print finishing

[617arg]

I'm working on a business card for myself and have a general idea of what I'm looking for, but no idea how to get it printed.

I'd like the card itself to be very matte, almost like chipboard, with an area of gloss on it. The rest of the printed text can remain matte or maybe slightly embossed. I'm basically looking to add texture.

While I'm not completely set on the design I'm stumped on where to get these printed. All of the online places I've googled give options for gloss or matte, embossed text or not, but not a combination. I'd also like to see the card material before ordering. Any ideas of where to look?

 

[nyutnyut]

what you're looking for is a spot gloss.

none of those cheapie online places will be able to do it. you'll need to find an offset printer to do this. find one locally so you can talk to them about what you want, and they can give you paper options, for your heavy matte board as well.

all this adds cost to what you want, so depending on your design, you will be adding the spot gloss, which will count as an extra color, and then if you want to do an emboss, that means a special emboss plate.

if you are set on doing this, throw away any notions you have about costs that you have looked up, online.

 

[design-is]

Agreed, you need to talk to a good, local supplier who will help you through your options. Where abouts in the world are you based, maybe we can recommend some...

 

[citizenzen]

One thing to think about...

Putting gloss varnish on chipboard won't get you a glossy finish... it will give you a slightly darker, slightly glossier chipboard.

You might want to look into thermography. It may get you where you're trying to go with this card.

 

[Toppa G's]

One thing to think about...

Putting gloss varnish on chipboard won't get you a glossy finish... it will give you a slightly darker, slightly glossier chipboard.

You might want to look into thermography. It may get you where you're trying to go with this card.

Thermography is a good idea for a textured finish. Also, a screen printed spot UV coating will provide a raised texture, and should appear glossy, even on chipboard.

 

[stainlessliquid]

You can also try foil stamping. Either way I hope youre prepared to spend a couple thousand bucks for personal business cards

 

[THX1139]

When I was in design school, a lot of students were coming up with really cool and innovated designs. When they went to print them, they went into sticker shock. Non standard designs call for custom printing and that can be very expensive. Especially for business cards.

However, there are ways to make your cards pop by adding finishing to otherwise generic cards. A simple spot UV or maybe a foil stamp will set your cards apart from others if your design is good.

Below is a URL of a company that provides inexpensive finishing services and they MIGHT do specialty paper stocks if you request it. I just got some cards back from them and I was really happy. I got a spot UV applied for less than $5!

print100.com

 

[Shoesy]

Xerox engineer was telling me the other day about a digital laser machine with the usual CMYK process, but with an extra 'transparent toner' that adds a spot uv effect on short runs. Not sure if they are running yet but sounds like a pretty cool toy for smaller print shops.

 

[Shoesy]

Googled it: looks werid!

http://www.fujixerox.com/eng/company/technology/ea_eco_clear/

 

[Toppa G's]

Xerox engineer was telling me the other day about a digital laser machine with the usual CMYK process, but with an extra 'transparent toner' that adds a spot uv effect on short runs. Not sure if they are running yet but sounds like a pretty cool toy for smaller print shops.

Kodak's NexPress offers the same "dimensional" clear toner to create texture on digitally printed pieces. It's interesting, albeit a little gimmicky.

 

[617arg]

thanks for the replies everyone. I'm not looking to add all the bells and whistles, just something to add some texture to a simple design.

I'm in the NYC area so I should be close to a local supplier. Recommendations are welcome of course....

That print100.com site looks like it could work as well. Thanks for that link.