Imagine you have a special event or marketing campaign coming up - all you have to do is order some professional printing. Just when you think you’re all set to make an order, it is time to choose among printing papers. That shouldn’t be too hard to pick, right? 

Well, we at 4OVER4.COM we carry <a href="https://www.4over4.com/paper-selection" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-schema-attribute="">50+ paper types</a> that you could choose from. Let’s take a look at the options first, and you can answer that question later.
<h2>Uncoated Paper</h2>
Redundant as it may sound, uncoated paper… has no coating. What this means, is that paper is porous and absorbs more ink. Therefore, images can lose a bit of their sharpness, at least in comparison to coated paper. With that in mind, it works very well for projects with less processed requirements, because it provides an organic feel. 

Lack of coating does not mean lower quality. There are several colored and textured options for uncoated printing papers. This choice is well suited for applications where the paper will be written on, like letterheads, or for any projects where a natural look is desired. Booklets like the one shown below, have no coating.

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/printing-papers.gif"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-8360 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/printing-papers.gif" alt="printing papers" width="800" height="800" /></a>
<h2>Coated Paper</h2>
The coating process fills the base paper pores, which alters its printing qualities and ink absorption levels. As a result, coated printing paper feels smoother and looks shinier. Paper coating substances include China Clay, Calcium Carbonate, Kaolinite, Pigment, Adhesive, and Bentonite. It is classified as light, medium, or high coated. 

And art paper, which is the highest in quality and commonly used in advertising projects. This paper can be matte or glossy and produces outstanding color results. It’s typically used for brochures, catalogs, menus, among others. Here’s an example: 

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/coated-paper.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-8362 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/coated-paper.jpg" alt="coated-paper" width="800" height="800" /></a>
<h2>Gloss/High Gloss UV Paper</h2>
Gloss/High Gloss UV coating consists of applying a varnish to standard printing product and then sealing it with UV light. As a result, the colors are enhanced and the product looks glossy. Additionally, it makes the gloss paper more resistant to any external element which may damage the ink or quality. After applying the gloss UV coating, it would be hard to write on the paper or edit it in any way, so it is suitable for products that will not require further alterations.

You can also choose to coat the paper on one side only, so it is possible to write customer details or any additional information on the back (like a postcard).

It is used in a wide range of applications from business cards to catalogs and postcards and everywhere in between. Using glossy papers and gloss coatings can really make a high quality paper stock seem even more beautiful. 

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/glossy-card.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-8363 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/glossy-card.jpg" alt="glossy-paper" width="800" height="800" /></a>
<h2>Paper Thickness</h2>
Regardless of the coating process, the paper has been through, its thickness will determine how rigid and resistant it will be. While the average cardstock ranges from 9-point to 14-point, specialty papers like the <a href="https://www.4over4.com/the-prestige-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-schema-attribute="">ultra thick prestige collection</a> can go as high as 80-point. And even then, you can choose to apply UV coating or not.

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/thick-postcard.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-8361 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/08/thick-postcard.jpg" alt="thick-postcard" width="800" height="800" /></a>

Our advice is that you tell your professional printer exactly what you are after. An expert will be able to tell you which option is the most suitable for your project, so you don’t get overwhelmed by the multiple possibilities. Remember that the final purpose of your print product will be the determining factor as to what kind of material you should go for.

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2016/05/Featired-products-6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-9286 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2016/05/Featired-products-6.jpg" alt="paper thick business cards" width="720" height="300" /></a>
<h2>Know the Details of your Project to Choose The Right Paper </h2>
Ask yourself the following questions: 
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">What is the objective of your project? Spread information? Branding? Or, Make an announcement? </li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">What’s the desired look? Is full-color printing essential for your project? </li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">How your piece will be distributed? </li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;">What’s your budget? </li>
</ul>
Answer yourself the questions above, set up your priorities and ask our printing expert representatives if you aren’t sure what’s the best choice for you.

