Picking the perfect business card paper.
Picking the perfect business card paper.
Whether you have a business or are self-employed, the business world is more than the services you offer to your clients or potential clients.
Your business and services are also part of your personality and identity. Through them, you can show everyone not only how you do business, but also a part of who you are and how you like to be remembered and regarded by your customers and your network.
Choosing the right paper for your business card can go a long way. There are some subtle aspects that will make a difference and we want to share them with you. Our experience helping companies and professionals allows us to give you the best advice that will make a difference in how you present yourself.
WeightWeight refers to the thickness of a card. It's also about how thick and stiff a card is. When a business card is created, it is measured and expressed by points. The technical way in which this measurement is made is to consider that one point is equal to one thousandth of an inch. A piece of paper that has a measure of 10 points has a thickness of 0.01 inches. When the paper has a higher number of dots, it is also heavier and stiffer.
The most common thickness used to print business cards is 14 or 16 point stock. To print extra thick cards, the paper used is 18 pt or 32 pt.
Cards that are thicker, such as 30 points or more, last longer. They are strong and can better withstand the wear and tear of regular use. These cards are printed to make a striking first impression as they look and feel different.
Keep in mind that the thicker the card, the higher the printing costs.
Graphic finishesThis is another important aspect to take into account when choosing the type of paper for your business card. The finish on your card adds to the way it looks and feels.
What do you want to do with your business card and what is the impression you want to leave with it? The answers to these questions will help you determine what type of finish you want to choose for your card. Most business cards have an opaque finish.
There are two different options for a finish:
Uncoated: This finish is similar to printed paper in that it is non-reflective. This type of finish does not have a protective layer, which means that the cards can be easily damaged. It adds more texture to the card, giving it a more natural and classic look. This finish is great if you want to write on your card or if you have a more limited budget for printing
Coated: This finish will give your card a bright and elegant appearance. It is usually sealed with clay, which affects the weight of the card. This finish also creates a sharper, cleaner print and works best if you have small details embedded in the card.
This type of finish has several options from which you can choose:
Matte – Coated and matte papers are smoother and more elegant compared to uncoated papers, but they lack the shine and glossy appearance.
Satin paper has a slight glossy appearance, but not as glossy as regular paper, and more of a matte finish.
Gloss, this finish gives the card a nice shiny look while offering protection against moisture. A glossy finish works well with colorful cards, adding a more vibrant look and contrast. It will make your cards look modern.
After choosing your card weight and finish, you can now focus on the specialty paper you want your card printed on. You can also choose to add a special lamination to the card after printing is done.This step is also related to the impression you want to make and the design of your card.
These are two options available for special paper:
Soft Touch – This finish changes the feel of your card, adding a velvety lamination for extra protection. Your card will also look and feel very luxurious. With the soft- touch finish, your card will look smooth and colorful, with a silky look to card details. This will create a lasting impression on anyone you give the card to.
Plastic – These cards are made from high quality PVC plastic. Plastic business cards are very strong and almost indestructible. Wear and tear is not a concern with these cards, and water won't damage them. This finish works great if your business card includes bright colors and gives it a semi-gloss appearance.
March 4 2023|Emilia Piedra Donoso.