{"id":42962,"date":"2025-12-31T18:23:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T02:23:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uprinting.com\/blog\/?p=42962"},"modified":"2026-01-04T19:05:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T03:05:44","slug":"postcard-stocks-and-finishes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.uprinting.com\/blog\/postcard-stocks-and-finishes\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Postcard Stocks: 14 pt., 16 pt., 17 pt., and Finish Options"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

Choosing the right postcard<\/a> material isn\u2019t just about design \u2014 it also involves strategy. The stock you pick shapes the overall impression your postcard makes, from its durability and color vibrancy to its writability and cost. All of that matters for direct mail, promos, events, and anything where the card needs to earn attention fast.<\/p>\n\n

So, how do you know what postcard stock fits your needs? Read on as UPrinting compares various postcard thickness and finishing options to help you find the best match.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nUnderstanding Cardstock Thickness: 14 pt., 16 pt., and 17 pt.\n<\/h2>
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

Cardstock thickness plays a big role in how a postcard feels and how well it handles the trip through postal equipment.<\/p>

Thin and flimsy postcards can bend easily, while thick ones feel more durable and premium. Below are the three most common options of cardstock thickness:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

14 pt. Cardstock \u2014 Best for High-Volume Mailing<\/strong><\/p>

This is the lightest option most printers offer for postcards. It\u2019s sturdy enough for mail, but it keeps costs down when you\u2019re printing in bulk, or don\u2019t really need a premium feel for your postcards.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\n

Why It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

\n
    \n
  • Cost-effective for large quantities<\/li>\n
  • Flexible enough for a glossy front and writeable back<\/li>\n
  • Lightweight, which means lower costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
    \n

    Best for<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Running a big promo or sale<\/li>\n
    • EDDM and direct mail campaigns<\/li>\n
    • Freebies at events or trade shows<\/li>\n
    • Smaller budgets<\/li>\n
    • Designs that you want to shine, but still need space to write on the back<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
      \n

      16 pt. Cardstock \u2014 Reliable, Premium Feel<\/strong><\/p>

      If you want to impress clients without going over your budget, this thickness hits the sweet spot for most brands. It\u2019s sturdier than the 14 pt., feels substantial without being too heavy, and holds up better to mailing and frequent handling.<\/p>\n<\/div>

      \n

      Why It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

      \n
        \n
      • Premium feel without premium pricing<\/li>\n
      • Offers better durability<\/li>\n
      • Versatile with gloss and matte finishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
        \n

        Best for<\/strong><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Promoting a professional service or appointment-based business<\/li>\n
        • Real estate listings<\/li>\n
        • Product launches and professional promos<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
          \n

          17 pt. Uncoated \u2014 Ideal for Writing and Minimalist Designs<\/strong><\/p>

          If you want a natural, uncoated texture, this is the thickest standard option. It absorbs ink well, is easy to write on, and gives your card a soft, understated look.<\/p>\n<\/div>

          \n

          Why It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

          \n
            \n
          • Works with pen and pencil beautifully<\/li>\n
          • Soft, natural texture<\/li>\n
          • Premium thickness that stands out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
            \n

            Best For<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

            \n
              \n
            • Handwritten notes or appointment times<\/li>\n
            • Muted, minimalist styles<\/li>\n
            • Postcards going for ashine-free finish<\/li>\n
            • Personalized branding that requires writing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nCoatings: Gloss, Matte, and Uncoated\n<\/h2>
              \n

              Your finish determines how your colors will look and how the card performs day to day. It also affects whether ink smudges or pen marks stick.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>

              \n

              High Gloss UV \u2014 Bright and Hard to Ignore<\/strong><\/p>

              High gloss UV gives you intense shine and strong protection. Every color looks bold, and the surface is scratch-resistant.<\/p>\n<\/div>

              \n

              Best For<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

              \n
                \n
              • Photo-heavy designs<\/li>\n
              • Retail promotions or anything meant to grab attention fast<\/li>\n
              • Product postcards<\/li>\n
              • Mailers or handouts that need extra durability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>
                \n

                Regular Gloss \u2014 Softer Shine, Still Vibrant<\/strong><\/p>

                Regular gloss boosts color without the heavy shine of UV. It\u2019s more affordable than UV gloss, good for everyday marketing, and is a great middle ground for product cards, events, or businesses.<\/p>\n<\/div>

                \n

                Best For<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

                \n
                  \n
                • Promos where you want brighter colors<\/li>\n
                • Restaurant menus or coupons<\/li>\n
                • A lower-cost alternative to UV<\/li>\n
                • Designs that benefit from a clean, polished look<\/li>\n
                • Small businesses that send mail regularly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>
                  \n

                  Matte Coating \u2014 Smooth, Modern, and High-End<\/strong><\/p>

                  Matte coatings reduce glare and give you a soft, non-reflective finish. Colors stay vibrant, text is easy to read, and the card feels more refined.<\/p>\n<\/div>

                  \n

                  Best For<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

                  \n
                    \n
                  • Minimalist and high-end branding<\/li>\n
                  • Services targeting a professional or upscale audience<\/li>\n
                  • Designs where readability matters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>
                    \n

                    Uncoated \u2014 Natural and Fully Writable<\/strong><\/p>

                    Uncoated stock has the most writable surface. It gives you a true paper feel, and it\u2019s great for notes, quick writing, and subtle designs.<\/p>\n<\/div>

                    \n

                    Best For<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>

                    \n
                      \n
                    • Appointment cards<\/li>\n
                    • Personalized or handwritten messages<\/li>\n
                    • Soft, light-colored layouts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
                      \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                      \nLamination Options for Extra Durability\n<\/h2>
                      \n

                      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>

                      \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                      \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>
                      \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                      \n

                      Lamination adds a protective film that changes the feel and extends the lifespan of your postcards. It\u2019s considered an upgrade, as it\u2019s often used when you want something more substantial.<\/p>

                      Gloss Lamination<\/strong><\/p>

                      Gloss lamination adds shine, thickness, and strong protection for your postcards, and creates a dense and polished feel to them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

                      \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                      \n

                      Use this for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • High-profile promotions<\/li>\n
                      • Pieces that will be handled repeatedly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
                        \n

                        Matte or Silk Lamination<\/strong><\/p>

                        If you want your postcards to feel upscale, choose matte or silk lamination. This type of lamination features a velvety texture that\u2019s smooth in hand, making it perfect for premium and exclusive promotions.<\/p>\n<\/div>

                        \n

                        Use this for:<\/strong><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Luxury or premium marketing<\/li>\n
                        • Invitations, VIP passes, or high-end retail promotions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>
                          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                          \nEnjoying this article?\n<\/h3>
                          \n

                          Get more design ideas, print inspo, and expert tips straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

                          \n\n\n
                          \n \n \n \n
                          \n \n \n