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The Ultimate Guide to Business Card Stock: Best Paper Types and Materials

Business card paper types

Believe it or not, the quality of your business card says a lot about your company! A well-designed visiting card can work wonders for your business, but the choice of paper for your business cards is just as crucial as the design itself.

The type of material and finish of your business card convey crucial messages about your brand. Choosing the best paper ensures that prospective customers receive the right impression about your company.

In this article, we discuss what is business card paper, the importance of choosing the right visiting card paper, guiding you through the process and exploring various types of business card paper stock.

What is business card paper?

Business card paper refers to the type of paper used for your business card. A standard business card size is typically 3.5 inches long and 2 inches wide, making it easy to carry in a wallet.

The type of paper you choose for your business card reflects the card’s quality and showcases your style and attitude toward your business.

Why does your choice of business card stock matter?

Choosing the right paper for your business card is crucial. Your business card often serves as the physical representation of your brand. It’s not just about conveying contact details; it’s a reflection of your brand’s identity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

The texture, weight, and feel of your card communicate something about your business before the recipient even reads the printed information. A flimsy, poorly printed card might convey a lack of care or investment in your work, while a card made from quality, sturdy paper that feels pleasant to the touch can convey reliability and professionalism.

Moreover, your choice of business card paper directly influences the card’s durability. Opting for the right paper ensures that your card can withstand the journey through various hands, wallets, and pockets without fading, bending, or wearing at the edges. Durable cards are more likely to stay with the recipient longer, serving as a lasting reminder of your meeting and business.

While it may be tempting to pick any card stock and start designing and printing, selecting the right type of card is key, It’s the first step in creating a professional, memorable business card that won’t be discarded.

Business card paper stock type fundamentals

When choosing business card paper stock, it’s essential to understand its various characteristics to ensure the final product aligns with your expectations and reflects your brand accurately. Here are some important factors to consider:

Paper weight (GSM)

GSM, or grams per square meter, is a measure of paper weight. In business cards, GSM indicates the thickness and sturdiness of the card. Higher GSM values signify a thicker and firmer card.

Most professionals prefer to print their business cards on 300 GSM paper, which translates to 14 Pt or 0.014 inches in thickness. This paper option offers a good balance, feeling substantial and sturdy while still retaining some flexibility.

However, the best paper for business cards is from 400 to 450 GSM. This adds an extra touch of elegance to your card and your brand.

Paper texture

In business cards, paper texture refers to the surface feel of the cardstock, which can be smooth or textured. Smooth textures offer a sleek and modern look, while textured finishes add depth and visual interest.The texture of the paper influences both how the card feels to touch and how it looks.

Paper finish

There are three common finishes to consider: dull, matte, and glossy. Your choice will depend on your intended use and the impression you wish to convey.

Here’s a breakdown of each finish:

Uncoated finish resembles standard printer paper, providing a textured feel. While uncoated cards lack a protective coating, they offer a classic and natural aesthetic. They are ideal for writing on and are cost-effective.

Coated papers are sealed with a surface sealant, such as clay, to enhance qualities like shine, weight, and ink absorbency. Matte, satin, and glossy are popular options within coated finishes.

  • Matte: Matte stocks offer a smooth and elegant texture without the shine of gloss papers.
  • Satin: Satin coated papers have a slight shine, falling between matte and gloss finishes.
  • Gloss: Glossy finishes provide protection against moisture and offer a vibrant shine, enhancing colourful graphics for a modern look.

However, there are also several less conventional finishes that can make your business card stand out from the crowd, including metallic, pearlized, or UV-coated options. These unique finishes offer additional opportunities to elevate your brand’s identity and leave a memorable impression on recipients.

Opacity

The opacity of the paper affects how much content is visible from the opposite side of the card.

Print compatibility

Different papers absorb ink differently, which can affect how sharp and vibrant your printed images and text appear. For instance, certain types of ink may perform better on more porous paper, while thinner papers might not be suitable for embossing.

Colour

Choosing between white and coloured paper affects how vibrant and accurate your printed colours will be.

Best type of paper stock for business cards

Here are some of the most common and popular types of business card paper:

Cardstock

Cardstock, also known as ‘cover stock’ or ‘paper stock,’ is a most common type of paper used for business cards. It strikes a balance between the lightweight feel of regular paper and the durability of cardboard. With its sturdy nature, cardstock ensures that your business cards maintain their shape and quality even with frequent handling.

