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I am trying to scan some prizm cards on my flat bed scanner. They are not turning out well. Does anyone have any tips

Try rotating them at different angles and then using the software editor to rotate them correctly. Might also want to try with the lid open. Some people say that helps. I have found that if they are off by like 10-15 degrees on mine, I get decent looking scans.

Good to know.  Everytime I try they come out black.

Thanks for the advise.

Trade On!

Also, adjust your backlight setting (if your scanning/photo editing software has a it).

Rotating and leaving the lid up has worked for me. Thamks again everyone!

Many base prizms come out very dark and flat no matter what you do.  Prizm prizms (refractors) are usually much easier to scan.  Mosaics and others sometimes need to be rotated 45 degrees for a better image.  

Regards, Greg

Also, if you put a clean sleeve over the prizm card before scanning, it provides a better opportunity for the light of the scanner to reflect off the card and make it easier to read. This works with virtually all foil/reflective type cards, so give it a shot!

I will second that as it does work. I've used them to keep the cards straight and also to give me some room at the top of the image to crop it correctly.

Kevin

They say that putting a Prizm card in a sleve right after it comes out of the pack is the best way to keep them straight.

I use a piece of replacement glass for an 8x10 frame on top of them to flatten them out. It's got enough weight and the edges are ground smooth. I got it a hobby lobby for a frame and it didn't fit quit right. My scanner catches the prisms and other effects much better. Its still not great at getting foils and holos. Glass also keeps them in place while you close the lid. I always had trouble with any of the prism and chrome that want to curl staying straight. Makes it quicker for me not having to scan it multiple times. 

My scanner cuts off the edge so I use a thin (clear grid drafting ruler from hobby lobby I sanded down a little to fit perfectly on my scanner or a shorter one on the short side) ruler laid on the edge of the flatbed. I line a couple cards up on the ruler and lay the glass on top them about halfway and slide it up til it almost touches the ruler for thinner cards. Thicker ones I just cover the whole thing if the card it thicker that my ruler. Now the slide is key. If you try to just lay the glass on top, they always want to move.