How to Choose the Paper for Business Cards? | Helloprint (2024)
Business cards can do wonders for your business. That is, of course, if they’re done right. In business card printing, the kind of business card paper you choose is just as important as the design. Business card material types and finishes say a lot about your brand. You need to choose the best paper that will give prospective customers the right message.
The best paper to print business cards on is card stock. The higher the GSM of the paper, the better the quality of your business card. Let’s go through the types of paper.
Regular (200 to 340 gsm)
The business cards with a 200 to 340 gsm (grams per square meter) paper thickness are a good option for businesses with a tighter budget, which still want a large number of quality business cards for their staff. It is also a great choice if you would rather use recycled paper for your business cards, which is with a 300 gsm paper thickness.
For companies looking to order business cards in bulk for their hundreds of employees, regular card stock business cards are the more affordable and cost-effective option.
Disadvantages
While it is a good business card paper, it tends to be a little flimsy and looks less professional than others. It also has the tendency to get damaged a lot quicker. These business cards are best stored in a cardholder in an office or shop to be given directly to customers.
Go premium if you want a heavier business card paper. Many consider this to be the best paper to print business cards on. Business cards printed on 400gsm paper thickness are great for giving away during networking events such as conferences, business meetings, and trade shows.
Advantages
The higher thickness makes this material more durable and long-lasting. This material also makes for great double-sided printing. It also appears more substantial and sturdier. Due to the sturdy material, it will not be easily folded or crumpled whether its put in someone’s pocket, purse, or bag.
Disadvantages
It is a little more expensive compared to regular card stock but gives off a more professional and luxurious quality to anyone who receives it.
What about the finish?
Choosing the right finish for your business cards is just as important as choosing the right paper material. If you want to have something simple but professional, have a matte laminated business card. If you want people to be able to take quick notes on your business card, order writable business cards. Whether you want matte, silk, velvet, glossy, or pearlescent finish, it can certainly level up the look of your business cards.
High-quality paper can truly change the entire look and feel of your business cards. Don’t settle for anything less. Choose the right paper and finish for your business card printing. Order your own high-quality business cards right now!
Most business cards are printed on 14 Pt cardstock, which is a thicker and more durable form of paper than the stuff you might have in your home printer. However, there are variations between different types of cardstock, most of which come down to the paper's weight.
We are often asked which card stock or paper type should be used for greeting cards. The weight range for greeting card printing is between 10pt to 18pt paper. Usually, 16pt card stock is considered the best paper weight for printing greeting cards to sell.
110lb cover (284 GSM): on the thicker end of the cardstock spectrum, this extra-heavy cardstock is used for deliverables including thick business cards and thick invitations.
While there are many different business card material types, generally, 14 Pt cardstock is the go-to industry standard for most businesses when asked what the best paper for business cards is. It is essentially a thicker and more durable form of printer paper.
Matte-coated cards are more durable than the standard uncoated business cards, but they are not as durable as glossy cards. Matte cards bend on the edges when mishandled and damage when in contact with moisture. If your business cards must survive rough usage, glossy cards are better for you.
The ideal paper weight for business cards is typically between 14pt and 16pt cardstock. Heavier-weighted cards convey professionalism, while lighter options may be more cost-effective. Consider factors such as brand image, budget, and desired finish when selecting the right paper weight.
Offset printing is of higher quality than digital printing because of the way these presses transfer ink to the paper. Business cards printed on an offset printer have clean, crisp lines because a plate transfers the business card text and images to a rubber sheet, which is then pressed directly to the paper.
Medium-weight Cardstock (121-200 gsm): Great for business cards, postcards, and greeting cards. Heavyweight Cardstock (201-300 gsm): Perfect for high-quality invitations, book covers, and presentations. Super Heavyweight Cardstock (300+ gsm): Reserved for premium projects like wedding invitations and packaging.
Is 65 LB or 110 LB Cardstock Thicker? The rule of thumb is, the higher the GSM (grams per square meter), the thicker and heavier the cardstock is. A 65 lb cardstock would have a GSM of 176, whereas a 110 lb cardstock would have a GSM between 270 - 308.
Classic business cards are printed most commonly on 14-point cardstock (thick), 16-point cardstock (thicker), and 100 lb.gloss cover (thin). These are the 3 most common types of business card paper used to create a classic style and feel. But, there are even more upgraded business card paper weight options available.
Same Paper, Different Weight: Both are made out of the same raw materials and out to the same production equipment. So we know the 100lb paper is 25% heavier than the 80lb gloss text and therefore thicker than the 80lb paper.
Many consider this to be the best paper to print business cards on. Business cards printed on 400gsm paper thickness are great for giving away during networking events such as conferences, business meetings, and trade shows. The higher thickness makes this material more durable and long-lasting.
The most commonly available business card size in the United States and Canada is 3.5” x 2”. Other readily available sizes for business cards in the U.S. include 3.5” x 2.5”, 3.5” x 1.75”.
To put it simply, cardstock is a thicker and more durable type of paper. It is more flexible and thinner than paperboard and cardboard, making it perfect for arts and crafts. Since it is heavier and sturdier than standard or regular paper, it is also the best choice for paper crafting and card making.
You can never go wrong with a ream of plain white cardstock and a booklet of plain colored cardstock. Plain colored cardstock also comes in an ultra smooth finish which once you use, you will never want to go back to the standard type. The smooth finish is ideal for stamping and drawing on as the color doesn't bleed.
Matte: Matte Business Cards have a smooth and glare-free finish; the perfect choice for any smart but understated card. Gloss: If you want colors to pop off the paper, Gloss Business Cards are the way to go. They not only add depth to the card but also make it stand out with an eye-catching shine.
The standard thickness of a business card is 14 pt. on the low end and 20 pt. on the high end. We recommend 14 pt., as it will probably work better with your at-home printer.
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