Soft Touch vs Suede Business Cards: Understanding Velvet Finishes
When it comes to premium business cards, texture is just as important as the design. If you are looking for that luxurious, velvet feel, you will likely find yourself choosing between a Soft Touch coating and a true Suede lamination. While they sound similar, understanding the difference is key to getting the exact result you want.
The Cost-Effective Soft Touch
Soft touch finishes have become incredibly popular over the last few years.
- The Process: Soft Touch is actually a liquid coating applied to the paper after printing. It is generally cheaper to produce than a physical lamination film.
- The Feel: It gives the card a smooth, velvety texture that drastically reduces glare and feels highly professional in the hand.
The Premium Suede Lamination
If you want the absolute pinnacle of tactile printing, true Suede lamination is the answer.
- The Process: Suede is a physical, protective film lamination applied to the surface of the card. Because it is a film, it is noticeably thicker and softer than a liquid coating.
- The Benefit: Suede lamination adds substantial rigidity to the card. In fact, applying it makes a standard 16pt card feel much closer to a heavy 18pt stock.
The Raven32 Recommendation
If you are on a strict budget but still want to impress, the liquid Soft Touch coating is fantastic. However, if you want an unforgettable, ultra-premium feel, Suede is the undisputed winner. As your printing and promotional experts, we love combining Suede lamination with raised foil accents. Contact us today to explore our luxury card finishes.