1 1

Business cards 18pt Matte / Silk Lamination

Business cards 18pt Matte / Silk Lamination

Luxury You Can Feel: 18pt Matte / Silk Lamination Business Cards

Step into the premium tier of networking with our 18pt Matte / Silk Laminated Business Cards. By applying a specialized heat-bonded matte laminate to both sides of our heavy 16pt stock, we create a card that is not only exceptionally thick but also incredibly durable. The result is a "silk-like" texture that feels smooth to the touch and resists water, tears, and creases.

Product Highlights

  • Ultra-Thick 18pt Profile: The lamination process increases the card's thickness to 18pt, providing a heavy, high-end weight that commands attention.
  • Silk-Touch Finish: A luxurious, dull-matte lamination that gives the card a soft, silky feel while eliminating all glare.
  • Increased Durability: The double-sided lamination adds a protective layer, making these cards significantly more resistant to tearing and edge-fraying than standard cards.
  • Optional Rounded Corners: Complement the soft texture with 1/4" radius rounded corners for a truly custom, modern aesthetic.

Specifications

Feature Details
Paper Type 16pt C2S Stock (Reaches 18pt after lamination)
Coating Double-Sided Matte Lamination (Silk Finish)
Dimensions 3.5” x 2” (Firm Size)
Quantities 25 to 25,000 units
Finishing Cut to size, boxed, (Optional 1/4" Rounded Corners)

File Submission

Please upload a Print Ready PDF file. Because of the thickness of the 18pt stock and the lamination layer, we recommend keeping important text at least 0.125" away from the trim edge for a perfect finish.

Executive Note: Silk lamination is the preferred choice for high-end brands. It offers a unique tactile experience that standard matte cards cannot match. Please note: This protective laminate is not suitable for writing or stamping.
Quantity
View full details
>

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.