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Business cards 16pt + AQ

Business cards 16pt + AQ

Uncompromising Quality: 16pt + AQ Business Cards

When you need a card that feels extra substantial, our 16pt Aqueous (AQ) Business Cards are the definitive choice. These cards are printed on a heavier 16pt stock, offering a noticeably stiffer and more premium feel than standard cards. Topped with a water-based Aqueous coating, they provide a semi-gloss sheen that balances professional aesthetics with long-lasting protection.

Product Highlights

  • Heavier 16pt Stock: A thicker, more rigid cardstock that feels impressive in hand and resists dog-earing.
  • AQ Semi-Gloss Finish: Provides a subtle, smooth sheen that enhances color vibrance while protecting against fingerprints and smudging.
  • Premium Brightness: Printed on 95 Bright C2S stock to ensure your whites are crisp and your colors are true to life.
  • Optional Rounded Corners: Soften the heavy edges with a 1/4" radius for a custom look that won't snag or wear down easily.

Specifications

Feature Details
Paper Type 95 Bright 16pt Gloss C2S Stock
Coating AQ (Aqueous) Semi-Gloss
Dimensions 3.5” x 2” (Firm Size)
Quantities 250 to 25,000 units
Finishing Cut to size, boxed, (Optional 1/4" Rounded Corners)

File Submission

To guarantee a sharp print on this heavy stock, please upload a Print Ready PDF file. For designs with heavy ink coverage, the 16pt stock combined with AQ coating ensures a fast-drying, scuff-resistant finish.

Important Note: Because of the protective AQ seal, these cards are not recommended for writing or stamping. For writable options, check out our 14pt Uncoated or C1S Writable products.
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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.