Postcard Paper
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It’s always an exciting occasion when you receive a postcard in the mail. Even though they feature beautiful designs from far-off destinations, the real novelty of postcards lies on the back of them. The messages that people send, and the sentiments they contain, are the real treasure because they show that our loved one was thinking about us as they were traveling.
You typically see postcards when they’re already printed with amazing artwork, but that’s not how they are originally manufactured. Companies and individuals alike need paper for postcards in order to design and distribute their novelty gifts. Staples has a large selection of postcard cardstock options to choose from, so let’s dive into some of the most popular varieties and what to consider when shopping for postcard paper.
How Can You Use Postcard Paper?
- Appointment Reminder Cards
- Business Ads
- Coupons
- Gift Cards
- House for Sale Cards
- Invitations
- Save-The-Date Cards
- Wedding Invitations
What Are the Available Sizes of Postcard Paper?
The typical size of a postcard you’d find in a gift shop or convenience store is 5.5” x 4.25”, so this postcard paper size is going to be the most abundant. If you need larger paper for postcards, however, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. We also have 6” x 4” and 8.5” x 5.5” postcard sizes available.
What Finish Should You Get with Paper for Postcards?
Another thing to consider when finding a postcard paper is the kind of finish you’ll want. Paper finish describes the surface and texture of a sheet of paper or cardstock. Finish affects the look and feel of the paper, but more importantly, it can impact printability and absorbency by dictating how the sheet will take ink.
Some of the most common paper finishes are glossy, matte, smooth, and unfinished. Below are additional details and benefits you should know about as you’re shopping for postcard cardstock.
Glossy
Gloss or glossy finishes have a high level of shine, allowing them to reproduce colors beautifully. Glossy finishes are ideal for printing high-quality photos and images with lots of detail, or anything that requires a high level of image clarity and sharpness.
Matte
Matte finish has a subtle sheen that shows colors well while still producing an easy-to-read product. It also adds a soft, professional look to images and eliminates fingerprints, which is ideal for postcard images that are text heavy.
Smooth
A smooth surface produces a crisp image because it doesn’t scatter as much light, making it a good choice for postcards that have foil stamping or embossing.
Unfinished (or Uncoated)
Uncoated finish simply means that there is no coating applied to the paper, making them more porous. The ink soaks into the paper and has a softer, warmer appearance. You typically see this finish on vintage postcards, but this look is coming back into style for manufacturers wanting to produce vintage-inspired products.