A business card is a piece of paper you give to people so they can contact you professionally or reach out to your organisation. The material used for these cards is as important as the card itself. The weight, texture and feel of the card leave a lasting impression on the receiver. Imagine you are at a networking event, and you connect with someone, and now, it’s time to exchange business cards. Remember, you are not just giving a card, but it’s more than that; this is a piece of your brand. So, it is very important to print cards of good quality that look professional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time.
Why Does Material Matter?
The importance of material is situated in the fact that it leaves a kind of impression and tells a particular story about your brand. This is a part of tactile marketing, which is passed from one person to another. This is why the right type of paper matters when it comes to business cards, as it makes the difference when it comes to leaving a long-lasting impression. Choosing materials that showcase professionalism and attention helps elevate your brand’s image when shared with people.
Paper-Based Business Cards
The most commonly used material for printing business cards is paper-based cards. People often choose paper due to its versatility. They are available in various kinds of textures, finishes, and thicknesses. They range from matte, glossy and textured finishes. Most of these papers vary in thickness, and most of them are 300-400 GSM (grams per square meter).
- Matte Finish: This finish gives your card a smooth, non-glossy, expensive feel. They offer a clean and elegant look, which makes them perfect for professional settings.
- Glossy Finish: This provides a shiny look, making colours pop and providing a vibrant, sleek feel. A glossy finish provides your cards with high durability. These cards are for creative professionals in the marketing and design industries.
- Textured Finish: Options such as Linen or laid paper add a tactile element; often, these elements are used tactically for premium brands to convey elegance and tradition.
The biggest advantage of paper is that it is easily available and affordable, especially on a mass production level. Many cards could be used depending on your brand and its value, multiple high-level brands go for luxury business cards as they are affordable. If your brand’s message is easily conveyed through paper prints while leaving a lasting impression, then go for it.
MATTE FINISH
This kind of finish is the most popular kind of business card as it is not shiny but still has a smooth finish. Matte is offered in various colours. The most popular ones are cream, white, beige, and tan. These cards create an expensive, put-together appearance for your business cards.
GLOSSY FINISH
Glossy finish has an aqueous coating with a clear, fast-drying, water-based coating, giving the card a glossy appearance. This water-based finish is more environmentally friendly and provides a shiny finish. On your glossy cards, you can add any kind of graphic you want because its finish protects the colour and prevents it from blurring out or losing colour.
Plastic Business Cards
Plastic Cards are more durable and have a modern flair to them. These cards are made of materials such as PVC, which is commonly used for credit cards. They are available in clear, frosted or opaque finishes. Plastic cards are mostly used by high-tech industries that want to have a modern, sleek image. Due to their durability, the unique texture and their resistance to wear & tear make them stand out and ensure longer lasting.
These cards also allow people to play with their creativity a bit, as they can be designed into various elements. Transparent elements or metallic inks can be used to increase appeal. These cards can easily be compatible with techniques such as embossing, foil stamping and UV coating. These cards are comparatively expensive to produce and are less environmentally friendly.
Metal Business Cards
These cards are the epitome of elegance and exclusivity. These are typically made from stainless steel, copper or aluminium. These cards are very strong, sleek and highly durable. These cards are cut and engraved with text through lasers and cut-out designs to make them impressively stand out. Metal Business Cards in Canada are most suitable for executives, luxury brands, and industries, and they make a bold statement. These cards provide a prestigious look & feel and are resistant to damage.
However, the drawback of these cards is that they are high in cost compared to all the other materials. They are also heavier than your normal card, which cannot be practical for daily use purposes.
Wooden Business Cards
Cards made from wood or bamboo material are the most eco-friendly and stylish option to be used to stand out while providing an organic feel & look. These are usually made from thin slices of sustainable wood such as bamboo, cherry and maple. Wooden business cards feature natural finishes or custom engraving to highlight the brand’s message and logo. These cards are generally used by businesses that aim to promote sustainability, wellness, and green solutions. Cards made out of wood are unique, with long-lasting characteristics compared to paper.
Furthermore, every wood utilised has a unique grain pattern that is used to enhance the beauty and individuality of the brand. These cards are expensive, just like the metallic cards, and they have limited flexibility when it comes to designing intricate details.
Cotton and Recycled Material-Based Business Cards
Another environmentally friendly way to make business cards is to use cotton or recycled materials. Cotton cards are durable yet soft, providing a high-end, elegant feel. Recycled cards are made from consumer waste or reclaimed fibres, a great way to show commitment to the environment and its sustainability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right material for a business card is crucial and depends on various factors such as budget, brand identity, durability needs and environmental considerations. These cards provide a way for you to showcase your brand’s value and personality. You can use paper-based cards, which are further categorised into matte, glossy and textured papers. Depending on your requirements, you can also choose from metal cards, plastic cards and wooden cards. Lastly, environmentally conscious people can also use recycled and cotton materials to print their cards.