When someone takes your business card, they notice how it feels before they read a single word. Your choice of paper can make your card stand out in a stack of hundreds. The right material helps your card last longer and sends the right message about your business.
As your local Denver business card experts, we know which papers work best for different businesses and budgets. We’ve helped thousands of professionals pick materials that match their goals. Let’s find the perfect paper for your cards.
Related article: Professional Business Card Printing
Standard Paper Options

Starting with our most popular choices, these papers give you professional quality that fits most budgets. They’re perfect when you need reliable cards that look great and feel substantial.
Regular Card Stock Options
Stock Type | Thickness | Feel in Hand | Best For | Price Point |
---|---|---|---|---|
14pt | 0.014 inches | Sturdy, flexible | Daily networking, large orders | $ |
16pt | 0.016 inches | Extra firm, substantial | Sales teams, client meetings | $$ |
The thickness of your card matters more than you might think. A 14pt card feels like a standard playing card, while 16pt gives you that extra firmness that people notice. Both options work great for most businesses – it’s just a matter of the impression you want to make.
Your standard paper comes with two finish choices that change how your cards look and feel:
Matte Finish
- Smooth surface that’s easy to write on
- Colors look natural and professional
- Perfect for traditional business settings
- Won’t show fingerprints
- Great for cards with lots of text
- Works with any ink color
- Popular with lawyers and financial advisors
Glossy Finish
- Makes colors pop and shine
- Photos look crisp and vibrant
- Catches light and attention
- More resistant to water
- Great for designs with images
- Popular with photographers and artists
- Best for cards that need to stand out
Premium Paper Choices

When you want to step up your game, our premium papers offer special features that get noticed. These options cost a bit more but make a strong impression.
Soft-Touch Papers
This unique paper feels like velvet in your hands. It’s become very popular with Denver real estate agents and high-end service providers because:
- It has a luxurious, silky feel that people remember
- The surface reduces glare and looks great in any light
- Colors appear rich and deep
- It resists fingerprints and smudges
- The coating protects your cards from wear
- It works well with both light and dark designs
- People often keep touching it, which means they keep looking at your information
Textured Papers
Add some personality to your cards with different textures:
Texture Type | Surface Pattern | Best Uses | Popular Industries |
---|---|---|---|
Linen | Fine cloth-like lines | Traditional business | Law, Finance, Insurance |
Pearl | Subtle shimmer | Upscale retail | Boutiques, Jewelry, Spas |
Cotton | Natural, fabric feel | Creative services | Design, Architecture |
Laid | Parallel lined texture | Professional services | Consulting, Education |
Specialty Card Materials

Sometimes paper just isn’t enough. Our special materials help you create cards that people keep and remember.
Plastic Cards
These cards work hard and last long. They’re perfect when you need cards that:
- Stay waterproof
- Won’t tear or bend
- Keep colors bright
- Work outdoors
- Double as membership cards
- Include scanning codes
- Need to last for years
Popular with:
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Outdoor tour guides
- Restaurants (for gift cards)
- Membership programs
- Salons and spas
- Sports facilities
Clear Cards
Make your design pop with transparent elements:
- See-through sections grab attention
- Layer clear and solid areas
- Create unique visual effects
- Stand out from paper cards
- Work great with minimalist designs
- Let your creativity shine
- Perfect for modern businesses
Green Paper Options
Help the environment while growing your business with our eco-friendly choices:
- Recycled Papers
- Made from 100% post-consumer waste
- Several thickness options
- Natural white color that looks professional
- Takes ink just like standard paper
- Shows your environmental values
- Available in different textures
- Costs about the same as standard paper
- Plant-Based Papers
- Created from sustainable materials
- Natural, organic textures
- Fully biodegradable
- Unique natural colors
- Great conversation starter
- Perfect for green businesses
- Popular with eco-conscious clients
Picking Your Paper
Think about these questions as you choose your material:
- How many cards do you give out each month?
- What’s your budget per card?
- Who receives your cards most often?
- How long do you want cards to last?
- What feeling do you want people to have when they receive your card?
Industry Recommendations for Denver Businesses
Industry | Recommended Material | Why It Works | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Real Estate | Soft-touch 16pt | Makes a premium impression | $$$ |
Creative Services | Clear or textured | Shows innovation | $$$ |
Legal | Linen texture | Traditional and established | $$ |
Tech Startup | Recycled matte | Modern and responsible | $$ |
Retail | Glossy 14pt | Bright and affordable | $ |
Financial Services | Pearl 16pt | Subtle luxury | $$$ |
Restaurants | Plastic | Durable for daily use | $$$$ |
Consulting | Soft-touch or linen | Professional quality | $$-$$$ |
Bottom Line
Your business card’s paper should match your business goals and budget. The right material helps your card stand out and last longer in someone’s wallet or card holder.
Ready to order? Visit our website to start your order, or call us to talk about your options. We’ll help you pick the right paper and get your cards to you in 3-5 days anywhere in the Denver area.
Quick Reference: Paper vs. Business Goals
Your Goal | Best Material Choice | Why |
---|---|---|
Stand out from competitors | Soft-touch or clear | Unique feel gets noticed |
Keep costs low | 14pt matte | Quality at better prices |
Show environmental values | Recycled or plant-based | Matches your message |
Make a luxury impression | Pearl or soft-touch | Premium look and feel |
Maximum durability | Plastic | Longest-lasting option |
Traditional professional look | Linen or 16pt matte | Classic and established |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paper weight for business cards?
The best paper weight for business cards is 16pt (400 GSM). This thickness provides professional durability without being overly bulky. It resists bending while maintaining a standard feel that works well for most business settings.
Which business card material lasts the longest?
Plastic and metal business cards offer the highest durability. However, for paper options, 32pt ultra-thick stock with UV coating provides excellent longevity. These cards resist wear, moisture, and fading while maintaining their professional appearance.
Should I choose matte or glossy finish for business cards?
Choose matte finish for a professional look that’s easy to write on and reduces fingerprint visibility. Select glossy finish when your cards include photos or vibrant graphics, as it provides better color reproduction and visual impact.
What type of paper is used for luxury business cards?
Luxury business cards typically use 32pt ultra-thick stock, cotton paper, or specialized materials like soft-touch coated stock. These materials provide substantial weight and unique textures that signal premium quality.
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