What Makes a Good Paper Card?
Paper Card
There are many factors that determine the quality of a piece of paper or card. Some think it is purely about thickness or stiffness, but that’s not the case.
Choose a white cardstock of around 100-120lb for your card base. Consider a matte or dull coating to add an interesting texture to your card.
Thickness
Card stock is thicker than regular writing or printing paper, and it’s used for cards, scrapbooks, and other similar projects. It’s available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, and is typically found at craft stores and office supply outlets. There are several different types of thicknesses of card stock, which vary based on GSM and Mic.
The thickness of a paper card is measured in points or mils, although the terms are often confused. Points (PT) are a measurement of thickness using the metric system, while GSM is a measure of density based on grams per square meter.
A standard business card smart card manufacturer is printed on 14 pt stock, which is comparable to brochure or postcard paper Paper Card in thickness. However, thicker 16 pt stock is also available, and it’s a better choice for cards that will be handled regularly.
Choosing the right thickness of cardstock for your project can make a big difference in the final print result. Thick cardstock is less likely to bend or break than thinner options, and it’s ideal for cards that are hand-delivered. It’s also perfect for business cards, which are frequently handled and passed from person to person. A quality card will leave a good impression and increase the likelihood of someone remembering your contact information. Cardstock that is too thin can easily tear or bend, and it won’t hold up to repeated use.
Texture
Whether you’re printing on paper for a business card or creating an image for a magazine, texture plays a role in how the final product looks. A smooth, glossy paper may be appropriate for a brochure, while a rougher texture might work better for stationery or invitations. The texture of a paper card can also impact how it feels in your hand, and it’s important to think about what the final product will be used for before choosing a texture.
There are many different types of textures that can be added to a sheet of paper. For example, a pressed paper has raised detailing such as basket weave, dots or houndstooth that is pressed into the stock during manufacturing. This adds a tactile dimension to the paper and can make it feel more luxurious or high-end.
Another type of texture is a laid finish, which gives the paper the look and feel of a quality hand-crafted paper from ages ago. It has a subtle grid pattern that makes it suitable for printing stationery, brochures and invitations.
You can create a variety of textures in Photoshop by using brushes, adding an overlay or changing the blending mode. For example, you can create a grungy punk rock poster with paper and card textures to promote your band or use rough textures to give your digital art a scanned-in quality.