<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2017/07/Fantastic-Finishes-720x300-2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-8920 size-full" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2017/07/Fantastic-Finishes-720x300-2.jpg" alt="4OVER4 Fantastic Finishes" width="720" height="300" /></a>

Don't forget to <a href="https://www.4over4.com/login" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-schema-attribute="">sign up now for 30% OFF your first order</a>!
<h3></h3>

Different Printing Papers: Uncoated, Gloss and High Gloss UV

Ever wonder where Coca-Cola found their dramatic red color?  Do you love Barbie’s hot pink logo?  If you answered yes, then you should thank Pantone, the magicians of color.  Since 1962, Pantone has been responsible for creating and educating the world on the hottest color trends in print, fashion and the web.  Their history is as colorful as their products.
<h2>The Birth of Pantone as We Know It</h2>
In the early days of the 1950s, Pantone was a commercial printing company based in New Jersey.  In 1956 a young college graduate by the name of Lawrence Herbert began working there and quickly changed the face of the company.  Herbert, the current CEO, Chairman and President of Pantone, used his knowledge of chemistry to create a system to simplify the production of the company’s stock pigments and colored inks.  In 1962 Herbert purchased the company from his employers and has been making history ever since.
<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/02/pantone_graphics_color-guide-300x123-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-5028 size-full" title="Pantone Color History" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/02/pantone_graphics_color-guide-300x123-1.jpg" alt="Pantone Color Wheel" width="300" height="123" /></a>

<h2>Color Inspired by World Events</h2>
Did you know that neon pink sweater you loved in the 80s was inspired by the economic upturn and the MTV pop culture?  That vibrant era transformed into the more Zen colored 90s and the grunge generation.  It seems that Pantone colors have expressed our culture's feelings and concerns over these last 50 decades.
The 21st century has no doubt been affected by technology and globalization.  Citizens embracing their individuality have inspired Pantone colors Cerulean, Satellite, Chili Pepper, and Aspen Green just to name a few.  Colors, it seems, are a definition of our times.
<h2>Patriotic Influence</h2>
An interesting fact that most people may not know is that many states within the United States and some foreign nations have chosen specific PMS colors from Pantone when producing their flags.  In one instance back in 2003, the Scottish Parliament debated a petition to recognize the blue color in their flag as Pantone 300.  Similarly, Texas has set legislation regarding the PMS colors of their state flag.

<h2>How Pantone Stays Relevant </h2>
Pantone didn’t become a success by standing still.  Advances in technology have only improved the Pantone system and selection of products.  Originally known for their color formula guide swatch books, Pantone has evolved into so much more.  Introduced in 2007, the Goe system consists of over 2,000 new colors with a new numbering system.  Unlike the basic swatch books, the Goe system includes GoeSticks with adhesive backs.
Pantone also provides its users with interactive software, tools and social media so that users can share color swatches and information learned through personal experience.
<a href="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/02/Pantone-Color-of-the-Year-Radiant-Orchid-224x300-1.png"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-5029 size-full" title="Pantone Color of the Year 2014" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2014/02/Pantone-Color-of-the-Year-Radiant-Orchid-224x300-1.png" alt="pantone color of the year" width="224" height="300" /></a>

<h2>The 2014 Color</h2>
As their new selection of colors are unveiled every season, with it comes the coveted award for the “color of the year”.  Imagine a group of color standard specialists from around the world assembling together in some secret European location.  After two long days of presentations and discussions, a color of the year is crowned.  The color is usually a representation of our times.  Emerald was chosen as the color for 2013.  For 2014, color enthusiasts can get excited about Radiant Orchid that <a href="https://www.pantone.com/pages/MYP_mypantone/mypInfo.aspx?ca=75&amp;pg=21128">encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society.</a>
The history of Pantone colors has been evolving for over 5 decades.  Their colors inspire designers and artists everywhere to create and popularize brands through logos on <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/company-t-shirts" data-schema-attribute="" data-wplink-edit="true">company t shirts</a> and promotional marketing tools.
How do you use your Pantone colors?  We want to know! (Sound off below)

Sources Cited and Images  courtesy of www.Pantone.com

The History Behind Pantone Colors

DIY business card designing usually starts with a word doc. Then, you resize the page according to standard measurements, add contact info, and that&rsquo;s it.


You feel you have done a great job. But when you hand it to a client, the result is a waste of money, time, and energy. The business card may even end up in a bin. No one wants to make a lackluster card, so let&#39;s take a look at the mistakes that you may be making.


