Business Cards

An offset (or digital) printed business card is flat. That is, the imprint is essentially flat on the card, much like the print in a magazine, or menu or most of the printed items you see every day.

On a thermographed card, the imprint is raised. Thermography (sometimes called raised or "puffy" printing) is a special printing process, using a special powder and heat to create the effect.

Both flat and thermographed cards are printed the same way. But, with thermography, a special powder is applied to the ink while it is still wet. This is then run through heat which causes the powder to melt and "puff", giving the imprint a raised impression. This is very similar to the embossing powders used by rubber stampers. (However, while some people may use "embossed" to mean "thermographed", in the printing industry, embossing and thermography are two different things.)

Which is better is a matter of personal opinion. However, if you will be using photographs or halftone or gradient screens, you'll generally be better off using flat printing as the thermography process may give undesired results on screened images.

Glossy business cards often look great. Photos will appear sharp and clear, and the colors will really pop, adding impact to your message. However, there is a disadvantage, but it is one that can easily be remedied.

Many times, the recipient of a business card will use it to jot down a note about you. Maybe they want to remember a price you gave them, a special feature of a product or service you offer, or some other bit of information they thought was important enough to remember.

With a glossy business card, writing a note can sometimes be problematic. Pencils won't typically write well on them, and even some ball point pens may have problems placing ink on the surface. Other inks may smear, causing your prospect to lose their important note.

Such issues can be avoided by ordering your business cards on paper that is glossy on one side only. Called "coated one side" by printers, this is a paper stock that is glossy on the front (the coated side) and non-glossy on the back (the uncoated side). It gives you the best of both worlds. You can have the sharper appearance of a glossy business card, while still allowing your prospects to make any notes on the back without issue.