subject: Knowing Your Paper For Postcard Printing [print this page] Do you know the paper you will be using to print postcards? In most cases, I would bet that you never really gave the paper material a second thought until you are at the point where you start to order your print postcards. Most people dont really bother with learning about paper choices as they browse through different design options and samples. The problem here lies in the fact that most postcard samples that you will come across do not really describe what materials those samples are printed in. So you really wont have a good gauge as to how your postcard designs will look when printed in a certain kind of material.
Luckily for you, in this guide, I will teach you all about the different aspects of paper materials in postcard printing. This should help you make more informed choices when you finally order up your custom postcards from the postcard printing company.
Where your paper comes from First you should know that paper does not come from one source alone. There different major sources of paper that you can choose from. Of course, the first major source comes from actual virgin pulp from trees. These are the most common of course, but also it is the one that has the biggest impact on the environment. With the millions of trees cut each year, the paper we all use to print things really has an impact in a multitude of levels from wildlife to the climate.
Another more ecologically sound source of paper however, is of course, recycled paper. These are the paper materials that come from processed paper already that are being reused. Postcards can use these recycled paper materials for a more ecologically friendly way of postcard printing. Keep in mind though that this has a distinct difference in terms of paper quality and look.
There is also a middle ground option when it comes to paper source. You can actually try to source your postcard paper materials from sustainable forest farms that process sustainable paper. These are basically just like normal paper, only the trees cut to make the paper are more sustainable since they grow fast and are farmed fast as well.
So try to ask if your postcard printer has any kind of choice for you in terms of paper choice. If you are concerned about your environment, you may want to go green with your postcard printing and used recycled paper or even paper from sustainable forests.
Paper weight/thickness explained The papers weight and the papers thickness are basically a function of the materials in the paper itself. Typically for postcards you will want to use paper materials that are just 0.007-0.016 inches thick to stick to U.S. postal standards. In terms of weight, anything from 80lb-120lb is good for a standard postcard. Just ask your postcard printing company if you can specify any of these settings. In most cases though, those printers already have some standard settings in mind for postcard printing.
The deal with paper textures The papers texture on the other had is directly related to the style of the paper making process. There is more than just regular paper out there you know. There are also other kinds with special textures for special postcard printings. For example, there are smooth and glossy papers for special postcards that need to gleam in the light. There are also special textured paper materials to add a satin, canvass or even rough effect in postcard printing. Depending on your designs, you may want to use different paper textures to get the best impact out of them.
The polishes and finishes of paper materials Finally, there are also special polishes and finishes to paper materials. There are special finishes that make the postcard paper more resistant to moisture and dirt. There are also special ones that make the postcard look extra glossy. While there are also others that help postcards bare more physical or chemical damage. Again, just ask your postcard printing company if they are able to give these kinds of services.
Now you know about the different aspects of paper materials in your postcard printing. Be wise and choose the right combinations for your specific custom postcards. Good luck!