If you have constrained budgets, you may try designing business cards online. It is definitely a great way to explore your creativity with high-quality printing. But, prior to designing business cards, read about the mistakes that people usually make during the process. It can help in avoiding such flaws and refining your business card design.&nbsp;


While we talk about business card designing and printing, one name that cannot leave behind is 4OVER4.COM. With over 20 years of experience, 4OVER4 continues to improve. They add and reinforce their product lineup, quality, and overall range with each passing year. If you are looking for some great business card designs, 4OVER4 will never disappoint you but before that, check out the mistakes you should avoid while you <a href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/filter/?tab=design-templates">design your card online</a>.


<h2>Selecting a Common Business Card Design</h2>


<img alt="business-cards" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2019/06/Copy-of-BLOG-FRAMES2-2020-10-20T164758.441.png" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />

<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/I29xrNBN6kusqDMfaX4ipAz7SItGqGwWRs3OoAIChSHg46Q8S_gWOTGjGCSEu8foduNLwbvikfZRE_ryrI1Xqw_DPZtRKezFvntE7TAZmjmjMvPh_4e3Xw=s0-d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Source</a>


One of the most common mistakes that people make in a business card is the look and feel of the card. It is mostly unimpressive and mundane which leaves only a faint memory when you hand it over to someone.


A business card must define your business, look great, and feel amazing. A <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/soft-touch-postcards">soft- touch</a> or <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/Spot-UV-Business-Cards">spot-UV</a> card design from the 4OVER4 business card specialists have an element of sophistication. They are affordable as well as appealing to the masses.


At 4OVER4, the team strives to offer the finest quality material using digital technology for <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/business-card-printing">business cards printing</a>. There won&#39;t be any mistakes made when you have creative business cards. They must be unique and stand out in the crowd. This way, they will draw eyes to your contact information like your phone number, email address, and social media handles.


<h2>Compromising on the Design Quality</h2>


You can definitely save quite a few pennies by making your own homemade cards without consulting a professional. It may even look great when you see it from a distance, but when you hold the card it may not seem as professional or eye-catching. You can easily feel the perforations at the side when you opt for homemade cards. It is difficult to achieve perfection without the quality that a professional like 4OVER4 can offer.


Do you want to design a card yourself and get it printed online? 4OVER4.COM offers you a range of business cards sizes and paper stocks using their design services online. We also offer a variety of other items like velvet and gloss laminated hangtags, tabletop and <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/Fabric-Tube-Displays">fabric tube displays</a>, <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/Event-Tents">event tent</a>, pole flags and more. Don&#39;t sacrifice your business and its success by skimping on your card&#39;s design.


<h2>Confusing Business Card Designs</h2>


<img alt="" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2019/06/Copy-of-BLOG-FRAMES2-2020-10-20T171836.332.png" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />


Your unique business card designs must reflect what your business is all about. If your design does not show any connection with your business or brand colors, it is not likely to get much referrals or calls. Once the client receives your card, they should understand your industry without engaging themselves in solving the mystery.


Logos that are extremely clear and memorable are logos like the Starbucks or United Parcel Service (UPS) logos. Until 2003, the UPS logo was a parcel tied with string at the top of a carrier shield. This is a business card design that gives out a clear message about the business, free of mystery.


At 4OVER4.COM, you can find many such examples of clean logos on business cards. Beyond this, there is also <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/Raised-Spot-UV-Hangtags">raised spot UV hangtags</a> or <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/Mugs">mugs</a> and pens that give instant recognition to your business.


<h2>Designs Lacking a Unique Selling Point</h2>


Have you tried using your business card, hangtags, or other printed items to its full marketing potential? Your business card must state one unique reason for clients to get in touch with you or do business with you.&nbsp;


For instance, a travel-based company can have a tagline &ldquo;travel across the globe with us&rdquo; or an auto service center can use &ldquo;a guaranteed complete solution&rdquo;. Such selling or value propositions give out a clear message to your customers. When you mention &ldquo;guaranteed solution&rdquo;, it helps in building the trust.&nbsp;


<h2>Lack of Design Proportions in Business Card</h2>


<img alt="" src="https://cloud-cdn.4over4.com/2019/06/Copy-of-BLOG-FRAMES2-2020-10-20T172058.358.png" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />


A common mistake in designing is the lack of appropriate balance in shapes, fonts, scopes, sizes, and more. Are the background shapes breaking up your design? Do you have a section that is somewhat misaligned? Are the spaces between the texts too close?


