{"id":42893,"date":"2025-12-30T17:45:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T01:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uprinting.com\/blog\/?p=42893"},"modified":"2026-01-04T18:15:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T02:15:28","slug":"business-card-thickness-finish","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uprinting.com\/blog\/business-card-thickness-finish\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardstocks for Business Cards: What Thickness Should You Use"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you want to create a strong first impression on your clients and business partners, your business card is a great place to start. And while the etiquette of handing out your cards is vital, the strongest demonstration of professionalism always comes down to your business card design and the materials it\u2019s made of.<\/p>

In this article, UPrinting offers tips on how to choose the right material, thickness, and coating to enhance your business cards. We also list the advantages and options available to you before ordering your sets online.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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\nUnderstanding Thickness: 14 pt., 16 pt., and 17 pt.\n<\/h2>
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Understanding the different business card thicknesses is key to choosing materials that align with your brand representation. Different thicknesses usually affect the durability, feel, and overall presentation of your card, and knowing which option to go for sets your printing design and finish. At UPrinting, we offer three cardstock options for your business card.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Cardstock Thickness<\/th>\n Key Features<\/th>\n Overall Feel<\/th>\n Ideal Uses<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
14 pt. Cardstock<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 The thinnest option for business cards.
\n \u2022 Affordable and easy to print in batches.
\n \u2022 Maintains professionalism despite being mass-produced.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Thin, versatile, and budget-friendly.
\n \u2022 Durable for everyday use but less substantial than thicker cardstocks.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 High-volume printing.
\n \u2022 Ideal for trade shows and event giveaways.
\n \u2022 Great for businesses that reprint cards often.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
16 pt. Cardstock<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Slightly thicker cardstock with a more premium feel.
\n \u2022 A professional standard for strong first impressions.
\n \u2022 Balances cost and durability well.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Noticeably firmer and more solid.
\n \u2022 Holds its shape longer and feels more premium.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Ideal for face-to-face meetings.
\n \u2022 Great for cards stored in wallets.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
17 pt. Uncoated Cardstock<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Thickest and most durable option.
\n \u2022 Natural texture acts as a design element.
\n \u2022 Perfect for clean, organic designs.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Matte, minimalist, and upscale feel.
\n \u2022 Ideal surface for writing.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Excellent for appointment cards.
\n \u2022 Works well for eco-leaning branding.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
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\nA Business Card\u2019s Finishing Touch: Gloss, Matte, Uncoated, or Foil\n<\/h2>
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Your booth space may be limited and renting a larger one can be costly. To save on additional costs, use materials that maximize your visibility without taking up too much space.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Aside from the thickness, business cards also thrive when the proper finish is applied to their surface. Aside from improving their design, custom coating adds a layer of protection to the business cards and makes them look more professional. If you aim to create a solid first impression, make sure that the proper finish is applied to your choice of cardstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

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Finish<\/th>\n Finishing Details<\/th>\n Ideal Uses<\/th>\n Notes to Consider<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Gloss<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Delivers bright, vibrant colors with noticeable shine.
\n \u2022 Images and graphics stand out with a slick, smooth feel.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Best for bold colors, photos, or energetic branding.
\n \u2022 A standard option for bulk printing.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Ideal when visual impact matters more than written information.
\n \u2022 The glossy surface makes writing on the card difficult.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Matte<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Smooth, non-reflective surface with a clean, modern look.
\n \u2022 Improves text readability and provides a refined tactile feel.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Ideal for minimalist or text-heavy designs.
\n \u2022 Great for sophisticated branding without glare.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Works best for face-to-face meetings where touch matters.
\n \u2022 Can highlight custom fonts and font colors despite being text-forward.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Uncoated<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Natural, paper-like texture with no shine.
\n \u2022 Commonly used for thicker cardstocks due to durability.
\n \u2022 Provides the best writable surface.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Ideal for appointment cards or eco-leaning brands.
\n \u2022 Common with 17 pt. cardstock.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Typically features white backgrounds for easy writing.
\n \u2022 Often includes designated spaces for handwritten notes.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Foil<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \u2022 Adds metallic accents for a luxurious, eye-catching effect.
\n \u2022 Highlights logos, initials, or pattern elements.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Best for premium or luxury business cards.
\n \u2022 Ideal for showcasing high-end branding.\n <\/td>\n 		\n \u2022 Can be combined with other finishes.
\n \u2022 Works especially well with matte finishes for strong contrast.\n <\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
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\nFrequently Asked Questions\n<\/h2>
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