Types of Business Cards: A Complete Guide

1. Silk Finish (Our Standard)

Silk finish business cards have a smooth, professional surface with a subtle sheen. The finish sits between matt and gloss - not completely flat, but not shiny either.

Benefits:

• Smooth, professional appearance
• Writable with a ballpoint pen
• Good colour reproduction
• Not too shiny, not too matt - the perfect balance
• Durable and long-lasting

Available in: 350gsm (budget) and 450gsm (premium - our standard)

See our full business card pricing and options.

2. Laminated Business Cards

Laminated business cards have an extra protective layer added after printing. This makes them more durable and gives them a distinctive feel. We offer three lamination types:

Matt Laminated
A smooth, non-reflective finish with no glare. Looks modern and sophisticated. Popular with design agencies, architects, and creative businesses.

Gloss Laminated
A shiny, reflective finish that makes colours pop. More protective than matt. Good for businesses with colourful branding or photo-heavy designs.

Soft-Touch Laminated (Luxury)
A velvety, tactile finish that feels like peach skin. Premium and memorable. Popular with estate agents, solicitors, consultants, and luxury brands.

Benefits:

• Extra protection from wear and tear
• More resistant to dirt and moisture
• Premium feel compared to standard silk
• Soft-touch is particularly memorable and luxurious

Learn more about our laminated business card options.

3. Spot UV Business Cards

Spot UV adds a raised, glossy coating to specific areas of your card - typically your logo or company name. This creates a tactile, three-dimensional effect that catches the light and feels premium.

Benefits:

• Adds visual and tactile interest
• Makes your logo stand out
• Creates a premium, high-end feel
• Catches the light in different ways

Important: Spot UV only works on matt or soft-touch laminated cards (not on standard silk or gloss).

See our luxury business card options for more details.

4. Foiled Business Cards

Foil business cards feature metallic gold or silver foil stamping. The foil is pressed into the card using heat, creating a shimmering, eye-catching effect that's impossible to replicate with standard printing.

Benefits:

• Ultimate luxury and elegance
• Real metallic shine (not printed)
• Catches attention immediately
• Shows you invest in quality

Read more about our foiled business card service.

5. Uncoated Business Cards

Uncoated business cards have no finish or coating applied - just natural, textured paper. They have an organic, tactile feel similar to good quality writing paper.

Benefits:

• Natural, textured feel
• Easy to write on (ideal if customers need to make notes)
• Eco-friendly appearance
• Softer, less corporate aesthetic
• Absorbs ink differently for a distinctive look

Note: Colours appear more muted on uncoated card compared to silk or laminated options. This can actually be a benefit for subtle, natural designs.

Folded Business Cards

Folded business cards are exactly what they sound like - cards that fold in half, giving you double the space. They work well if you have more information to include or want to create something more distinctive.

Common uses:

• Appointment cards (salon, dentist, therapy)
• Mini brochures showing your services
• Loyalty cards with stamp spaces
• Multi-location businesses with different contact details

Square Business Cards

Square business cards (typically 70mm x 70mm) stand out because they're different. Most cards are rectangular, so a square card won't get lost in a pile and gets noticed immediately.

Benefits:

• Immediately distinctive
• Won't get lost in standard business card holders
• Shows creativity and willingness to be different
• Works well for logo-centric designs

Consideration: They don't fit in standard card wallets, which means they either get thrown away or remembered - there's no middle ground!

Rounded Corner Business Cards

Business cards with rounded corners instead of sharp 90-degree edges. A small detail that makes a noticeable difference.

Benefits:

• More modern, contemporary appearance
• Corners don't get damaged or bent as easily
• Feels smoother and more pleasant to handle
• Stands out slightly from standard cards

What's the most popular business card type?

By far, 450gsm silk is our most popular option. It offers the best balance of quality, price, and versatility. It works for virtually any business and feels premium without being overly expensive.

Can I write on laminated business cards?

You can't write on gloss laminated cards with a normal pen. Matt laminated and soft-touch cards can be written on with some pens, but it's not ideal. If you need to write on your cards, stick with silk or uncoated finishes.

Which finish is most durable?

Laminated cards (matt, gloss, or soft-touch) are the most durable. The lamination protects against dirt, moisture, and general wear and tear. Gloss lamination offers the most protection, but soft-touch is also very durable while feeling more luxurious.

Are thicker cards always better?

Not necessarily. 450gsm feels premium and professional, which is perfect for most businesses. But if you're ordering thousands of cards for mass distribution (like calling cards for trades), 350gsm makes more financial sense. The thinner card is still perfectly professional, just less expensive per card.

How do I know if spot UV will work on my design?

Spot UV works best on simple logos, text, or design elements rather than complex, detailed images. The effect is most noticeable when there's good contrast between the matt background and the glossy UV areas. Send us your design and we'll advise whether spot UV will work effectively.

Can I get samples before ordering?

Yes! We're happy to send you sample cards showing different paper types and finishes. Just ask when you call or email. Seeing and feeling the actual cards makes it much easier to decide which type is right for your business.