A business card changes hands in a few seconds, yet it’s often the first thing a customer actually touches from your business. The paper matters as much as the design: a card that’s too thin or poorly finished can feel cheap, even with a great logo. Here’s how to choose.
Thickness: the first criterion
In North America, card thickness is often measured in points (pt). As a guide:
- 14 pt: the standard. Stiff, sturdy and right for most businesses.
- 16 pt: a little thicker, with a more premium feel the moment someone holds it.
- Over 16 pt (laminated or extra-thick cards): to stand out, usually at a higher price.
Avoid thin, letter-weight paper: the card bends, gets damaged in a wallet and looks amateur.
Finish: matte, gloss or soft-touch
Matte
Understated, elegant and glare-free. It’s the most versatile choice and reads well under any lighting.
Gloss
Makes bright colours and photos pop. Great for a colourful design, less so for a card you want to write on by hand.
Soft-touch (velvet)
A lamination with a soft, almost velvety feel. People notice it the moment they pick up the card. Perfect for a premium image.
Uncoated
A natural paper with a slightly textured feel. Easy to write on with a pen, handy for noting an appointment or a promo code.
Special finishes
- Foil stamping: a logo or text in metallic gold, silver or copper. Very classy, best used sparingly.
- Spot UV: a glossy layer applied only to certain areas, such as your logo, for a raised effect you can feel.
- Rounded corners: a simple detail that softens the card and makes it last longer.
One well-chosen special finish often has more impact than three combined.
How to choose for your business
- Professionals (accountants, lawyers, brokers): 16 pt, matte or soft-touch, clean design.
- Creatives and retailers: gloss to bring out colours, or foil to sign your brand.
- Restaurants and appointment-based services: an uncoated back to write the next appointment date.
- Tight budget: 14 pt matte, double-sided. Simple, sturdy and always professional.
Before you order
Check your file: bleed, safety margins and resolution (see our article on print files). Proofread every digit of your phone number and email address. And order a realistic quantity: better to reprint with up-to-date information than to keep 2,000 outdated cards.
We design double-sided business cards for $175 (see the Graphic design page), then you order them on Onewayprint, with your choice of paper and finish and shipping across Canada.