How Are Business Cards Made
At instantprint, we leave no stone unturned in the business card printing process, before the end product arrives on your desk looking fresh and shiny, ready for you to begin networking.
1. Once your artwork is with us, our Studio team look over it against our 10-point check system
2. Once it’s print ready, your artwork heads to our dedicated business card printing production cell
3. Your new business cards are printed on our state-of-the-art Fujifilm Jetpress
The innovative Jetpress machine works with next-generation print technology, giving your finished product the ultimate image resolution and clarity. Resolution reaches up to an impressive 1,200 x 1,200 dpi.
What Size Are Business Cards?
Here’s a rundown of the business card sizes we have at instantprint:
· Standard – 85mm x 55mm
· Square – 55mm x 55mm
· Mini – 85mm x 25mm
· Folded – 110mm x 85mm or 170mm x 55mm
Don’t forget that business card dimensions may also include a bleed area which you’ll need to take into account when designing your artwork.
What If I Don’t Have a Business Card Design?
Whether you’re a florist looking for something bright and colourful, a corporate company looking for a sleek and sophisticated design or a furniture showroom searching for something chic and minimalistic, you’re sure to find the ideal template you’re looking for in our library.
You can also create your own business card design from scratch using your preferred design software. We've got a range of step-by-step guides for the most popular tools, including Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign and Canva. Check out all of our artwork guides here .
What Business Card Finishes Do You Have?
Whether you prefer a matt, gloss or even a velvet finish to your business card, we have them all here. You can also add a gold or silver foil printing layer to your card to give it a classy and elegant finish.
Silk - Silk-coated paper that’s sleek to the touch. A classic option for all advertising and business stationery. It has a slight sheen to it which gives your print a vibrant and crisp appearance but softer than full high-shine gloss. Fully writable with a ball point pen.
Matt - This protective coating removes natural shine from the print and gives a smooth, subtle finish. Great for artificially lit environments or where reflective light could make it difficult to see the design.
Gloss - This gives your print an ultra-high-shine glossy coating, like what you’d find on the cover of a premium magazine, brochure or catalogue.
Velvet - Velvet lamination is all about creating a soft luxury feel. An almost peach fuzz-like finish, it’s often used on premium books and novels to create a texture you don’t want to put down.
Anti-Bacterial Gloss - Apply an anti-microbial film to your print when it needs to be used and cleaned frequently, like menus.
What Business Card Stocks Are Available?
We offer a wide range of business card printing materials to help you design a card that's unique to your business. Whether you choose our ultra-thick premium 450gsm silk, go for a standard 350gsm silk, or try something different like Kraft or recycled business cards, our range has the perfect business card printing stock for you.
450gsm Silk - Ultra-thick business cards with a silky-smooth coating. Thicker than our competitors’ premium options and the stock our team chooses!
350gsm Silk - Classic business card stock with a silk coating for a smooth finish. Our value stock option which matches our competitors’ premium cards.
350gsm Uncoated - Our uncoated stock is porous, making it rougher to the touch and better for ink absorption. Perfect for appointment cards and loyalty cards.
350gsm Recycled - Made from 100% recycled fibres, this option matches our classic 350gsm uncoated stock. This card has a porous texture, perfect for writing.
457mic Kraft - An earthy-brown business card paper that’s tear-resistant and gives print a hand-crafted feel. This is a writable, uncoated option.
350gsm Gold Dust - This shimmering stock features a warm, subtle pearlescent finish that looks great with any colour palette. The perfect option for standing out!
Adding Spot UV and Foiling to Your Business Cards
Spot UV Guide
Spot UV allows you to add ultra high gloss to specific areas of your design, like your logo, giving your business cards a premium look and feel, and allowing you to get more creative with your design. We use spot UV on the colourful spots on our business card as well as our logo to really show it off!
If you’d like to add this effect for your own business card design, it’s very simple to do! Just follow our step-by-step guide here.
Free Spot UV Templates
Alternatively, you can use our free spot UV business card templates. Simply download the pattern you want to apply to your business card design and upload it, along with your design, at the basket. You can find all of our spot UV templates, and more info on how to use them, here.
Foiling Guide
The foiling finishing technique allows you to add gold, silver, copper, green or red metallic foil to specific areas of your business card, like your logo. Here’s an easy guide for setting up foiling business card artwork.
We Can Do it for You!
If you’re still stuck when it comes to spot UV and foiling, fear not! Our friendly Personal Artworkers are more than happy to add these finishes to your logo for free. Find out more and how to get in touch here.
How Do I Send My Design Off for Business Card Printing?
It’s quick and easy to send your masterpiece to us for printing.
· Select your delivery option and product, then add to basket
· Select how you want to supply your artwork
It really is as simple as that!
How Fast is Delivery?
We know that spreading the word about your company and building your network in a professional way is crucial for your business. That’s why we offer a fast turnaround online printing service and next-day business cards with express delivery at a flat rate of £4.99 per order.
Once the business card printing process is complete and your cards are boxed up, they’re shipped to you using one of our couriers - Royal Mail for orders of 100 or 250 business cards, or DPD for orders of 500 or more.
Spending over £75 on your new business cards? Then you’ll qualify for free delivery when you order business cards online.
Which Business Cards are Best for My Business?
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which is best for you!
· Premium business cards – they’re great if you’re looking for high-quality, luxury business cards to impress your new client
· Economy business cards – if you’re just getting started, these are the perfect cost-effective solution without compromising on the quality
· Folded business cards – looking for an appointment or loyalty stamp card? Then our folded option is for you
Why Should I Print Business Cards For My Business?
Have you ever met someone in a coffee shop or a networking event that you think your business is able to help? Handing that person your card is a slick and professional way of introducing your business to that potential customer or partner. Create the ultimate first impression and ensure your business is the first one they think about when they need your service or products. Even our cheap business cards are everyone else’s standard quality.
What Can Business Cards Be Used For?
When you create business cards that are personal to you and your company offerings, they can help you connect with a broad spectrum of people right across the UK and further. Use this marketing tool to professionally communicate contact information and a synopsis of your services or products. As a standard business card size of 85mm x 55mm, they’re extremely handy and will fit perfectly into your new contact’s wallet or phone case.
What Should I Do With My Old Business Cards?
If the information is generally correct, keep them as backups! You can easily cross out any out-of-date info and handwrite in new text. If they’re mostly inaccurate now, we’d recommend recycling them.
How Can I Store And Organise My New Business Cards?
Easy! Whether you’d like a holder for your desk, one to carry around with you or both, you can find business card holders here at instantprint.