Typically weighing around 80 to 110 pounds per ream of paper, cardstock is strong enough to withstand extensive handling. This makes it an excellent choice for business cards that are often carried around and passed between multiple individuals over extended periods.

One of the key benefits of cardstock is its availability in various finishes and textures, such as smooth, textured, matte, glossy, metallic, or pearlescent. This diversity allows for extensive customization, enabling you to choose a thickness that aligns with your design preferences and brand identity.

Matte visiting card paper stock

Matte business card has a smooth, non-glossy finish, making it a popular choice for its professional and easy-to-read appearance. Its surface is silky smooth on both sides, providing an ideal texture for writing. This ink-absorbent finish ensures clear and legible text.

Matte stock comes in a wide range of colours, including popular shades like whites, creams, beiges, and tans. However, be aware that the matte finish may make colours appear slightly duller than intended.

Related: What are the best colors for your business cards?

Glossy business card paper stock

The glossy stock has an aqueous coating, a clear, fast-drying, water-based layer that is more environmentally friendly than varnish or UV coatings. This finish showcases colours to their fullest advantage and protects graphics from blurring.

Glossy paper stock makes logos pop and enhances bold images, setting a strong and confident tone. Excellent for bright colours and photography, it features a glossy and slick feeling on the front, with a silky backside. It also increases the card’s longevity, making it resistant to water damage and tearing. However, note that you cannot write on glossy stock business cards.

Recycled business card paper stock

Recycled visiting card paper type is an ideal choice for eco-friendly businesses, as it’s made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Its lightly speckled appearance adds to its organic look, making it perfect for projects that prioritise sustainability.

The paper’s ink-absorbent quality complements softer, muted colors and simple, geometric designs. With a slightly rippled and textured feel, it exudes sturdiness while maintaining its eco-friendly credentials.

Linen business card paper stock

Linen cardstock provides a luxurious option for business cards, made from paper woven with Italian cotton. Its elegant matte finish adds sophistication, making it ideal for businesses seeking a quality, natural feel. The subtle weave texture enhances its tactile appeal, adding a touch of refinement to your cards.

How do you choose the ideal business card paper for your specific business?

Choosing the right business card paper is crucial for making a lasting impression that aligns with your brand’s identity. While standard 14 pt card stock is commonly used, it may not always be the best fit for your business. Here’s how to select the ideal business card paper:

  1. Understand your brand’s aesthetic: Consider the impression you want to convey. Is your style sleek and professional, or bold and quirky? Choose a paper that reflects your brand’s personality and aesthetic.
  2. Set a budget: Higher quality paper options offer a more luxurious feel and increased durability but come with a higher price tag. If you’re on a tight budget, explore more affordable options that still meet your needs.
  3. Consider durability: Assess how often your business cards will be handled. Opt for sturdier paper if they’ll be passed around frequently. For one-time use at events, a lighter paper stock may suffice.
  4. Prioritise sustainability: If sustainability is important to your brand, explore eco-friendly paper options. Recycled or sustainably sourced papers not only minimise environmental impact but also offer unique textures and finishes.
  5. Align with design: Ensure the chosen paper stock complements your business card design. Will it result in a neat and clean appearance? Will colours pop against the background?
  6. Order samples: It’s advisable to order samples of the paper types you’re considering. Holding the paper in your hand and seeing how it feels and looks with your design can provide valuable insights that online descriptions or images may not convey.

Should you go for eco-friendly business card paper stock?

With sustainability gaining momentum, consumers increasingly expect brands to embrace environmental responsibility in both words and actions. Opting for eco-friendly business card paper stock, such as kraft, bamboo, or hemp paper, meets this demand while offering unique textures and a natural aesthetic.

These materials contribute to reducing environmental impact and can make your business cards stand out. However, if sustainability isn’t your top priority or if budget constraints come into play, you may weigh other factors when selecting your business card paper stock. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your brand’s values and priorities.

The takeaway

Choosing the perfect paper type for your business cards can be challenging, but it’s a decision worth getting right. Consider your card’s intended use and the impression you want to convey, while also keeping your budget in mind.

Thinner card stock may be suitable if your cards will be displayed in a holder or mailed out in bulk, but for personal distribution at important events, thicker card stock can enhance durability and make your cards stand out.

If you’re still uncertain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. At Print To brand, we’re committed to providing a simple ordering solution for high-quality business cards, paired with exceptional service, all at a competitive price.

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