There are many steps to ordering business cards, postcards, and other print materials than meets the eye. Some may be shocked to find out that printing on paper comes with many details. It can be intimidating and difficult to choose a paper thickness that will best fit your needs or help convey the impression you’re trying to create.
There are a variety of different paper thicknesses’ you can choose from, but how do you know which is best for you when it comes to 14pt vs 16pt vs 100lb?
In this post, we will lay out the three most popular premium paper stocks and their differences to help you determine which is best for you, and when each one is appropriate to use.
After this quick guide to paper stocks, you’ll be an expert when placing your next printing order!
14pt Card Stock
The most popular card stock is 14pt. In general, this top seller is the most used paper thickness for business cards and a good card stock for postcards too. Ordering a card with 14pt thickness guarantees sleekness and shows that you are corporate and professional, which makes it the standard, go-to choice.
Perhaps the best part about this option is that it is the most economical solution. They look great while saving you money. You’ll get a bang for your buck because you’re getting a combination of price and durability.
It’s ideal to choose a 14 pt card stock when quantity is more necessary than quality. Their durability and affordability make them perfect when you need to hand out business cards or postcards in mass quantities.
You also don’t have to worry about compromising the quality of your print materials on this card stock, because it has a high brightness level that makes colors pop from the paper.
Another thing to consider is that they fit easily into cardholders, making them easy to carry around on business trips, trade shows, or conferences.
16pt Card Stock
This luxurious-looking card stock is thicker than the 14pt. The thicker option gives you double security when it comes for durability, making them great for business cards and postcards.
A marketing expert at Ezine Articles recommends using 16 pt stock for business cards because the “difference in feel and marketing value is immeasurable.”1
When you hand over a thick card, it gives off the air that you have more experience at the executive level, establishing a certain trust in potential clients and partnerships.
Consider cards of the 16 pt stature when you have high-level business meetings to attend or are traveling to meet for business overseas. The higher the quality you choose for your cards, the more respected the recipient will feel.
Although you are investing a bit more in the thicker 16pt stock, you’re more likely to have a higher ROI (return-on-investment) because you’ll make lasting connections when you let the quality of your cards speak for itself. They also take less handling abuse thanks to their added firmness. A card that lasts long is a card that will be kept long.
Another plus side to printing on these cards is the quality of the color finishes, especially when you want to print double-sided. The thickness of the paper will hold the ink well, making the colors vivid and clear on each side. If you use them for postcards, you can be ensured that the added thickness will make them less likely to bend and more likely to stay fresh, this is especially convenient if you plan on using them as mailers.
Top the thick feel of these cards with a matte finish to truly impress your client base. Not only will it leave an unforgettable look, but it will leave an unforgettable feel as well. Or choose a gloss cover for added protection and vibrant colors.
100lb Card Stock
Sometimes thicker paper isn’t practical for certain printing projects. That leads us to our thinner, green option – 100lb (or 12 pt) recycled paper stock.
This paper is durable yet light, while still managing to hold color well. It’s the most economical option and is commonly ordered with a gloss cover.
It’s wise to choose this paper option when you need to give out business cards in mass quantities.
However, 100lb paper stock is best used for materials such as booklets, catalogs, and brochures. These are all materials that require flexibility when it comes to folding, stacking, and/or transporting. That’s why 100lbs thin paper stock is ideal for these printing projects.
The thinness of this recycled paper makes the printing turnaround time fast, easy, and affordable.
Now that you have a better idea about our paper stocks, here is an info-graphic you can reference whenever you are choosing between papers!
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