A business card is, without a doubt, the most basic and yet most successful traditional marketing instrument available. They continue to have the ability to make a strong first impression on anyone who receives one of them. The most typical question asked when consumers contact us for assistance is, “What paper stock should I use for my company cards?” Because we provide a large range of stocks to select from, if you don’t have any direction, it may appear like an impossible task to pick what’s best for you and your business. We’re here to make your life a little easier. In this blog, we’ll go through our company card stock options and who they’d be ideal for.

The following are some important terms that will help you better understand each sort of paper:

Weight

Stiffness and thickness of paper stocks and card stocks. Paper stocks are usually measured in lbs, while card stock is typically measured in pts, such as 14pt gloss, 24pt matte Trifecta green, and 100lb recycled matte. Keep in mind that paper stocks are thinner than card stocks; the names imply this. A credit card has a weight of 30 points.

Cover

thicker than regular paper

Gloss

A mirror-like, reflecting sheen

Matte

A smooth and elegant look

Uncoated

There is no coating or finish to this, and it feels the closest to traditional paper.

14 pt. Gloss Cover

If you’re a firm or an individual looking to print business cards in bulk, this traditional card stock with a classic sheen is ideal. This stock has an additional layer of High Gloss UV Coating on its surface, which not only keeps the shine but also ensures excellent color reproduction. This stock is cost-effective while still providing excellent quality, making it a good choice if you’ll be displaying your business cards in a booth at a trade show, at your company’s storefront/reception, or during a networking event when you’ll be passing out hundreds of cards throughout the day/weekend.

14 pt. Uncoated Cover

This card stock is uncoated, which means it’s the ideal option for your company cards since it allows them to be writable. Because there is no coating on 14 pt. Uncoated Cover stock, the texture resembles that of regular paper. A personal medical practice or any other business that offers appointments for its services would benefit from utilizing this stock. You’ll be able to include not only your office’s contact information, such as the phone number and address, but also an appointment reminder on the same card. When writing on this stock, we recommend ballpoint pens since smearing may occur.

16 pt. Premium Matte Cover 

What more could you ask for in a card? This matte card stock has a smoother, more modern appearance. With a duller, yet silkier finish than the 14 pt. Gloss Cover, this matte card stock is ideal for companies or individuals who prefer thicker cards. Business cards printed on matte paper have a more elegant appearance and are costlier than glossy business cards. The sheen on matte cards is just enough to make your designs pop; it’s not too distracting. This stock is ideal for anybody wanting to use clean, basic design components with commercial data.

Quick Tip: If you can’t decide between a matte or glossy finish, consider applying a High Gloss UV Coating to one side of your card to get the best of both worlds.

100 lb. Recycled Matte Cover

The eco-friendly company executive prefers this FSC-certified recycled paper stock. This stock is thinner than the 14 pt. Gloss Cover stock and bodes well for businesses or non-profit organizations that seek to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, they could be used by small businesses who have taken the initiative to implement more sustainable practices, such as using less or no plastic, providing discounts to customers who bring their own mugs, and offering biodegradable straws. Recycled business cards are another great way to show your commitment to the environment.

Quick Tip: As a simple marketing technique, you can include a line that says “printed on recycled paper” on your business card to promote your environmentally friendly brand.

 Ultra-Thick Trifecta® Series

The cards from our Trifecta series are triple-layered and thick with a colored middle layer to provide a beautiful pop of color. Graphic designers, illustrators, creative writers, boutique marketing agencies, musicians, DJs, filmmakers, and other creatives are encouraged to use these cards. Because the stock already has color in it, when compared to a typical business card it gives an artistic touch – hence why this stock is ideal for creative individuals. The unique shape of this deck makes it perfect for branding. If your company’s color palette includes any reds, greens, blues, pinks, or blacks, using a Trifecta stock to print your business cards will give your brand the lift and distinction it needs to attract new customers. All of the Black (38 point), Green (24 point), Red (38 point), and Blue (38 degree) colored Trifectas have a unique, luxurious velvety finish, while the Trifecta Pearl (35 percent) has an interesting canvas-like textured finish.

So, which is your favorite type of paper? We want to know what sort of paper stock won you over!