Whatever be the situation, you can feel something is not right.


Even if you are not a professional designer, you can create an apt business card. You need to choose the right design and it will naturally attain the balance to sow the seeds of brand recognition. The proper business card design conveys the right message and creates a positive impression at the first meeting.


Online templates come as a handy option to escape weird design proportions. Are you looking for one? 4OVER4.COM offers several <a data-type="URL" href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/filter/?tab=design-templates">card building templates</a> on our free business cards maker to ease your process and also printing options in a <a href="https://www.4over4.com/paper-selection">range of papers</a> and <a href="https://www.4over4.com/fantastic-finishes">finishes</a>.


<h2>Fix the Mistakes in Business Card Design with Professional Help</h2>


Business cards are the most important marketing tool and you should carry a good supply wherever you go. In the right situation and to the right contact, a business card can result in several referrals.


Your business card must be unique and hold proper information without any mistakes such as harsh color schemes, typing errors, etc. If you want to create a perfect card, 4OVER4.COM is one of the most ideal choices that you can have. We offer endless options for business cards like die-cut, spot UV, 3D lenticular, and more.


Apart from designing business cards at affordable prices, our range also includes a <a href="https://www.4over4.com/showcase">designer showcase</a>. This is where you can choose an assortment of products for printing. Are you looking to print gift items like keychains, car magnets, drink coasters, etc. or office stationeries like rubber stamps, letterheads, mousepads, and more? The 4OVER4 team helps in meeting all your graphic designing and full-color printing needs under one roof.


&nbsp;

Mistakes You May Be Making With Your Business Card Design

Business print outsourcing refers to handing over the delivery of print products to a print company. For <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/brochures#multistep" rel="noopener" target="_blank">brochure printing outsourcing</a>, it means letting a print company manage the printing of your brochures instead of doing it yourself.

<h2>When did business print outsourcing start?</h2>

Outsourcing in itself was not formally identified as a business strategy until 1989. This was because most organizations were not fully self-sufficient. They outsourced those functions for which they had no competency internally. Business print outsourcing became very common in the print and mail business during the 1990s and later expanded to be very broad and inclusive of almost any process in the 2000s. Today, businesses outsource their print as it&rsquo;s a wise financial decision compared to the businesses managing the printing process themselves. In research done by SmallBizGenius, <a href="https://www.smallbizgenius.net/by-the-numbers/outsourcing-statistics/#gref" rel="noopener" target="_blank">59% of businesses use outsourcing to reduce their expenses.</a>

<img alt="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/4over4-shop/assets/images/product_story_image/1057b1.jpg" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />

Some of the reasons why businesses prefer to outsource their print products are:

<ul>
	<li>High volume printers start at around $1,000 for smaller machines and can range as high as $4,000 or more for technically advanced high-speed production models. This is a big sum of money for a small business to spend on printers.</li>
	<li>Maintenance contracts can also add up to a significant annual expense for many small businesses; repair and regular upgrades to hardware and software can constitute a major financial drain on smaller companies as well.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Why brochure printing outsourcing benefits you financially</h2>

As a business, or as a person for that matter, you always need to make financial decisions. In one way or another. I remember one time my friend was having a wedding and needed her bridesmaid dresses done. She could have made them herself since she is a great designer but she opted to outsource them. This saved her money as the company she used offered to make the dresses at a cheaper price compared to the total cost she could have incurred. If she had decided to make them herself, she would have to purchase extra types of equipment and materials for the dresses. It was 100% worth it! Brochure printing outsourcing saves you time. Time is money. The more time you have to work on your business the better for you. When you outsource, you create time for other things. The time you could have used to look for <a href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/filter/?tab=product-templates" rel="noopener" target="_blank">brochure templates</a>, you can use it to attend to your clients. The print company you use will take care of that burden for you.&nbsp;

