How to Choose the Best Paper Type for Business Cards

6 Things to consider when choosing the business card paper type for your company

1. Why does it matter?
2. Business card paper type fundamentals
3. Choosing according to the impression
4. Choosing according to your budget
5. How/where to print your business cards
6. The takeaway

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Why does it matter?

It’s all about the impression you want to give. These tactile marketing tools are passed from one person to another, so how they feel is as important as how they look. Choosing the right paper can make a big difference in leaving a lasting impression.

While it can be tempting to grab any card stock and jump to design and printing, picking the right paper is the first step in creating a professional, memorable business card that won’t just get thrown away.

Here’s everything you need to know before choosing your business card paper type:

Business card paper type fundamentals

Weight

“Weight” here refers to thickness/stiffness (often expressed in points, where 1 point = 0.001 inches).

• 10pt = 0.010 inches thick
• 16pt = 0.016 inches thick
• 32pt = 0.032 inches thick

Common business card stocks are 14pt or 16pt, while extra-thick cards use 18pt–32pt (or more).

Brandly paper thickness options

These are the options available in our catalog.

Lightweight 11–14pt cards are great for displays, events, or stapling to collateral. They’re affordable but will wear faster.

Thicker cards—30pt and above—are more rigid, resist wear, and feel premium. They’re ideal when you want to make a strong impression. Note: thicker stock increases cost per card.

Wondering about standard card size?
Check our quick guide to learn more >

Finish

Beyond thickness, paper finish affects look and feel.

• Uncoated: Non-reflective with natural texture. Easy to write on; colors are more subdued. Budget-friendly and classic.
• Coated: Finished with a sealant for sharper detail and controlled ink absorption. Common coatings:

  • Matte: Smooth, elegant, non-shiny.

    

  • Satin: Subtle sheen—between matte and gloss.

    

  • Gloss: Higher shine and added protection; boosts vibrancy.

    

Specialty papers and finishes

You can also use specialty stocks or add post-print laminates for extra impact.

• Soft-touch: Velvety lamination with a luxurious tactile feel; softens colors slightly and adds protection. Great for premium brands.
• Plastic: Durable PVC “indestructible” cards with semi-gloss finish; water-resistant and long-lasting. Best with bold colors.

To see Brandly’s full offering, view our full paper catalog.

Choosing according to the impression you want to give

Not every brand aims for “luxury.” Choose paper that matches your positioning.

• Want to appear affordable? Go with standard business cards.
• Want a premium look and feel? Choose thicker stocks or specialty options like Premium double-thick or Soft-touch.

Choosing according to your budget

Thicker stocks and specialty finishes cost more. Here’s how Brandly’s paper types map to budget ranges:

Low-price business cards

• Standard uncoated business cards >
• Standard matte business cards >
• Standard gloss business cards >
• Specialty pearlescent business cards >

Mid-price business cards

• Premium matte business cards >
• Premium gloss business cards >
• Premium bright white business cards >
• Bright white linen business cards >
• Warm white linen business cards >
• Bright white vellum business cards >

Top-price business cards

• Premium double thick business cards >
• Color core business cards >
• Soft-touch business cards >
• Plastic business cards >

How/where to print your business cards

Once you’ve finalized design, stock, and finish, it’s time to print. You have two main options:

Print at home

Seems easy and cheap, but quality and consistency rarely match professional results.

Go pro

Professional printers deliver higher, more consistent quality—especially for color accuracy and finishing.

At Brandly, you get great prices, high-quality papers, free shipping, and a free business card ordering platform to store designs and reprint with a click—ensuring every reorder uses the same stock and finish.

The takeaway

Choosing the right paper type is worth the effort.

Consider how the cards will be used and what impression you want to give—then weigh that against your budget. Cards left on a front desk or mailed in bulk can use thinner stock; cards handed out in person at key events benefit from thicker, more durable stock and premium finishes.

At Brandly, our most popular choice is the 16pt premium coated matte—a strong impression at a great value.

Still unsure which paper to pick? Give us a holler. We make high-quality business card ordering simple, with exceptional service and competitive pricing.

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