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Business Cards 14pt + AQ

Business Cards 14pt + AQ

The Professional Standard: 14pt + AQ Business Cards

Strike the perfect balance between a matte and gloss finish with our 14pt Aqueous (AQ) Business Cards. This water-based coating provides a soft, semi-gloss sheen that enhances colors while adding an essential layer of protection against fingerprints and scuffs. It is the go-to choice for a clean, professional look that feels as good as it looks.

Product Highlights

  • Aqueous (AQ) Coating: A subtle, eco-friendly semi-gloss finish that protects the ink and provides a smooth, premium texture.
  • Versatile Sizing: Choose from the standard 3.5” x 2” or go for a sleek, modern look with our 1.75” or 1.5” slim profiles.
  • Optional Rounded Corners: Add a touch of sophistication with 1/4" radius rounded corners, perfect for making your card stand out in a stack.
  • High-Volume Ready: Available in quantities up to 25,000, ensuring you’re always prepared for your next big trade show or event.

Specifications

Feature Details
Paper Type 95 Bright 14pt C2S Stock
Coating AQ (Aqueous) Semi-Gloss
Available Sizes 3.5”x2”, 3.5"x1.75", 3.5"x1.5"
Color Full Color CMYK (4/0 or 4/4)
Finishing Cut to size, boxed, (Optional 1/4" Rounded Corners)

File Submission

Please upload a Print Ready PDF file. If you are selecting a slim size (1.75" or 1.5"), please ensure your artwork is scaled correctly to the chosen dimensions to avoid stretching or cropping.

Important Note: Due to the protective nature of the Aqueous coating, these cards are not recommended for writing or stamping. If you need to jot down notes on your cards, we recommend our Uncoated 14pt options.
Quantity
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File Prep

Step 1

Ensure the file matches the product's required dimensions. Ensure that the artwork is created in CMYK 300 dpi with 1/16 inch bleeds on all sides.

Step 2

Make sure that all images are embedded, and that all the text is outlined.

Step 3

Export all files into PDF format with bleeds.

Download Setup Guide How to set up multi-page files properly
3.5" x 2" Vertical Template 3.5" x 2" rounded corners
File Orientation Guide How to set up proper orientation for your files

File Orientation refers to the orientation of the artwork files submitted. Ensure that they are submitted to back up properly to produce the intended result.

Flat Artwork (Postcards, Flyers etc.)

Proper Page Orientation

PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP
PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP
PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP

Incorrect Page Orientation

PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP
PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP
PAGE 1PAGE 2
TOP
TOP
How To Set Up Your Files Learn how to set up your files the right way.

General File Preparation Guidelines

  1. Download our guides to ensure a more optimal print result.
  2. Be sure to DELETE any hidden layers that are not intended to print (ie: setup guide layers or other hidden artwork layers) to ensure no risk of them appearing on the final print.
  3. Each job (including multiple paged projects) must be submitted as a single PDF file. Ensure that all pages are the same size.
  4. Files must be submitted with proper orientation to ensure proper back up. Please review the File Orientation Guides carefully in the File Prep tabs for your particular product.
  5. It is best to try to avoid using borders in your design. If a border is too close to the trim, the trim may be slightly off-center.
  6. File must consist of 1/8" bleed and all important art and text must be within the safety margin. The more safety margin the better (to avoid awkwardly close trims or having critical elements from getting cut off).
  7. Ensure that your PDF is high res and that all images are CMYK at 300 DPI.
  8. Black text/type should have the following values: C0, M0, Y0, K100.
    Larger areas of black coverage should be C:30/M:20/Y:20/K:100 to get a deep richer black.
  9. Embed or outline all fonts.
  10. For best colour results, supply a CMYK only file (unless your product type specifically requires RGB color mode or specifically requires you to supply PMS colors).
Thin White Text on Rich Black Backgrounds

While DTF Prints Canada maintains strict quality standards, minor shifts in printing are possible. Thin or small white text knocked out from a rich black background is prone to printing issues, such as color bleeding, filling in, and poor readability due to slight misregistration. We recommend preparing files with the following tips in mind.

  1. Use C30 M20 Y20 K100 for Rich Black
    Use this recommended rich black formula to minimize oversaturation and registration problems. Avoid heavier CMYK builds like C60 M60 Y60 K100, which can increase color shift risks.
  2. Thicken White Knockout Text
    Increase the thickness of white text knockouts to prevent them from filling in or becoming unreadable.
    • Recommended minimum line weight: 0.75pt
    • Recommended minimum font size: 8pt
  3. Apply Swelling
    Swelling (slightly enlarging knockout areas) compensates for minor ink spread on the press. Slightly increasing the size of the white knockout text can help maintain crispness after printing.