Question
How do I choose the right paper weight and finish for my project?
Answer
Paper weight and finish should follow the job the piece has to do, not a default setting. A card that gets shuffled in a wallet needs body, while a wall display wants a surface that reads well from a distance. Start with durability and viewing context, then pick the finish.
- Business cards: at least 14pt so they feel solid and resist bending. 16Pt-32pt for a premium impression, with 32pt roughly three times the thickness of a standard card.
- Brochures and flyers: 100lb text weight balances a quality feel with easy folding and mailing, and lighter stocks keep large mailings and handouts economical.
- Wall or shelf display: rigid boards or canvas hold up better than thin paper for long-term viewing.
- Finish rule of thumb: gloss for photo-driven visuals, matte or uncoated for text you want people to read comfortably.
| Piece | Weight | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 14pt-32pt | Matte, gloss, or soft touch |
| Brochure / flyer | 100lb text | Gloss for images, matte for copy |
| Postcard | 14pt-16pt | Gloss front, uncoated back for writing |
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