Choosing Business Card Materials That Get Noticed

First impressions are important when it comes to the business world and that includes building relationships with the public. One of the main items that customers take in order to remember a store or company is a business card. Choosing the right business card materials helps to build your brand as the card tells a story about your company. It is important to choose the right paper type and weight for your cards and this includes keeping the business card thickness in mind so the card holds up under repeated handling. In addition, you can create a lasting impression with business card finishes that are memorable and eye-catching. Your business cards need to have a design and quality that stand out from any other cards shared by the competition. 

Business Card Paper Thickness Matters

The business card thickness is determined by the density or diameter of the card stock used to create them. Here are the most common paper weights for business cards across all industries:

• 10Pt/0.010 inches thick – While this is a popular choice, keep in mind it is a paper with a lighter weight so it is rather flimsy and can bend easily.
• 14 Pt/0.014 inches thick– This is the weight that is viewed as the standard paper weight most businesses use for their business cards.
• 16 Pt/0.016 inches thick –  This paper weight tends to be more durable and stiffer than 300GSM paper which makes it an above average grade paper.
• 18 Pt/0.018 inches thick – Overall, this paper weight has a sturdy feel and places an emphasis on premium and high-quality results.

Business Card Finishes

There are several business card finishes you can use depending on the look you are going for with the final product:

• Matte is one of the most frequently chosen paper finishes for business cards as it offers a smooth, non-shiny finish. Matte stocks are available in a broad range of colors but they are most commonly found in whites, creams, beiges and tans. Anyone that chooses these matte stock color tones needs to be aware that any lettering might not be as crisp as the letters printed on neutral tones. Matte stocks print cleanly which provides the opportunity to write on business cards in cases where a name or telephone number is changed or added. 
• Glossy stock has an aqueous coating which results in a shiny finish. Overall, this stock is best used for projects that have bright colors and double-sided printing. Glossy stocks give a wide range of options for business cards. Businesses that use glossy stocks can place photos in the background as well as incorporate multiple images that are close to a photographic quality. In addition, glossy stocks have a longevity to them as the aqueous coating protects the card from common issues like water damage and tearing. The public cannot write on the business cards if any information needs to be updated or altered.
• Textured card stocks are available in both matte and glossy stocks. They have patterns that are pressed into the stock to give them a specific feel such as basketweave, dots or houndstooth. They are available in multiple colors and are often used by someone trying to achieve a tactile dimension to a card. Textured stocks are ideal for single-sided business cards. Textured matte stock advantages are consistent with standard matte stocks. On the other hand, textured glossy stocks can be printed as a double-sided product. However, it is important to remember that double-sided cards can sometimes be confusing for potential clients so they should only be used if they clearly convey the desired information.

If you are looking for the best business card printing service, check out your options for business card materials by calling our design team today. 

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