What GSM weight for business cards.

[Dal123]

I've designed some business cards, I'm in England and cannot find where to buy any card heavier than 400gsm (ebay only 1 available at 400 gsm) so pretty stuck here.
What weight gsm does everyone think for a perfect business card?
I have some 300gsm, and it's not good enough really, too floppy and don't look professional, I'm limited to what I can put through my printer but would've thought it could handle 500gsm. (Can always go little higher than printers specs I've found).
I should probably have them printed, but can't justify the costs because it's the construction game and 99% really don't take the impression of the card too much, it's done by word of mouth, references and previous jobs. Currently building my website so they'll have a little look at that and shows some nice previous work.

 

[AdeFowler]

300 is kind of the norm here, but I always go for 400 if I can. Any thicker than that and you might as well print on wood

 

[SwiftLives]

Hmmmm. Wooden business cards...

I'll be right back. I need to call a couple of BBQ restaurants real quick.

 

[Dal123]

I'm pleased that 300gsm is the norm, thanks for that, gives me a bit more confidence when I'm handing them out now.
Cheers.

 

[design-is]

Yup, 300gsm is pretty standard. Depends on where you go and how much you spend.

200gms = cheap, but with a solid laminate can just about pass.
300gsm/350gms/400gsm pretty normal all around. Can be enhanced with a laminate and/or spot varnish. Depends how nice you want them

Recycled boards can be a bit trickier to judge as the pulp can be a little more bulky. Gives the difference in texture that you might expect from recycled material.

/Doug

 

[brisbaneguy29]

Don't confuse weight with bulk. 300gsm is a weight, and does not have anything to do with how rigid the card feels. Bulk of the stock will determine how solid the card feels in your hand. While a rule-of-thumb is the heavier the weight, the more bulk, it is not always totally true. You can hold 2 different 300gsm stocks in your hand, and they may feel very different.

Here we do 420gsm cards with a Matt Celloglaze 2 sides, but we use a 420gsm art board, not a 420gsm coated stock. and they feel very, very thick / rigid / substantial.

If you looking for more, why not consider plastic cards, like a credit card without the numbers. You can't get much thicker than that. They are sctually very affordable.

 

[Dal123]

If you looking for more, why not consider plastic cards, like a credit card without the numbers. You can't get much thicker than that. They are sctually very affordable.

Interesting, they are done via hot-foil printing are they? Would it be possible to make your own by vinyl cutter then place the cut vinyl on-top of the card? This would obviously be a bit tedious, but I don't need too many.
I was not aware of the 'bulk', how is it measured? Anyone know where I can get some?

 

[design-is]

Without looking much (sorry if its no use) I found this site. Might give you some info on DIY plastic cards...

 

[brisbaneguy29]

We used CMYK Cards, they are based in Australia, but i think they get it printed in China. Very professional, and affordable. The cards look great. We use them as loyalty / discount give away cards for our hosting. People have commented how good they look.

You can do a full colour photo on the cards. Maybe some wood formwork around the edge with concrete in the middle?

 

[Dal123]

Thanks for them links buddies, I think I may have to just get them printed via printers online, can't find anywhere to get the card/ plastic from. Would've thought I'd be able to find on net but no joy .
Thanks for input .

 

[davedee65]

Hi Dal123, I always go for 400gsm cards as they give a great premium feel, but it you want to go thicker you can get triple layer cards which give you a total of 850gsm, with the option of having a coloured middle layer if wanted! See this link https://www.solopress.com/business-cards/luxury/, I've used them before and with good results. Moo also do them.

 

[nnoble]

Don't confuse weight with bulk. 300gsm is a weight, and does not have anything to do with how rigid the card feels. Bulk of the stock will determine how solid the card feels in your hand. While a rule-of-thumb is the heavier the weight, the more bulk, it is not always totally true. You can hold 2 different 300gsm stocks in your hand, and they may feel very different.

Here we do 420gsm cards with a Matt Celloglaze 2 sides, but we use a 420gsm art board, not a 420gsm coated stock. and they feel very, very thick / rigid / substantial.

If you looking for more, why not consider plastic cards, like a credit card without the numbers. You can't get much thicker than that. They are sctually very affordable.

Many valid points above and in a country like China were business cards are ubiquitous, texture of cards is also a consideration.