The Different Types of Paper Used in Business Cards
A well-made business card can help you clinch a deal or a new client, but it must be made from high quality paper. A sloppy or unattractive business card can hurt your credibility and may make your clients skeptical about your services.
There are many different types of paper card, with varying textures, weights and finishes. These include kraft, vellum and parchment, which are thin translucent papers that can be die-cut, painted or colored with great effect.
Thickness
The thickness of a paper card is an important factor to consider when printing on it. Thick cards give a more professional and polished look than thinner ones, and they are also better for writing on with pen or pencil without smearing the ink. However, there are many different options when it comes to choosing the right cardstock thickness for your project, and it can be difficult to keep up with all of them. To help you out, we’ve compiled a quick reference table for some of the most common paper weights and thicknesses.
The most popular cardstock thickness is 80 lb, which weighs 225 gms/m2 or 400 sheets per ream and is typically used for invitations and business cards. The Paper Card next step up is 110 lb, which is ideal for stamping and die-cutting projects. It is also thicker and more durable than 80 lb cardstock, but it is still lightweight enough to fold easily.
Other cardstock thickness options include 14 pt and 16 pt. The 14 pt cardstock is similar in thickness to a standard business card, while the 16 pt cardstock has a slightly thicker feel. In addition, there are double-thick options for extremely specific projects. These thicker cards are composed of two pieces of cardstock pasted together. A good choice for business cards, this cardstock is thicker and more durable than regular stock.
Texture
The texture of a paper card can make it feel luxurious to the touch and stand out from other cards. It can also be used to give a more personalized feel to a card, especially for invitations and other high-end pieces. There are several different types of paper textures available, including linen, laid, and felt. The type of paper texture you choose should match the purpose of your project. For example, a flyer may benefit from high-quality paper with a grungy texture, while a keepsake would be better served by a more delicate texture.
Embossed papers have raised detailing that can be seen and felt. This is often done on coated stocks and provides a more polished look. Some of these papers are pressed with patterns like basket weave, dotes, and houndstooth. They can be used to add a tactile dimension to a business card and can also include a message, contact information, or logo.
To create a paper texture, start by creating a new layer and selecting a fill color. You can adjust the intensity of the texture by adjusting the sliders in the Gradient dialog box from darkness to light. You can also use a splatter effect to give the texture a more distressed, weathered look. You can also use a filter that adds random noise to the image to create a more subtle grain.
Customization
A paper card is a small piece of printed cardstock that contains your organization contact details and can be used to share your organization’s message. You can choose from a variety of different cards, papers, and shapes to create the perfect card for your needs. You can also add special inks and overlays to your card to give it a unique look.
Choose from thousands of customizable card templates that match any occasion. Liven up your design with photos, illustrations, and more to tell a story that resonates. With a fully built-in real-time online preview functionality, you can quickly see your design come to life and make adjustments with ease.
You can also customize the card’s size and shape, or add a personalized envelope to finish the package. Choose from rounded, scalloped, ticket, or folded edges to complement your design. You can even upgrade to premium plus stock for a thicker feel.
Once you’ve finished designing your card, you can contactless smart card order it right from the comfort of your home or office. Keep in mind that some customization options will increase the overall cost of your order, so be sure to keep an eye on the total price as you make changes. The small text in each customization section will alert you to any additional costs, and you can always undo your changes if needed.
Cost
The cost of a paper card depends on several factors, including the materials used to make it. This includes the physica supplies, such as glue, paint, and cellophane bags. It also includes the printing costs and any other materials that are not part of the card itself, such as envelopes. The costs of shipping and mailing the cards also need to be taken into consideration.
If you’re planning to sell your handmade cards, you’ll want to consider the price of your materials. You may be tempted to use the cheapest paper possible, but it will probably cost you more in the long run. It’s best to use high-quality papers that are made with sustainability and the environment in mind. These papers will be more durable and have a better look than cheaper ones.
There are many different types of card stock available, based on texture and thickness. Thicker paper is more expensive, but it’s sturdier and more attractive. It’s best to choose a paper that is at least 14pt, or slightly thicker than that. Thicker paper is also more difficult to fold, so it’s a good choice for business cards that will be handled frequently.
If you’re selling to stores, you should know that they usually order in larger quantities than you do. It’s unrealistic to expect a store to buy your cards for the same price that you do at a craft fair, because they need to make a profit.