Business card printing has many components. While many are oblivious to this fact, many processes and materials actually go into the business card’s production.
Many printing companies provide a lot of options for you to choose from. Customized orders even go far up as to cater to the most challenging details and features of certain prints.
Nevertheless, what seems as ordinary choices are not that extraordinary. With every choice of paper stock, size, finish and the like makes for a different combination. Naturally, it produces a different effect quite like no other.
Choosing which goes with which and putting them all into your head might be too much to ask. But really, if you’ve put your heard and soul into your creation, this isn’t the time to hold out on your business cards.
PAPER
Different printing companies offer different paper stocks for your business cards. Some use 12pt. Cover Stock while others use a 14pt. Cover Stock. What’s the big difference you ask?
• Paper is important for it is the chief material that holds your design together. It is the business card’s body and therefore, it has to be in tip top shape. It has to be durable that it may resist, at certain degrees, creases or folding.
• It has to be of premium quality that it may absorb the inks better and hold unto it. At the same time, even the grain of the paper matters for it can contribute to the business card’s texture and over all look.
• And sometimes too much texture on paper may affect the printing process and refrain the printing machines from coming into full contact with the surface of the paper. Thus, the design may become distorted. This happens, especially is you stubbornly persist in using a different or unusual kind of paper without consulting your printer.
• Putting these things aside for the moment, what exactly is the difference between 12pt stock versus a 14pt. stock? 14pt is much thicker than a 12pt stock. Thus, it is more substantial, firmer than a 12pt stock.
• 14pt paper stocks are measured in thickness and are commonly used for coated prints like the business cards. On the other hand, other materials such as 100# Gloss Text are measured by their weight.
• When it comes to choosing a brand or other kind of paper, it is important to note that print materials works best with high quality, bright white and opaque paper stock.
• Bight white paper allows the prints to become more vibrant and richer in color. Its smooth surface renders the print fine and polished, thus, making the prints all the more dazzling.
• Opacity is important too for it prevents the light from passing through to the other side. Thick paper stock, which is opaque, makes your business cards more solid to look at. It also prevents the design on the other side from showing through.
TIPS
• Study your paper stock options. Do not just go for a printer which offers a low, low price on business card printing. Always see what kind of bargain you are getting.
• A heavy set paper stock is ideal for business cards for it will hold up for a longer time. If it were added with a varnish or coating, just think how well you’re business cards will look years from now.
• There are many card stocks in the commercial printer’s pockets. There are 14pt. Gloss Cover, 14pt. Cover with UV Coating and 14pt. Matter Cover.
• If you want a different card stock, discuss with your printer if it were possible to access this kind of paper. If it is available or would it still have to be bought, since paper comes in huge sheets or rolls. Carefully weigh your priorities and budget.
• Familiarize yourself too with what some finishes can do for your prints. A matte finish gives prints a dull yet smooth and sophisticated finish. UV Coating, on the other hand, prevents ball point pens from writing over your business cards. Study your habits and of course, your style.