Business Cards Stock Types and Finishes
Are you in the market for some new business cards? Whether you’re considering an entirely new design to represent yourself or your small business or looking to freshen up your current cards, there are a variety of stock and finish options to consider.
In this article, we’ll explore the various business card types and finishes that affect the overall look and feel of this important branding tool. Curious about the design elements of business cards? Check out our previous post on Business Card Basics.
Business Card Stock Types
Your business card is essentially a miniature billboard for yourself or your small business. While the content of your business card is incredibly important, the type of paper it is printed on can also influence the impression it leaves. Imagine giving someone your business card printed on regular printer paper versus a sturdy cardstock—the difference would be immediately noticeable and could impact their perception of you.
There are several different types of cardstock that you can use for your business card. They include:
14-point stock (14pt): This is the most common cardstock used for this type of printed material. It’s essentially the goldilocks of business cards—it’s not too thin or stiff. While 14pt maintains flexibility, your cards won’t be flimsy, as it is still a thick piece of cardstock. It’s also often less expensive compared to higher-end options, making it a sensible choice for those looking to purchase a larger quantity or with have a tighter budget.
16-point stock (16pt): Stepping it up in thickness and quality is the 16pt cardstock, which offers a more premium feel. If you’re considering a business card that is more durable and not as prone to wear and tear over time, like less thick options, this is the cardstock for you! While it can be pricier than the 14pt, it can enhance first impressions.
100 lb. stock: This is one of the thinnest business card options and one of the most popular with customers of The UPS Store. While it offers a thicker feel than printer paper, for example, it is more flexible/bendable than 14pt and 16pt cardstock. Printing on 100 lb. cardstock is a far more economical option.
Some of the thickest cardstock to print business cards on is 32-point or 48-point stock. While the price can often increase when opting for thick cardstock, this look may make sense for your specific business. A thicker business card can certainly stand out from the crowd!
Choosing the best business card stock type for you will depend on how much of your budget you can allocate and how many business cards you need. If you require a greater number of business cards and have a tight budget, 14pt or 100 lb. cardstock options may be a better choice. However, if you don’t need as many business cards, you may want to opt for a greater thickness that will come with a higher price tag but a potentially leave a greater impression.
Business Card Finishes
The design and cardstock choice plays a significant role in a business card’s overall look. However, the finish on top can add a layer of professionalism. The type of finish will depend on the nature of your business and, similar to the stock type, your budget. Here are some finishes you can choose from:
Matte vs. Gloss Finish: If you’ve ever had pictures from a camera developed, you have likely been asked whether you want a matte or gloss finish. Similarly, business cards can offer both finish types, each with pros and cons.
Matte is a popular finish for business cards due to its smooth, sleek, and modern look, which may be considered more professional. Matte is also not prone to visible fingerprints, making it look less worn down. The downside of matte? Certain colours may not pop as much, so if your current design incorporates bright colours, they can feel a bit muted with this finish.
On the opposite end is a glossy finish that can offer a vibrant, eye-catching look to your business cards. This added sheen can look especially great on bright-coloured cards to help make it pop. The gloss finish can offer extra protection if you work in an industry where your cards may be exposed to dirt, moisture, or other materials, such as in the trades, visual arts, or construction. However, a potential downside of this finish is the glare it may produce under certain lighting conditions, which could make it difficult to read text-heavy cards.
UV vs. Aqueous Finish: Ultraviolet (UV) coating is chemical-based and adds a clear coating that hardens when dried using UV light. It helps promote the longevity of your business card because it offers a durable layer, helps make colours pop, and helps prevent your design from fading. You may also come across Spot UV, which adds a shine to just the text and/or images to your business card. This can help allow some aspects of your card to pop more than others.
Similarly, aqueous coating adds a clear layer to business cards that help keep them looking newer, longer because it protects the cards from fingerprints, dirt, scratches, and more. Unlike UV, this coating is water-based and is much more environmentally friendly. However, aqueous coating cannot be used for spot coating (it needs to be applied to the entire card rather than only certain elements like text and images).
Both offset finishes can be applied to gloss and matte-finished business cards. Check out The UPS Store’s Online Print hub for finish options.
Printing Business Cards with The UPS Store
Let The UPS Store help propel your business forward with professionally printed business cards that can help you leave a lasting impression on current and potential customers. From single and double-sided cards to various cardstock and coatings, let your creativity shine! Visit The UPS Store at a location near you to get started, or check out our online print options today!