Paper Options
Choose the right paper in two simple steps.
The feel of your business card comes down to two things, how thick the paper is and whether it is smooth or textured. Use the guide below to best match your brand.
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Step 1
Choose a Thickness
Paper thickness has the biggest impact on how premium your card feels.
Standard Thickness
- Feels: Cost effective, everyday
- Best for: Larger teams, frequent reorders, cost-conscious projects
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards
Premium Thickness
- Feels: Solid, substantial
- Best for: Client-facing roles, small teams, brands that want a premium feel
- Pairs well with: Raised Ink Cards, Foil Cards, Embossed Cards
Extra Thick
- Feels: Bold, luxurious
- Best for: High-impact cards for owners, partners, and key staff
- Pairs well with: Painted Edge Cards, Letterpress Cards, Embossed Cards
Step 2
Choose a Texture
Your options are a smooth, modern surface or a more textured, tactile feel.
Uncoated Smooth
- Feel: Natural, writable, non-shiny
- Best for: Corporate cards, minimal designs, notes by hand
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Painted Edge Cards
Uncoated Matte Laid
- Feel: Distinctive grid-like texture, handcrafted feel, rich finish
- Best for: Elegant stationery, legal documents, high-end branding
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Raised Ink Cards
Gloss Coated
- Feel: Shiny, high contrast
- Best for: Image-heavy designs, bold color, photography
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards
Silk Laminated
- Feel: Soft, silky, slightly muted sheen
- Best for: Modern brands that want a refined, smooth feel with extra durability
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Spot Gloss Cards, Painted Edge Cards, Foil Cards
Soft-Touch Laminated
- Feel: Velvet-like, ultra-smooth.
- Best for: Luxury brands, high-end presentations, cards you want people to keep.
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Spot Gloss Cards, Painted Edge Cards, Foil Cards
Uncoated Matte Linen
- Feel: Subtle woven texture
- Best for: Professional, classic look (law, finance, consulting)
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Painted Edge Cards
Eggshell
- Feel: Soft, slightly dimpled surface
- Best for: Premium brands that want a warm, tactile feel
- Pairs well with: Standard Cards, Foil Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Painted Edge Cards, Letterpress Cards
Cotton
- Feel: Soft, thick, flexible
- Best for: Letterpress, foil, and brands that value craft and tactility
- Pairs well with: Foil Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Painted Edge Cards, Letterpress Cards
Felt
- Feel: Rich, pronounced texture.
- Best for: Artistic, boutique, or highly tactile brands.
- Pairs well with: Foil Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Painted Edge Cards, Letterpress Cards
Paper Guidance
Still unsure? Let’s focus on a goal. I would like...
A Clean & Professional Card
- Choose: Standard Thickness + Matte Coated or Uncoated Smooth
- Explore: Standard Cards
A Luxurious & Crafted Feel
- Choose: Premium or Extra-Thick + Cotton, Eggshell, or Felt
- Explore: Letterpress Cards, Foil Cards, Embossed Cards, Raised Ink Cards
Something Bold & Different
- Choose: Extra-Thick + Textured stock or Soft-Touch Laminate
- Explore: Painted Edge Cards, Letterpress Cards, Foil Cards, Embossed Cards, Raised Ink Cards, Spot Gloss Cards
The Ability to Write on My Cards
- Choose: Uncoated Smooth, Linen, Eggshell, or Cotton
- Explore: Any Type of Card
Paper Options FAQ
Got questions?
We’ve got answers for you.
What’s the main difference between matte or gloss coated, and uncoated?
Coated stocks (matte or gloss) have a treated surface, making the paper feel smoother; even matte-coated paper retains a subtle hint of shine. Uncoated stocks, by contrast, are raw and fully absorbent, resulting in a completely matte, natural, and textured finish that is much easier to write on.
Which papers feel the most premium?
Extra-thick stocks over 20pt, especially in cotton, eggshell, and felt, feel the most substantial and luxurious.
Do you offer FSC® or eco-friendly options?
Yes. We offer uncoated and premium stocks that are FSC® certified and/or contain recycled content.
Can you recommend a paper for my design?
Yes. Share your design and how you’ll use the cards, and we’ll recommend the best thickness and texture. You can also browse finishes on our Business Cards shop page.