Your business card is often the first physical impression you make on a potential client or partner. At Linprint, we’ve printed millions of business cards since 1947, and one of the most common questions we hear is: “What type of paper should I choose?”
The answer depends on your industry, budget, and the impression you want to make. Here’s our guide to choosing the right business card stock for your Wilmington business.
Standard 14pt Card Stock: The Reliable Workhorse
Best for: Most businesses, everyday networking, budget-conscious orders
Our 14pt card stock is the industry standard for a reason. It’s thick enough to feel substantial in your hand but still affordable for larger quantities. This is the stock we recommend for most small businesses, startups, and professionals who need a clean, professional card without breaking the budget.
We print these with either a matte or gloss finish. Matte gives you a sophisticated, understated look (and you can write on it with a pen). Gloss creates more vibrant colors and a polished, modern feel.
16pt Extra-Thick Stock: Make a Statement
Best for: Luxury brands, real estate agents, executives, high-end services
When you hand someone a 16pt business card, they notice. The extra thickness communicates quality and attention to detail. We see a lot of real estate agents, attorneys, and boutique business owners choose this option because it positions them as premium service providers.
This stock works especially well with spot UV coating (where we add a glossy raised finish to your logo or specific design elements). It’s a subtle touch that makes your card feel even more upscale.
Uncoated Natural Stock: The Organic Choice
Best for: Eco-conscious brands, nonprofits, boutiques, creative professionals
Uncoated stock has a natural, tactile feel that stands out in a stack of glossy cards. The surface is slightly textured, which gives it an organic, approachable quality. Colors print softer and more muted on uncoated stock — think earthy tones rather than bright, saturated hues.
This is a great choice if your brand emphasizes sustainability, craftsmanship, or authenticity. We’ve printed these for local Wilmington coffee roasters, yoga studios, and farm-to-table restaurants with excellent results.
Plastic Cards: Built to Last
Best for: Gyms, spas, salons, loyalty programs, membership cards
Plastic business cards are nearly indestructible. They won’t bend, tear, or get damaged in a wallet or purse. We print these on 30mil PVC stock — the same material used for credit cards.
These work especially well for businesses that want their card to double as a loyalty card, membership card, or VIP pass. The durability means your contact information stays in their wallet for months or even years.
Specialty Finishes: Spot UV, Foil, and Embossing
Once you’ve chosen your base stock, you can add specialty finishes to make your card truly stand out:
- Spot UV: A raised glossy coating applied to specific elements (like your logo or company name). Creates a striking contrast against a matte background.
- Foil stamping: Metallic foil (gold, silver, rose gold, or copper) applied to text or design elements. Extremely eye-catching and premium.
- Embossing: Your logo or text is raised from the surface of the card. Very tactile and luxurious.
What We Recommend for Wilmington Businesses
After 78 years serving the Cape Fear region, here’s what we typically recommend based on industry:
Realtors, attorneys, financial advisors: 16pt with spot UV on your logo
Restaurants, retail, general services: 14pt gloss or matte
Creatives, boutiques, eco-brands: Uncoated natural stock
Gyms, salons, spas: Plastic cards with loyalty punch or scan code
Nonprofits, community organizations: 14pt matte (budget-friendly, professional)
Still Not Sure? We Can Help.
The good news is you don’t have to figure this out alone. When you request a quote from Linprint, we’ll ask about your business, your brand, and your goals — and we’ll recommend the stock and finish that makes the most sense.
We also keep physical samples of every stock at our Market Street shop. Stop by during business hours and you can feel the difference between 14pt and 16pt, compare matte versus gloss, and see spot UV in person.
Ready to order? Request a quote or call us at (910) 763-5103. We’ve been Wilmington’s print shop since 1947 — let us help you make the right impression.
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