Re-purposed Trading Card Pages

[cabintom]

I just wanted to report that I've recently had success using strips of re-purposed trading card pages for setting butterflies. The clarity is wonderful, and the pages I have used are of a good weight and stiffness. My main complaint is that the strips I cut sometimes suffer from static, but that's dealt with fairly easily. The other draw back is being limited to the size of the individual sleeves (hasn't been an issue though, even while setting Papilio lormieri which is rather large). At any rate, I imagine using similar style pages but with larger pockets would alleviate this potential issue... I used to collect hockey cards, so I'm using what I've got.

(Something like these: www.amazon.ca/Ultra-Pro-Silver-Pocket-Protectors/dp/B0007XXFGG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1428452673&sr=1-1&keywords=trading+card+pages )

Tom

[deliasfanatic]

Just recently, I experimented with something similar....cutting strips from poly bags intended for photo print storage. I wanted to try them since they're so much more clear than glassine or setting strips. I haven't decided whether I'll use them again; I haven't had much noticeable static problem with them, but they do cause some scales to stick to them upon removal. (Perhaps this is due to slight static.)

I've also tried tracing paper. There are several types at hobby and art supply stores. I examined them at the store to compare their transparency; Canson was the best, as I expected. I've used a few strips cut from one sheet so far, all for Lycaenidae. The transparency is very slightly better than commercial setting strips; much better than glassine. No static at all, and because they are cut from sheets, there is no annoying curl such as rolls of setting paper have. I'll probably continue using them for at least some purposes.

[Paul K]

I use clear poly paper it has been use for flowers arrangement and also for packing gift cards and etc.
I re-use them for insect spreading .
You must not touch the paper with your finger as always leave some grease and then when you place on the wings the scales stick to the paper. That happened to me before too. I always make sure I hold strips at the side.
For the static I found out that only one side gets it so once I placed the paper I gently try and if the wing sticks to it I turn up side down and it is fine then. I like clear paper more then commercial strips for its clarity and more easy placing pins close to the edge of the wings without worry of punching the wings . Also for enjoying the specimens right when they on the board.

Paul