It doesn’t take long to make a first impression. In fact, some studies indicate that a person will make up their mind about a stranger in seven seconds or less. When you hand someone a business card, what does that card say about you?
Killer business card design can make you or your clients stand out, but it’s not all about looks. The base you choose for your business card will influence how a recipient will feel — literally.
In this post, we break down a few unique business card base options.
Linen
Linen is a popular base material for professional-looking and lightly textured business cards. Sturdy 24pt linen cards come uncoated and non-laminated to emphasize the tactile aspect of the experience.
Made using card stock with a small woven grid pattern, linen business cards offer a distinctive look and feel that’s popular with professionals like attorneys, lawyers, and consultants.
Suede and Onyx Suede
Suede business card bases push the limits of how soft and luxurious cardstock can be. Suede cards are extra thick, smooth, and elegant. More than any other paper card, they use touch and weight to make an impact.
Suede business cards from Silkcards are available in two thicknesses: 32pt and 48pt. 32pt is the equivalent of two standard business cards, while 48pt is three standard cards thick.
That added weight introduces a new physical experience to receiving the card, a heft that speaks to its sophistication. It also allows for interesting edge color effects and die cuts.
Uniquely refined Onyx suede business cards are made using black paper stock. With this black-on-black tonal richness, any designs using foils or spot UV are sure to stand out.
Wood
Business cards that use non-traditional bases often get uncommon results.
Take our wood business cards. Made using thin veneers cut from natural cherry or beech, these cards use the natural grain and texture of the finished wood to stand out.
Wood cards can be custom die cut to create more texture, then laser etched to make any card truly unique.
Cotton
Cotton business cards use a combination of pulp paper with cotton fiber to create a pillowy texture that reacts nicely to letterpress/deboss accents.
Cotton business cards use a similar non-laminated approach to linen cards, introducing a soft, textured quality that’s pleasing to the hand (and the eye). They’re luxurious and — when paired with indented patterns and text — deeply engaging.
Plastic
Custom plastic business cards are excellent for detailed, colorful designs. A popular choice for large-scale printing, these cards can mimic the feel of a gift card or credit card, invoking a similar sense of value for the recipient. Plus, for businesses where durability and water-resistance are key, plastic business cards provide a long-term solution.
Learn more with our Designers’ Ultimate Guide to Printing Unique, Custom Business Cards!