator. The deck is a 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack, allowing for multiple selection methods and maintaining its order after cuts. It's marked for a book test, though performers can achieve effects without relying on these markings. Ideal for mentalists, the deck enables strong prediction and revelation effects, with routines like 'Color at Any Number' and 'Fresh Coat' being highlights. The deck's design and functionality make it a visually appealing and versatile tool for mentalism performances.

Key features

  • Designed to look like color swatches, enhancing the mentalism experience

  • 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack for versatile performance options

  • Marked for a book test, though not necessary for all effects

  • Each card features four colors, increasing the perceived impossibility of predictions

  • Includes a well-structured, hour-long tutorial with multiple routines and performance tips

Pros

  • Unique and visually appealing deck design

  • Versatile for various mentalism effects and predictions

  • Well-made with Bicycle cards ensuring quality

  • Comprehensive tutorial with easy-to-follow instructions

  • Allows for spectator interaction and a sense of free choice

Cons

  • Some routines may feel similar to those in other decks

  • Limited integration of tuck case and reveal cards in the main tutorial

  • Primarily suited for mentalists, may not appeal to traditional card magicians

Effect

The Fresh Coat trick is a mentalism routine performed with the Easy Tones deck. The deck resembles color swatches from a paint store, with each card displaying four distinct colors and names. A spectator freely selects a card, seemingly from a wide range of options, and the magician accurately predicts their chosen color. The effect creates the illusion of an impossible mind-reading feat, as the spectator believes they had complete freedom in their selection.

Full Details

The Easy Tones deck is designed for mentalism rather than traditional card magic. Each card contains four color options, making the selection process appear highly randomized. The deck functions as a 50/50 forcing deck with a cyclical stack, meaning cuts do not disrupt the order. The back design includes subtle markings intended for a book test, though performers can achieve results without relying on them.

The Fresh Coat routine specifically involves a two-billet prediction, where the magician reveals a pre-written match to the spectator’s freely chosen color. The deck’s structure ensures the prediction aligns perfectly, while the handling maintains the illusion of free choice.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This trick is ideal for mentalists or performers who want to move away from traditional card sleights. It suits those who prefer prediction-based effects with minimal technical skill required. Magicians who enjoy visually engaging props—like the color swatch design—will find this appealing. However, those seeking conventional card magic may prefer a standard marked deck.

Information on How Difficult It Is to Perform

The Fresh Coat routine is not technically demanding. The deck’s forcing mechanics simplify the process, and the tutorial provides clear guidance. Performers need only basic handling skills, making it accessible to beginners in mentalism. The challenge lies in presentation—selling the illusion of free choice convincingly.

What Magicians Say

David from Magic Orthodoxy highlights the deck’s strengths:

  • "The deck is really built for mentalists and predictions... it makes the spectator feel like they have a free choice, and you get to blow them away with your mental abilities."
  • He praises the tutorial, noting it is "well-structured and easy to follow," though he mentions some routines feel similar to other forcing decks.
  • Regarding the markings, he states, "You don’t need to use them... there are other ways to get your read."

The Fresh Coat routine stands out as a highlight, with David calling it "really great" for its two-billet prediction method. Overall, the deck is recommended for mentalists seeking a visually distinct and practical tool for strong prediction effects.

What people are saying about Fresh Coat

David of Magic Orthodoxy says...

The deck's primary purpose is to provide a unique tool for mentalism routines. [...] It's a worthwhile purchase at $40, particularly for mentalists seeking a creative and visually appealing tool.

Review videos