People pass out business cards to communicate their professional and contact information. They often feature the firm they work for, the nature of their profession, phone number, email address, and a small design to make them unique.

You may print professional and visually beautiful business cards to create a good impression on business connections. This page discusses business card material, the varieties of paper used for business cards, and other design and printing recommendations for business cards.

What is business card paper?

Business card paper is the type of paper used to create business cards. Business cards are generally 3.5 inches long and 2 inches broad, making them convenient to carry or store in a wallet.

The paper on which you print your business card may reflect the card’s quality, your style, and your business ethos. It can assist you in deciding how to promote yourself professionally.

At a minimum, it should appear professional and be robust enough for your contacts to carry after meeting you.

Weight:

The weight of a business card relates to the thickness of the card’s paper. Heavier paper is more durable and might feel more opulent. Here are some essential components of business card paper:

Thickness:

Thickness can also add to the endurance of a card. However, a card that feels like cardboard might be cumbersome and difficult to handle.

Color:

Papers come in many hues, and this may be a simple method to set yourself apart from other business cards. Strictly professional business cards may be limited to whites and creams, while a more progressive professional may experiment with eye-catching hues.

Printing capabilities:

Your business card contains your contact information, so be careful to select a paper type that can handle the printing you need. Various types of ink may perform better on more porous paper, while thinner sheets may not support embossing.

Finish:

Finish refers to the look of the paper after it has been printed and treated by the manufacturer. You may choose between glossy and matte finishes.

Five types of business card paper

Here are several types of business paper that can be used for business correspondence:

Card stock

Cardstock is a typical type of paper used for business cards, while some printing businesses may refer to it as cover material. This sort of paper has a ream weight of around 80 to 110 pounds.

It is durable, so it can withstand extensive handling, making it an excellent option for business cards often carried by several persons for extended periods. The heavier the paper, the stiffer it is. Nonetheless, the thicker paper might be more costly.

Matte stock

Matte stock is common for business card paper since it has a non-shiny yet smooth feel. It may provide a professional and premium appearance for your business card.

Since the coating can absorb ink, matte business cards can also be written on. It may be significant if you frequently write notes on your card.

Whites, creams, beiges, and tans are the most common matte stock colors. If you opt to utilize a colored version of Matte paper, bear in mind that the matte surface may cause the color to appear less vibrant than intended.

Glossy stock

Glossy paper is coated with an aqueous coating, a transparent, fast-drying water-based coating that imparts a glossy look. The finish’s water-based chemical composition makes it more eco-friendly than varnish or UV coating.

The glossy texture of these business cards allows the colors to be displayed to their greatest effect.

The glossy coating maintains the colors and minimizes blurring, allowing you to add a graphic to your business card. It also extends the life of the business card by preventing water damage and ripping. However, you cannot write on a business card printed on glossy material.

Photo card stock

You may use photo card paper when you want your card to have a photo-quality finish. If you want to add a photo of yourself to your business card, this may be your best option.

Real estate brokers frequently utilize Photo card paper to incorporate photographs of high quality. It is also an excellent option for full-color, double-sided business cards due to the professional quality of the colors.

Textured

Textured cardstock may have either a glossy or matte appearance. The texture pressed into the material, such as a basket weave, dots, or houndstooth, imparts a distinct feel.

Textured stocks are available in various hues and provide a tactile texture to your business card. Printing on these cards is generally one-sided due to the pressed production method.

However, this detail on your business card might become confusing or bulky if unrelated to your brand, so keep the texture minimal.