There are many more 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 on our website, with 14 pt., 16 pt., and 100 lb. being the most popular across most print products. You might be asking yourself, how do you know which is best for you when it comes to 14 pt. vs 16 pt. vs 100 lb.?
In this post, we will lay out the three most popular 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 our paper stocks, you’ll be an expert when placing your next printing order!
14 pt. Card Stock
14 pt. Gloss Cover 
14 pt. Uncoated Cover
The most popular card stock is 14pt. In general, this top seller is the most used paper thickness for business cards and 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. With us, you have the option of choosing a glossy surface or an uncoated surface.
Perhaps the best part about this option is that it is the most economical solution. Either finish option looks 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 of a necessity than quality. Their durability and affordability are ideal when you need to hand out business cards, postcards, flyers, or any applicable print product in mass quantities.
You also don’t have to worry about compromising the quality of your designs/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 conveniently fit into wallets and cardholders, making them easy to carry around on business trips, trade shows, or conferences.
16 pt. Card Stock
16 pt. Premium Matte 
Texture
This luxurious-looking card stock is thicker than the 14 pt. The thicker option gives you double security when it comes to durability, making them great for business cards and postcards, flyers, greeting cards, and many other print products.
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
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 16 pt. 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 perform well against the expected wear and tear of 14 pt cards, thanks to the added firmness of 16 pt. stock. Remember; 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 double-sided prints. 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 high gloss UV cover for added protection and vibrant colors.
100 lb. Card Stock
100 lb. Gloss Cover 
100 lb. Gloss Book 
100 lb. Matte Cover
Sometimes thicker paper isn’t practical for certain printing projects, such as catalogs or calendars. That leads us to our thinner, yet just as durable paper options – 100 lb. Gloss Cover, 100 lb. Gloss Book, and 100 lb. Matte Cover paper stock.
100 lb. paper is durable, yet lightweight, while still managing to hold color well. It’s the most economical option and is commonly ordered with a gloss cover. However, if you want this same thickness in a matte option, your go-to would be our lightweight matte stock. The added bonus of this stock is, because of its finish, you can easily handwrite anything on its surface.
It’s wise to choose this paper option when you need to give out business cards in mass quantities or have them available as handouts in stores and offices.
However, 100 lb. 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 100 lb. thin paper stock is ideal for these printing projects.
The thinness of this 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!
There’s no need to negotiate the quality of your projects because of paper. As we have laid out for you, each type of paper has a specialty that is right for you and for any occasion you have. At GotPrint, you can choose from all different paper types and thicknesses to order in mass quantities, in high quality, and at reasonable prices.
Sources:
1 – http://ezinearticles.com/?Business-Cards:-How-Thick-Is-Too-Thick?&id=5640316