Picking the best paper for business cards can be daunting — given the number of unknown variables and unfamiliar territory. The best paper for business cards is crucially needed for you to leave a lasting impression in your respective industry. Due to this, you must pick the best paper for business cards; projecting your’s and your company’s admirable images to potential clients.
Guide To Picking The Best Paper For Business Cards
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. It is important to note, however, that every business is different — picking the best paper for business cards should be done on a case-by-case basis.
What is meant by 14 Pt: 0.014 inches of thickness. This particular paper is has a heft to it and is a classic choice for business cards. A general rule of thumb, though, would be that thicker product makes business cards feel more premium. Utilizing this logic, a company can refer to a business card thickness chart — comparing options and picking the best fit for themselves. Another form of measurement would be paper density, where paper is measured by GSM (grams per square meter) and refers to the thickness of the paper. Examples of GSM measurements in everyday products include 35-55 GSM for newspapers, 170-300 GSM for corporate brochure printing, and 350-400 GSM for general business cards.
A greater thickness makes the material more durable, substantial, and classy. If a company is looking to pick the best paper for business cards possible, then a thicker choice would be a no-brainer. The reason many companies still choose to print on thinner cards boils down to price. Compared to regular card stock, thicker cards are more expensive; being the trade-off for a more luxurious feel. Not just this, when it comes to double-sided printing, a more weighty and solid base would make for a higher quality print.
The best paper for business cards is not everything when it comes to quality and image. Regardless of paper type, considering the finish on the paper is consequential. The finish is the cherry on the top of the dessert, adding that bit of finesse to your business card. There are a variety of finishes to choose from, matte/glossy finishes and spot UV coating are such examples.
Matte Vs Glossy Finish
Matte and glossy finishes are some of the most common finishes available and are widely used by a plethora of businesses. They each have their respective pros and cons.
Matte finishes give business cards a smooth and expensive feel. It also allows for business cards to be more readable; glossy cards have a glare, which can make for a tough reading experience under lighting. In general, matte paper is more suited towards designs with a light or pastel color scheme. It is seen as more modern, and in comparison to glossy finishes, looks cleaner.
Glossy paper on business cards is a result of a proper glossy finish. Glossy finishes give your card higher durability — gloss is a much more preservative and protective coating as opposed to matte. A glossy finish is also the perfect choice to make your business card pop out and stand out amongst the crowd.
To sum up, picking the best paper for business cards is not all, the best quality paper for business cards, along with a proper finish and the right thickness: is the recipe for success. Your business card is representative of your company, your brand, and yourself.
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