When it comes to creating your Holiday Cards, Invitations, or Custom Stationery, the paper you choose plays a big role in bringing your designs to life. With ten premium paper types to choose from—Semi-Gloss, Matte, Linen, Pearl, Felt, Bamboo, Cotton, Signature Matte, Recycled, and Smooth— Let us help you explore these options and choose the best match for your your occasion!
Different Types of Card Paper
1. Semi-Gloss
Our Semi-Gloss paper is a fan favorite for a reason. With a sleek, slightly shiny finish, this card paper delivers vibrant color and sharp details. It’s a versatile option for both text and photo-heavy designs.
Best For: Holiday Cards, Card Ornaments
2. Matte
If you love a clean, non-reflective look, Matte is your go-to. With a smooth surface and soft texture, this classic finish is perfect for writing personal messages with any pen.
Best For: Invitations, minimalist designs, and formal occasions.
3. Linen
Linen offers a timeless, woven texture that adds elegance to your card. It provides a tactile experience and pairs beautifully with both modern and traditional designs.
Best For: Save the Date Cards, formal events, Custom Stationery.
4. Pearl
For a little sparkle and shine, Pearl delivers. Its shimmer effect enhances light-colored designs and adds a luxurious feel.
Best For: Graduation Announcements, Holiday Cards and Invitations.
5. Felt
Soft and slightly textured, Felt paper has a handcrafted look that adds warmth to any design. It’s thick, tactile, and ideal for meaningful messages.
Best For: Grad Thank You Cards, Custom Stationery, and Baby Showers.
6. Bamboo
Eco-conscious and beautiful, Bamboo is made from sustainable materials. It’s a textured, earthy paper that’s both premium and planet-friendly.
Best For: Stationery Cards, green weddings, and lifestyle brands.
7. Cotton
Our Cotton paper offers a luxurious feel with excellent ink absorbency. It’s smooth, durable, and made for occasions where quality truly matters.
Best For: Birth Announcements, Save the Dates, and wedding details.
8. Signature Matte
This thicker version of our classic matte brings the same elegant, shine-free finish with added durability and weight.
Best For: Kids Birthday Invitations, Custom Stationery
9. Recycled
Our Recycled paper is made with post-consumer materials without compromising on quality. It’s great for environmentally friendly printing with a smooth finish.
Best For: Baby Shower Invitations, eco-friendly events, and green-conscious customers.
10. Smooth
As its name suggests, Smooth paper offers a polished, sleek texture with a professional finish. Think modern and clean.
Best For: Business Cards, branding
Comparing Nations Photo Lab Paper Types
|
Paper Type |
Finish |
Image Quality |
Budget |
Best For |
|
Semi-Gloss |
Slight Sheen |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional quality, crisp detail |
Budget-friendly |
|
|
Matte |
Smooth, no shine |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Great image quality, no texture |
Budget-friendly |
Invitations, minimalist designs, and formal occasions. |
|
Linen |
Subtle woven texture |
⭐️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Great overall image quality with beautiful texture |
Mid-range |
Save the Date Cards, formal events, Custom Stationery. |
|
Pearl |
Shimmery, luminous |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Vibrant image quality |
Mid-range |
|
|
Felt |
Soft, textured |
⭐️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Vibrant and textured |
Budget-friendly |
|
|
Bamboo |
Eco-textured, earthy |
⭐️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Great image quality with slight texture |
Budget-friendly |
Stationery Cards, green weddings, and lifestyle brands. |
|
Cotton |
Smooth, Plush |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing overall image quality |
Mid-range |
Birth Announcements, Save the Dates, and wedding details. |
|
Signature Matte |
Thick, non-reflective |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Strong image sharpness |
Mid-range |
|
|
Recycled |
Smooth, eco-friendly |
⭐️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Crisp details, smooth texture |
Budget-friendly |
Baby Shower Invitations, eco-friendly events, and green-conscious customers. |
|
Smooth |
Sleek, clean finish |
⭐️️️️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ Vibrant image quality with no texture |
Budget-friendly |
Business Cards, branding |
Top Tips for Choosing Your Card Paper Type
-
Match the mood: Choose a finish that matches your message – pearl for luxe, matte for subtle, linen for classic.
-
Think about weight: Heavier cardstock often feels more premium, and holds up well in the mail.
-
Consider texture: Tactile surfaces like felt or linen add personality to your design.
-
Work within your budget: Economical options like recycled or matte don’t sacrifice quality.
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Check envelope options: Make sure your chosen paper pairs well with our envelope styles.
-
Order in bulk: Save on per-card costs by ordering large quantities for holidays, announcements, or events.
Ready to bring your card design to life? Shop our range of cards
