Businesses can never go wrong when using calendars for their promotions. Aside from the visuals and branding, anyone would appreciate getting one for their day-to-day activities. Still, when you’re designing a calendar for corporate gifts, customer giveaways, or year-round branding, the right materials will matter just as much as the design.
Choosing the right paper, finish, and binding will determine its final quality, visual appeal, and longevity. In this article, UPrinting shares some pointers on the different calendar types, the best materials to use for each type, plus practical tips to help you choose what works best.
Comparing Different Calendar Types and Materials
| Calendar Type | Materials & Design | Product Highlights | Ideal Uses | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Calendars |
• Premium inside pages • Durable cardstock cover • Saddle-stitch or Wire-O binding • Matte or gloss finish |
• Multi-page calendar with monthly layout • Spacious visuals with dates visible from a distance |
• Homes, offices, classrooms, and shared indoor spaces • Allows space for writing notes on each date |
Decorative, easy to write on, and visually impactful with strong focus on dates. |
| Poster Calendars |
• Premium poster paper • Matte or gloss finish • Standard or custom sizes |
• One-page, full-year calendar layout • Large image with all months in one cohesive design |
• Homes, offices, dorms • Serves as wall décor and daily reminder |
Bold and decorative; often reused as wall posters even after the calendar year ends. |
| Magnetic Calendars |
• Magnet backing • UV gloss-coated surface |
• Compact, single-sheet layout • All months organized on one page |
• Refrigerators, metal cabinets, lockers, office cubicles • Acts as both a collectible and functional calendar |
Always visible, sticks to metal surfaces, durable, and ideal for quick reminders. |
| Card (Wallet) Calendars |
• 16 pt. cardstock • Matte or gloss finish • Optional rounded corners |
• Pocket-size, all months visible at a glance • Front-and-back design with promotions and calendar |
• Wallets, planners, promotional kits • Suitable for personal and promotional use |
Affordable, portable, great for bulk printing, and effective for marketing. |
Deep Dive Into Calendar Types: Best Design and Materials for Each
Breaking down the different calendar types, their materials, layouts, and design options can help you figure out which one fits your branding while also giving you tips on how to maximize each calendar’s use.
Wall Calendars
Common design:
- Wall calendars typically use premium paper for the inside pages.
- The covers are printed on durable cardstock with a gloss or matte finish.
- The pages are attached using saddle-stitch or Wire-O binding.
Design tips:
- If your calendar has boxes for notes or appointments, choose a matte finish to reduce glare and make it easier to write on.
- For scenic or image-heavy calendars, gloss coating makes colors look richer and sharper.
- Use Wire-O binding for easy flipping of pages. It also holds up better than saddle-stitch binding.
Poster Calendars
Common design:
- Poster calendars are printed on thick premium paper with either a gloss or matte finish.
- These calendars usually come in standard poster sizes, or you can customize their dimensions to fit your layout.
Design tips:
- Choose a timeless design or branding so they still look appealing and presentable even if the year has passed.
- Pick high-quality images that can grab attention.
- Use a gloss finish when you want a bright, eye-catching promotional piece that stands out.
- If the poster hangs in a bright office or classroom, a matte finish helps reduce glare for better readability.
- Heavier, thicker paper stock works best for larger posters, helping prevent curling.
Magnetic Calendars
Common design:
- Magnetic calendars feature high-quality magnet backing and a protective UV-gloss-coated front.
- The UV gloss coating keeps the surface scratch- and fingerprint-resistant.
- Perfect for people who constantly touch magnetic calendars on fridges, lockers, or metal cabinets
Design tips:
- Keep the layout clean and bold because magnetic calendars are smaller and rely on high readability.
- You can still include your branding near the sides so it doesn't distract from the calendar dates.
Card Calendars (Wallet Calendars)
Common design:
- Card calendars are printed on 16 pt. premium cardstock with either a gloss or matte finish.
- Most pocket calendars add rounded corners to help prevent bending when placed inside wallets, card sleeves, or ID holders.
Design tips:
- Choose a gloss finish if the design features photos or bold colors, while matte feels more premium and business-card-like.
- Always use high-contrast colors, bold fonts, and simple layouts to keep everything readable.
- Maximize front and back printing. Put all design, high-quality images, and branding on one side, and all the calendar dates on the other.
Card Calendars (Wallet Calendars)
Common design:
- Card calendars are printed on 16 pt. premium cardstock with either a gloss or matte finish.
- Most pocket calendars add rounded corners to help prevent bending when placed inside wallets, card sleeves, or ID holders.
Design tips:
- Choose a gloss finish if the design features photos or bold colors, while matte feels more premium and business-card-like.
- Always use high-contrast colors, bold fonts, and simple layouts to keep everything readable.
- Maximize front and back printing. Put all design, high-quality images, and branding on one side, and all the calendar dates on the other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calendar Types
A.
Uncoated paper stock or matte finish is the best choice for calendars with a proper writing surface.
A.
Choose either gloss or UV gloss coating. These shiny finishes can enhance color saturation and detail. Always use high-quality photos and graphics so the calendars look sharp and eye-catching.
A.
Not necessarily. While the thicker stock is ideal for desk or card calendars, wall and poster calendars can stay lightweight depending on use.
A.
Magnetic calendars with UV gloss and laminated styles are the most durable.
A.
Yes. A standard setup is a wall calendar with a gloss cover and matte interior pages.
Choosing the right calendar material comes down to where it will be displayed, how often it will be handled, and whether users need to write on it. Different calendar types work best for different uses, and understanding paper types, coating options, and binding styles not only helps you design a calendar that looks polished and lasts all year, but it also gives you options to make your brand visible every day.
Start your calendar printing journey with UPrinting, and you've got yourself another promotional material you can distribute or sell that people will appreciate for the rest of the year.
