Materials and Finishes that Make Your Business Cards Stand Out

Business cards are proof that human ideas have no limits. They come in countless shapes, colors, sizes, materials, textures, and finishes.

However, designing a business card should not be taken lightly, and it should be well thought out, as it can be key to much of your business’s success.

As we mentioned, materials and finishes play a significant visual role in business card design. Knowing how to choose the printing paper, texture, special details, or coatings of the card can not only improve the aesthetics but also greatly reinforce the brand’s identity.

In this article, we will teach you how to make your business card stand out among thousands of different designs, by learning about the most commonly used materials and finishes today and choosing the ideal features for your brand.

---

Business Card Materials: Types of Paper

What are business cards made out of? Since its beginnings, printing and business card design companies have used different materials and types of paper to create all kinds of card designs.

If you’re looking for business cards in NYC and want to choose suggested business cards materials, at Japan Printing we offer a wide variety of high-quality papers:

Standard Papers

Matte Coated: This type of paper offers a minimalist and clean design, while also being of high quality and very durable. Despite its premium features, we consider it a standard paper due to its incredible price (the most affordable of all).

Plastic: Although plastic isn’t technically paper, this material is one of the most cost-effective in terms of price-quality. It has significant industrial durability and can be used to create transparent, frosted plastic, or white cards.

Linen: Linen is a classic, elegant, and refined texture. At Japan Printing, we create business cards using 130 lb white or ivory cardstock, which mimics linen due to the cross-striped texture these materials contain.

Laid: This is another one of our standard papers for business cards. It’s an old and complex material to work with, but it leaves very professional and classic high-quality finishes.

Premium Papers

Suede: These are especially characterized by their soft texture, which leaves a pleasant tactile impression on potential clients. They are soft, elegant, and sophisticated cards.

Mohawk Superfine Eggshell: Don’t be scared by the name! This is actually our most exclusive paper, offering a refined, classic, and professional look ideal for any business or individual. It has a premium texture of high quality and great heat absorption capacity.

Silk: Silk business cards are among our best, especially for their exquisite texture and exclusive finishes that this material offers. If you’re looking for business cards in NYC, you should know that Japan Printing has the best collection of silk cards, ideal for your business.

Cotton: One of the highest quality materials, cotton. This paper adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to your brand’s identity. Our cotton business cards are crafted with the utmost attention to detail and cutting-edge printing techniques.

Here’s a comparison table of all these types of paper for business cards:

Paper Type	Texture/Finish	Key Characteristics	Available Finishes	Standard/Premium
Suede	Soft to the touch, matte	Soft, luxurious feel with a matte finish, ideal for creating a sophisticated first impression.	Spot UV, Painted Edge, Foil	Premium
Mohawk Superfine Eggshell	Matte, textured	High-performance texture, matte finish, ideal for precise printing and vibrant colors.	Raised Ink, Letterpress, Embossed, Painted Edge	Premium
Silk	Soft, satin	Soft, elegant feel with a satin finish, used for a more sophisticated look.	Spot UV, Painted Edge, Foil	Premium
Linen	Linen-like texture	Cross-hatched texture resembling artisan paper, giving it a classic, formal appearance.	Raised Ink, Painted Edge,	Standard
Laid	Cross-hatched texture	Cross-hatched texture resembling artisan paper, giving it a classic, formal appearance.	Raised Ink	Standard
Cotton	Thick, soft texture	Made from cotton, thick and high-quality texture, ideal for creating a premium, durable impression.	Raised Ink, Letterpress, Embossed, Painted Edge	Premium
Matte Coated	Matte, smooth finish	Matte finish, smooth and elegant surface, ideal for a clean, modern appearance.		Standard
Plastic	Plastic, clear or frosted	Clear, frosted, or white plastic cards, ideal for innovative and modern designs.		Standard

---

Benefits of Different Finishes for Business Cards

If you saw the previous table, you’ll know that at Japan Printing, we offer different finishes depending on the type of paper you choose for your business cards.

Here are our professional finishes, their benefits, and the types of paper on which each can be applied:

Raised Ink: The raised ink printing technique is of high quality. We use thermography to create a raised effect on the surface of the paper with powder resin applied over wet ink, which is then heated to create this beautiful finish.

Benefits:

1. Versatile designs
2. Compatible with color printing
3. Greater visual impact
4. Exclusivity and differentiation from competitors
5. Premium and elegant finish
6. High durability

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Linen
• Laid
• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell
• Cotton

Letterpress: This traditional printing method is characterized by creating the opposite effect of Raised Ink, where the letters and logo of the business cards are typically pressed or recessed into the paper, leaving an elegant and tactile textured design.

