Material Comparison Guide

Comparing Our Materials

The material you choose has a direct impact on how your printed product looks, feels, and performs. Durability, finish, weight, and intended use all determine which paper, cardstock, or substrate is best suited for the job. This guide explains the most common options we offer, from standard paper stocks to luxury finishes and large-format substrates, with recommendations for when to use each.

Standard Paper Stocks

These are the most widely used materials for everyday printing. They balance affordability with quality and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

• Gloss Coated Paper – Smooth surface with a reflective finish that enhances photos and vibrant colors. Commonly used for flyers, brochures, and posters.
• Matte Coated Paper – Non-reflective surface for a softer look. Reduces glare and improves readability for text-heavy documents like menus or newsletters.
• Uncoated Paper – Natural texture without a glossy layer. Best for letterheads, envelopes, and business stationery where writability is important.

Cardstocks

Cardstock is thicker and more rigid than paper, making it ideal for products that need durability or a premium feel.

• 14pt Gloss Coated Cardstock – A versatile standard for business cards, postcards, and rack cards. Offers strong color reproduction and a semi-gloss sheen.
• 16pt Matte Cardstock – Heavier and smoother, with a soft finish that feels professional. Popular for premium business cards and invitations.
• 18pt or 20pt Thick Cardstock – Provides extra durability for high-end business cards, presentation cards, and product tags.
• Uncoated Cardstock – Easy to write on, with a natural texture. Suitable for appointment cards, notecards, and stationery products.

Luxury Finishes

Luxury cardstocks and finishes create a distinctive look and feel, perfect for brands that want to stand out.

• Silk Laminated – Soft, smooth texture with a matte appearance. Resistant to tearing and water. Often paired with spot UV for a striking effect.
• Suede / Velvet Lamination – Ultra-soft feel with a high-end finish. Adds thickness and durability, used for luxury business cards and invitations.
• Soft Touch Lamination – Matte finish with a velvety surface. Reduces glare while adding an elegant tactile quality.
• Metallic Foil – Available in gold, silver, and specialty colors. Applied as accents to text or logos for a reflective, premium effect.
• Spot UV – High-gloss coating applied only to selected areas such as logos or images, creating contrast against a matte background.
• Raised / Embossed Effects – Adds dimension to designs by lifting elements above the surface. Ideal for logos, seals, or monograms.
• Plastic and Metal Cards – Durable, non-paper alternatives. Plastic cards are waterproof and flexible; metal cards offer maximum impact and prestige.

Large Format Substrates

For signs, banners, displays, and installations, we use durable substrates engineered for indoor and outdoor environments.

• 13 oz Vinyl – Standard outdoor banner material. Weather-resistant with a matte finish to reduce glare.
• 18 oz Vinyl – Heavy-duty option, often used for double-sided banners or high-wind installations.
• Mesh Vinyl – Perforated surface allows wind to pass through. Common for fences, scaffolding, and outdoor stages.
• Canvas – Textured surface for high-end indoor graphics, art reproductions, or photo prints.
• Polyester Fabric – Lightweight and foldable, printed with dye-sublimation. Used for trade shows, step-and-repeats, and backdrops.
• Coroplast – Corrugated plastic sheet. Affordable and durable, used for yard signs and temporary outdoor displays.
• Foamcore – Lightweight indoor board, suitable for presentations or temporary signage. Not weatherproof.
• PVC (Sintra) – Rigid plastic board, durable indoors and outdoors. Frequently used for retail signage and permanent displays.
• Styrene – Thin, flexible plastic sheet. Ideal for retail signs, menu boards, and insert displays.
• Backlit Film – Translucent material for lightboxes, illuminated displays, and restaurant menu boards.
• Static Cling Vinyl – Adhesive-free vinyl that clings to glass. Removable and reusable for temporary promotions.
• Adhesive Vinyl – Available in permanent and removable options for walls, floors, windows, and vehicles.
• Polypropylene – Tear-resistant synthetic paper. Used in retractable banners, posters, and indoor graphics.

Choosing the Right Material

When selecting a material, consider the environment (indoor vs. outdoor), the expected lifespan of the piece, and the type of impression you want to make. Standard papers and cardstocks are reliable for everyday use, luxury finishes elevate brand perception, and large-format substrates provide scale and durability for high-visibility projects.

If you’re unsure which material best fits your project, our team can recommend options based on your budget, timeline, and end-use application.