Different ways we print extra thick business cards
There are different approaches with business cards. Some people get affordable ones printed in the 1000s and hand them out like confetti. Other people get just a few hundred, they are careful with the design, choose a premium finish, and distribute them carefully. If that’s you, then I’m talking to you today!
Size does matter
One of the first features people search for when they are looking for a premium business card finish is a thick stock. People always take a moment to feel and examine a thick business card. It stands out from the pile, looks great, feels great, and has a definite message of quality, luxury and attention to detail. So, read on to see what the options are…
420gsm Artboard
420gsm is the thickest artboard that can go through a normal offset printer. We use a lot of this, and that’s because it is thicker than most business cards, looks great, and is affordable. The card with gloss or matt laminate on both sides is a bit under 1mm thick. Not a very precise measurement, but you get the idea!
Coaster Board
Yes, I am talking about the kind of board that is used for beer coasters. We can print full colour directly onto this board, and produce a really nice business card, at a startlingly good price. The board is off-white and quite bulky. It’s just over 1mm thick. You might have to go down to the surf club to do your research for this one. It’s OK – I give you permission!
Duplex and Triplex stocks
The next way to get thicker business cards is by layering thinner stocks. It is quite a jump in price, and the effects that you can achieve by choosing great coloured boards is really impressive. Start adding foil and other special finishes, and you will very quickly have a very exciting business card. We do have a few standard options for the layered cards which are cheaper than you might expect.
Super High Bulk Artboard
The range of stocks that are available for people to choose from when it comes to super thick artboard is genuinely exciting! We are total paper nerds, and sitting down with a customer to go through our samples folder is the BEST way to spend a morning. The types of card that you will have seen around are probably along the lines of the Wild stock from KW Doggett. It is 35% cotton, and the texture and thickness are premium (it goes up to 850gsm!) However, that is the tip of the iceberg. We can show you coloured and textured stocks in thicknesses that will make you weep with joy. Possibly you will also shed a tear when you see the price… so do be prepared! You may need to go back up this list a little if you don’t want to pay $1+ (or much more) per card.
Printing and Design tips for super thick business cards
Not all artwork can be printed on all of these boards. Here is a summary on the topic…
- 420gsm; all CMYK (full colour) artwork will work really well on this lovely coated artboard. Add some spot gloss to glam it up a bit… Avoid spot (PMS) colours though, or the price gets silly.
- Coaster board; again all CMYK artwork will work, no spot colours though. Make sure your branding suits the off-white, there are some ways to make the creamy colour really work for you.
- Duplex and Triplex; if we are printing in ink on the card before it gets layered, then most artwork will be fine. You can consider white ink, and maybe spot colours too. Depends on the artwork and your budget
- Super high bulk boards; now we are in letterpress territory. This means no photos, no shading. Simple striking designs are your friend here. Debossing, embossing, foil, edgepainting, spot colours, fluoro colours, metallic colours. It won’t work for all brands (eg,Printing Brisbane logo is not letterpress friendly). Just remember, the more finishes, effects and colours you have, the more it costs.
We love chatting about how to make people really stand out. If you are thinking that some of these luxury business cards might be what you need for your business, then drop us a line. We have some pretty inspiring options!
