Business Card Finishes Explained: Spot UV, Foil and Rounded Corners

Why finish matters as much as paper

Two business cards printed on identical card stock can feel completely different once a finish is added, a plain flat card reads as functional and simple, while a raised or reflective detail signals a bit more care went into it. The right finish depends on what your brand is trying to say as much as budget.

Spot UV for a subtle raised detail

Spot UV adds a glossy, slightly raised coating over a specific part of the design, a logo, a name or a border, while leaving the rest of the card matte. It works best on a design with a clear focal point, since it draws the eye to whatever area it's applied to rather than the card as a whole.

Foil for a premium, reflective accent

Foil applies a metallic finish, usually gold, silver or copper, to specific elements of a design, giving a noticeably premium feel that suits professional services, luxury brands or anyone wanting their card to stand out in a stack of plain ones. Like spot UV, it works best applied selectively rather than across a whole card.

Rounded corners for a softer feel

Rounded corners are a simpler, lower-cost way to differentiate a card, giving a softer, more modern feel than a standard sharp-cornered card, and they also wear slightly better in a wallet or pocket over time, since sharp corners are usually the first part of a card to bend or fray.

Getting your business cards printed

Star Printers prints business cards with spot UV, foil and rounded corner finishes at our Tooting shop. See our business card printing page, browse all printing services, or contact us to discuss which finish suits your design.