Papers & finishes
10 guides
Choosing a sticker material that survivesPaper, vinyl or polyester, and permanent or removable — the wrong combination fails within weeks. Here is how to match material to use.2 min read
Coated or uncoated: the choice before all the othersCoating seals the surface so ink sits on top. Uncoated lets ink soak in. That single difference decides how your images and text will look.2 min read
Flex, vinyl or fabric: choosing a banner materialThe material decides how long the banner lasts and how it looks under light. Indoors and outdoors want different answers.3 min read
Foil and embossing: the premium finishesFoil adds metallic shine, embossing adds physical relief. Both carry die costs, which makes them a decision about quantity as much as taste.2 min read
Kraft and recycled stock: what changesKraft and recycled papers carry an obvious environmental signal, but they change how colours print. Here is what to expect.2 min read
Matte or gloss lamination: how to chooseGloss makes photographs pop and shows every fingerprint. Matte is subtle, writable and hides handling. The choice is mostly about content.2 min read
Rounded corners and shaped cardsA rounded corner costs a separate cutting pass but changes how a card feels and survives. Shaped cards go further, at a real cost.2 min read
Spot UV: raised gloss where it countsSpot UV applies gloss varnish to selected areas only. Used sparingly it is striking; used everywhere it is just lamination that cost more.2 min read
Velvet lamination: what you are paying forVelvet or soft-touch lamination changes how a card feels rather than how it looks. Whether that is worth the cost depends entirely on the handover.2 min read
What GSM actually means when choosing paperGSM measures weight per square metre, not thickness or quality. Here is what each range feels like in the hand and what it costs.2 min read