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Business cards 14pt Writable + AQ (C1S)

Business cards 14pt Writable + AQ (C1S)

The Ultimate Hybrid: 14pt Writable + AQ (C1S) Business Cards

Get the best of both worlds with our 14pt Writable Business Cards. These "Coated One Side" (C1S) cards feature a semi-gloss Aqueous (AQ) finish on the front for a professional look, while the back remains completely uncoated. This unique combination allows for vibrant branding on the face of the card and a smooth, absorbent surface on the back—perfect for writing notes, dates, or signatures.

Product Highlights

  • Smart C1S Design: One side is coated with a protective AQ finish to make your logo pop, while the reverse side is raw and writable.
  • The Writer’s Choice: The uncoated back is designed specifically for pens and stamps, ensuring no smudging or ink-resistance.
  • Durable 14pt Stock: A heavy-duty cardstock that provides a rigid feel and professional longevity.
  • Custom Finishing: Available in the standard 3.5” x 2” size with optional 1/4" radius rounded corners for a modern touch.

Specifications

Feature Details
Paper Type 90 Bright 14pt C1S Stock
Coating AQ (Aqueous) Coating - 1 Side Only
Dimensions 3.5” x 2” (Firm Size)
Quantities 250 to 5,000 units
Finishing Cut to size, boxed, (Optional 1/4" Rounded Corners)

Important File Submission Instructions

To ensure your design is printed correctly, please upload a Print Ready PDF file and follow these guidelines:

  • Page 1: This page will be printed on the COATED (AQ) side. Put your main logo and primary branding here.
  • Page 2: This page will be printed on the UNCOATED (Writable) side. Ideal for appointment lines, notes, or loyalty stamps.
Top Use Case: These are the industry standard for Appointment Cards. You get a high-end, glossy brand presentation on the front with a practical, functional surface on the back that won't fail your pen.
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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.