Benefits:

1. Exclusive finish
2. High durability
3. Handmade feel
4. Unique tactile sensation
5. Exclusivity

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell
• Cotton

Spot UV: This special finish involves applying a glossy varnish to specific areas of your business card to create a visual and tactile contrast.

Benefits:

1. Premium appearance
2. High durability
3. Contrast of textures
4. Eye-catching effect
5. Focus on important areas of the card

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Suede
• Silk

Foil: This printing technique involves adding a thin layer of pigmented or metallic paper to your business card through pressure and heat, creating a matte, glossy, or reflective effect that adds a luxurious touch to your cards.

Benefits:

1. Luxurious appearance
2. Differentiates from other finishes
3. Can be applied to different sections of the card
4. Matte or metallic colors
5. Great visual impact

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Suede
• Silk Laminated

Embossed: This is a printing technique that creates a three-dimensional appearance due to the pressure of a pattern on the business card. This finish can be done with or without ink.

Benefits:

1. No ink required (if preferred)
2. Elegant appearance
3. Prestige and exclusivity
4. Unique tactile effect

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell
• Cotton

Painted Edge: We add the color of your choice to the edges of your business card.

Benefits:

1. Customization and unique style
2. Improves brand recognition
3. Versatility

Materials we apply this finish on:

• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell
• Cotton
• Linen
• Suede
• Silk Laminated

What Type of Business Card to Choose According to Your Industry

It is clear that your brand identity should reflect the characteristics of the services and products you offer. Business cards can be the first point of contact between you and a potential client, which is why you must ensure that the first impression they have of your business is both accurate and aligned with their expectations.

Here are some of the most popular industries with recommendations for paper types and finishes to use for their business cards:

1. Creative Industry (Graphic Designers, Artists, Advertising Agencies)
Recommended Paper:

• Suede: Soft to the touch with a sophisticated finish. Ideal for conveying creativity and luxury.
• Linen: Elegant and sophisticated texture that reflects attention to detail.

Finish:

• Letterpress
• Foil

2. Financial Industry (Banks, Financial Advisors, Accountants)
Recommended Paper:

• Cotton: Durable and high-quality, perfect for conveying professionalism and trustworthiness.
• Silk: Smooth, sophisticated, and modern finish, suitable for companies wishing to project a clean and serious image.

Finish:

• Embossed
• Spot UV

3. Food Industry (Restaurants, Food Suppliers)
Recommended Paper:

• Kraft: Natural and eco-friendly, ideal for conveying an image of sustainability and commitment to the environment.
• Laid: Provides a rough and natural texture, giving an organic and artisanal feel.

Finish:

• Painted Edge
• Foil

4. Technology Industry (Startups, Software Development, IT Consulting)
Recommended Paper:

• Mohawk Superfine Eggshell: Modern and elegant with a technical touch, perfect for startups seeking to convey innovation.
• Plastic (Clear, Frosted, White): Ideal for a modern and durable appearance, especially if conveying high-tech and resilience is the goal.

Finish:

• Spot UV
• Foil

5. Luxury Goods Industry (Jewelers, High Fashion Brands)
Recommended Paper:

• Suede: Its soft and luxurious texture reflects a high level of sophistication and elegance.
• Cotton: Cotton paper conveys a sense of luxury and quality, perfect for exclusive brands.

Finish:

• Foil
• Letterpress

6. Construction and Architecture Industry
Recommended Paper:

• Linen: Provides a professional and durable texture, suitable for the construction industry, which values solidity and attention to detail.
• Laid: The natural texture of this paper reflects an image of tradition and reliability.

Finish:

• Embossed
• Painted Edge

7. Health Consulting Industry (Clinics, Dental Offices, Psychologists)
Recommended Paper:

• Silk: Smooth to the touch, ideal for conveying a sense of tranquility and professionalism in the health sector.
• Cotton: High-quality material offering durability and conveying trustworthiness.

Finish:

• Embossed
• Spot UV

8. Automotive Industry (Dealers, Auto Repair)
Recommended Paper:

• Plastic (Clear, Frosted, White): Durable and resilient, ideal for businesses needing business cards that withstand the test of time.
• Kraft: For a more rustic and approachable appearance, ideal for businesses seeking to convey closeness.

Finish:

• Foil
• Painted Edge

---

Conclusion

With these tips and everything you’ve learned about materials and finishes for business cards, we’re confident you now have a better idea to create your own designs. However, if you’d like professional help, at Japan Printing, we can assist you in creating the best business card for your business with the ideal materials and finishes.

Write to us here and get a quote. Remember, we are also located in Manhattan and are the best business card company in NYC. Contact us now!