Paper Types and Finishes

The material you choose affects how your design looks and feels. Each paper type and finish creates a distinct impression, from classic elegance to premium options.

Cardstock Weights

Thickness matters. The weight of your cardstock affects durability, perceived quality, and how your card feels in hand.

14pt Cardstock

0.014 inches thick

Our lightest option, suitable for budget-conscious projects. Still maintains professional quality with good durability for everyday use.

16pt Cardstock

0.016 inches thick

The industry standard. Offers excellent balance between quality and cost. Sturdy enough to withstand regular handling while remaining flexible.

18pt Cardstock

0.018 inches thick

Premium thickness that communicates quality. Noticeably more substantial than standard cards, suitable for making a strong impression.

32pt Cardstock

0.032 inches thick

Ultra-premium, extra-thick cardstock. A premium option, often used with foil or other specialty finishes for distinctive results.

Surface Finishes

Matte Finish

Non-reflective surface with a smooth, elegant appearance. Reduces glare and provides excellent writability. Ideal for professional services, consultants, and minimalist designs. The matte finish offers a sophisticated, understated look.

Gloss Finish

High-shine coating that makes colors pop with vibrant intensity. Creates a polished, modern look with excellent color saturation. Good for photography, creative industries, and designs with bold graphics. The glossy surface catches light.

Silk Finish

Quality laminate with a smooth texture. Combines features of matte and gloss with a subtle sheen and soft feel. Scratch-resistant and fingerprint-resistant. Good for premium brands seeking a quality tactile experience.

Uncoated

Natural paper texture without any coating. Provides a warm, organic feel with excellent writability. Colors appear softer and more muted. Ideal for eco-conscious brands, artisan businesses, and designs that benefit from a handcrafted aesthetic.

Spot UV

Selective gloss coating applied to specific design elements. Creates striking contrast between matte and glossy areas. Adds dimension and highlights key information like logos or text. A sophisticated way to add visual interest without full coverage.

Soft Touch

Coating that creates a quality tactile experience. The soft, suede-like texture provides a pleasant feel. Fingerprint-resistant and durable. Good for luxury brands and high-end professional services.

Specialty Enhancements

Take your cards beyond standard printing with premium enhancements that add dimension, texture, and luxury.

Close-up of metallic foil stamping on business card showing gold foil accents

Foil Stamping

Metallic foil applied with heat and pressure creates distinctive accents. Available in gold, silver, copper, rose gold, and holographic finishes. Suitable for logos, borders, or text elements.

Embossing

Raised design elements that add tactile dimension. Creates an elegant, sophisticated effect that can be felt as well as seen. Can be combined with foil for enhanced results.

Debossing

Pressed-in design creates subtle, refined detail. The opposite of embossing, debossing adds depth through indentation. Particularly effective on thick cardstock with uncoated finishes.

Edge Painting

Colored edges add a distinctive detail that sets your cards apart. Available in a wide range of colors to match or contrast with your design.

Die Cutting

Custom shapes and cutouts transform standard rectangles into unique designs. From rounded corners to intricate patterns, die cutting adds visual interest and brand personality.

Letterpress

Traditional printing technique that creates subtle impression in the paper. Offers a handcrafted, artisanal quality with beautiful texture. Ideal for minimalist designs and vintage aesthetics.

Choosing the Right Combination

Not sure which paper and finish combination is right for your brand? Here are some popular pairings and the impressions they create.

Classic Professional

16pt Matte

Timeless and reliable. Suitable for lawyers, accountants, consultants, and traditional businesses. Clean, readable, and appropriate for most uses.

Creative Bold

18pt Gloss

Vibrant and modern. Ideal for designers, photographers, artists, and creative agencies. Makes colors sing and designs pop with energy.

Luxury Premium

32pt Silk + Foil

Premium sophistication. Suitable for executives, luxury brands, high-end services, and special events. High-quality option.

Eco Artisan

18pt Uncoated

Natural and authentic. Great for sustainable brands, handmade goods, organic products, and businesses with environmental values.

Tech Modern

16pt Silk

Sleek and contemporary. Suitable for tech startups, digital agencies, modern professionals, and forward-thinking brands.

Boutique Elegant

18pt Soft Touch

Refined and distinctive. Good for boutiques, salons, personal brands, and service providers who value tactile experience.

Request Physical Samples

A good way to choose your paper and finish is to feel them in person. We offer a sample pack featuring our most popular combinations. Contact us to request samples delivered to your door.

Request Samples

Need Guidance?

Our team has experience matching materials to brands. We're happy to discuss your project and recommend a suitable combination of paper, finish, and enhancements for your specific needs and budget.