Finishing is a great way to make your custom business cards stand out. There are a bunch of different options for finishing, the list below includes most of the options we offer:
Edge Coloring
We first introduced edge coloring almost 20 years ago as a great way to add color to business cards and stationery. After printing and trimming, we can edge color your custom business cards.
Edge coloring can be done to match any PMS color and is also available in neon, metallic (silver + gold shimmer), and glitter finish. We can spray in a gradient and use multiple colors on each edge for a super specialty finish.
Duplexing / Triplexing
This technique bonds two or three layers of paper to create thicker, more durable cards with customizable color cores. Take a standard stock and make it extra thick or mount a white stock to a colored back for a beautiful duplexed finish.
When gluing paper, we can mount as many layers as you want. Imagine a 12ply card with individual colored layers creating a beautiful gradient effect on the edge of your card. We also can create triplexed or color-core business cards to make a paper sandwich.
Duplexing allows us to make black and white business cards, or to mount white stock to almost any specialty paper (Stardream, Mirri, Gmund, Velvet, Kraft, … anything).
Die-cutting
Die-cutting allows for custom shapes and cutouts, giving your cards a unique silhouette. Create a geometric shape, a circle business card, custom border, punch a hole or cut outs to the card. Get creative with the shape of your card to really bring your custom business card to life.
There are some special things to consider when designing a die-cut, reach out to us if you have questions.
Rounded Corners
Softens the corners of your card for a smoother, more polished look. Standard corner radii are 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ but you can make a custom radius to match your design perfectly. Rounded corners can be done on any number of sides from 1 to 4.
Edge Foiling
Adds metallic foil to the card edges, enhancing the overall elegance. Similar to edge coloring but exactly matches any foil color that is stamped on your card – even a holographic foil so a super custom finish.
Foil edges are more expensive than edge coloring so sometimes people with opt for a gold or silver edge color instead of foil. Edge foiling is best suited for square or rectangular business cards and really stand out when used on extra thick stock.
Embossing
Lifts certain elements of the design, creating a raised, textured feel. We talk more about what embossing is on a recent post: Emboss vs. Deboss
Raised UV / Raised Foil / Spot UV / UV Coating
Adds a glossy, raised layer to specific parts of the design for a tactile, 3D effect. This is available on any digitally printed cards when paired with a velvet laminate. Raised UV or raised foil can be done on both sides of the card. The one thing to consider with raised finishing is you want to avoid more than 30% coverage of the raised elements.
Spot UV applies a glossy finish to select areas, contrasting with the matte parts of the card to highlight important details. Spot printing can be done with and without silk lamination but in our opinion it stands out much more with lamination.
UV Coating adds a high gloss finish to any offset or digital printing and also protects the print from scratches or dirt when handled.
Silk Laminate / Velvet Laminate
Lamination can step up a digital business card by adding a unique feel to the stock. The laminate is added after printing but before finishing like Raised UV or Spot UV. Lamination adds a slight thickness to the business card and protects the printing on both sides from chipping or cracking.