<img alt="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/4over4-shop/assets/images/product_story_image/1057b2.jpg" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />

<a href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/content/free-psd-templates/beautiful-custom-brochures/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Beautiful Custom Brochure Printing&nbsp;</a> Outsourcing saves you training and hiring costs. If you were to print your brochures, you will have to purchase the print machines. This will force you to hire people with experience in using the machines or train your current employees. Research has it that companies spend, on average, $1,195 to train each employee. Imagine the number of employees you will have to train. This will drain your company dry. By outsourcing your brochures, you can escape this. You won&rsquo;t need to worry about how to train employees on the types of brochure folds, tri-fold brochure layout, and the like. Outsourcing saves you the training expenses. Outsourcing is more effective. This means that since experts will be handling your <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/direct-mail-services" rel="noopener" target="_blank">direct mail brochure</a> printing, you can be sure of more effectiveness. This factor automatically raises the standard of the work, and it can be done in a fast and efficient way. It&rsquo;s also effective in the sense that you&rsquo;re sure of when your products will be ready. This is because if the print company is reliable they will let you know when to expect your brochures. In this way, you can plan.

<img alt="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/4over4-shop/assets/images/product_story_image/1057b3.jpg" style="height:720px; width:1280px" />

<a href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/content/brochures-and-catalogs/eye-catching-custom-brochures-instant-attention-grabber/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Eye-Catching Brochure Printing</a> Risk management. You don&rsquo;t have to be the one to incur an extra cost in case of any problems with the printing. You pay to get your prints done. Any other external factor that may arise will not be yours to deal with. If the outsourced company faces issues like natural calamities, technical crises, or market fluctuations, your company won&rsquo;t be at risk of anything. You will be able to go on with your assignments as usual.

<h2>Where to outsource your brochure printing</h2>

After all is said and done, you&#39;ll need to get a company that you can outsource to. You can research online on the available companies depending on the state/country you are in. However, working with a great company is key!

<img alt="" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/4over4-shop/assets/images/product_story_image/1057b4.gif" style="height:500px; width:500px" />

<a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://storyset.com/business" rel="noopener" target="_blank">How To Choose The Right Company To Work With</a> You will want to check out a company that has great reviews. With a company that has been in the print industry for over 2 decades, you are sure that they are experts in the print world. Go for a company that allows you to choose the folding option you want and also sends you a free online proof so you can check that your design and text are accurate and print-ready before printing. Working with such a great <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/brochures#multistep">company</a> topped up with top-notch customer service will be a great investment for your business.

<h2>To sum up&hellip;</h2>

Knowing the benefits that come with brochure printing, you need to invest in it. You don&#39;t have to undergo great financial costs to get brochures though. Save your money by outsourcing brochure printing. But be sure you work with the best company for the best results. &nbsp;

Brochure Printing: Businesses Outsourcing for Stunning Corporate

<a href="https://youtu.be/lVy1CMAkSwY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">source</a>

Artwork backgrounds really add color and life to your photos and videos. It might be hard for you to get time to do this by yourself but you can also hire the services of a professional printer. An indoor banner should do the trick especially for those who are looking for a banner backdrop for their social media engagement videos.

<h3>Indoor Banners Template</h3>

With so many styles of <a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/online-large-format-print" rel="noopener" target="_blank">indoor banners</a> designs out here, it should become clear why having the right one is so important for the particular message you want to convey. Think hard about what your <a href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/filter/?tab=design-templates&amp;category=vinyl-banners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">indoor banners</a> will communicate, what your brand is about and how it helps you seal the deal with your clients. Don&rsquo;t be afraid to get original custom made <a href="https://www.4over4.com/printing/indoor-banner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">indoor banners</a> just like the one we&rsquo;ve shared here. After all, the right one might just be what sparks the interest of a new customer! We offer great discounts and hundreds of free templates that will make your brand stand out.

Let your creative self shine by displaying all your amazing ideas on a blank&nbsp;<a data-schema-attribute="" href="https://www.4over4.com/cloud/filter/?tab=blank-templates">indoor banners</a>&nbsp;that you can customize with different designs and get a feel of what the final look will be.

Amazing Indoor Banners For Social Media Videos

Indoor Banners Template