Roughing Spray

Roughing Spray is a utility product used primarily in close-up and card magic. It is applied to playing cards to create a temporary 'rough' surface on one side and a 'smooth' surface on the other, allowing magicians to perform advanced card controls, forces, and sleights with ease. Spectators see impossible card manipulations, such as cards sticking together or being controlled invisibly, enhancing routines like the Ambitious Card or card transpositions. Buyers should know that roughing spray is a consumable tool requiring proper application and handling to avoid damaging cards or leaving residue, and it's essential for tricks relying on friction-based principles.

Key features

Temporarily alters card surface texture for friction-based magic
Enables advanced card controls and sleights without complex moves
Ideal for close-up and card magic routines
Requires careful application to avoid card damage
Consumable product that needs periodic reapplication

Pros

Enhances card magic with minimal skill requirement
Allows for powerful visual effects in routines
Portable and easy to use with standard playing cards

Cons

Can damage cards if over-applied or misused
Temporary effect requires reapplication over time
May leave residue on hands or performance surfaces

Effect

Roughing Spray creates an invisible bond between two playing cards. A magician can show two separate cards. They place the cards together and then pull them apart. The cards now stick to each other. The magician can display the cards stuck back-to-back or face-to-face. The cards can be handled freely and the bond appears genuine. This allows for visual transformations and impossible linkages during a card routine.

Full details

Roughing Spray is a liquid applied to the surface of playing cards. The spray is clear and dries quickly. Once applied to two cards, those specific cards will temporarily stick together when placed in contact. The bond is strong enough to hold the cards together while handling, but weak enough to be pulled apart by the performer deliberately. The effect lasts for a number of performances before needing reapplication. It is a utility tool used to enable various card magic effects that require a secret connection.

Who should consider the trick

Roughing Spray is for magicians who perform card magic. It is useful for performers who want to create visual card transformations or linking card effects. It benefits magicians who need a reliable method for cards to stick together on command. Craig Petty recommends it as a common utility tool for card workers. It is suitable for both close-up and parlour magic conditions.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Using Roughing Spray is not difficult. The main skill involves applying the spray correctly to the cards. This requires a light, even coating to avoid visible residue. The performance difficulty depends on the routine the magician builds around the stuck cards. Handling the cards naturally so the secret bond is not detected is important. The method itself is straightforward to learn and use.

What magicians say

Craig Petty discusses Roughing Spray in his Q&A. He reveals his preferred brand of the product. He classifies it as a standard item for a card magician's toolkit. His recommendation indicates it is a trusted and effective product for professional use.

What people are saying about Roughing Spray

Craig Petty says...

He reveals his preferred brand of roughing spray, a common utility tool for card workers.