Business Cards & Stationery Introduction to Business Cards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client wants a business card finish that is smooth and shiny, making colors appear vibrant. Which finish should you recommend?
- Matte
- Gloss (Correct answer)
- Uncoated
- Linen
Correct answer: Gloss
A gloss finish reflects light and makes colors look more saturated and vibrant.
Question 2: Why might a designer choose a matte finish over gloss for a business card?
- It is always cheaper
- It allows easy writing on the card and reduces glare (Correct answer)
- It makes the card waterproof
- It doubles the card's thickness
Correct answer: It allows easy writing on the card and reduces glare
Matte finishes reduce glare and accept pen ink, so notes can be written on the card.
Question 3: What is spot UV coating on a business card?
- A protective layer applied to the entire card
- A glossy coating applied only to selected areas for contrast (Correct answer)
- An ultraviolet ink that glows in the dark
- A method of laminating both sides
Correct answer: A glossy coating applied only to selected areas for contrast
Spot UV applies a glossy varnish to specific elements, like a logo, to create visual and tactile contrast.
Question 4: Which printing technique presses a design into the card to create a raised, three-dimensional effect?
- Foil stamping
- Embossing (Correct answer)
- Offset printing
- Screen printing
Correct answer: Embossing
Embossing uses a die to raise parts of the card surface for a tactile 3D effect.
Question 5: A startup founder wants metallic gold lettering on a dark card. Which technique achieves true metallic shine?
- Foil stamping (Correct answer)
- Standard CMYK printing
- Matte lamination
- Inkjet printing
Correct answer: Foil stamping
Foil stamping applies real metallic foil with heat and pressure, producing a shine CMYK inks cannot replicate.
Question 6: What is a common drawback of choosing an unusually shaped die-cut business card?
- It cannot include a logo
- It may not fit standard wallets and card holders (Correct answer)
- It cannot be printed in color
- It is illegal in some states
Correct answer: It may not fit standard wallets and card holders
Non-standard shapes can be memorable but often do not fit wallets, cardholders, or scanning apps neatly.
Question 7: Which finish gives a business card a soft, velvety feel that resists fingerprints?
- High gloss
- Soft-touch (velvet) lamination (Correct answer)
- Uncoated newsprint
- Clear acrylic
Correct answer: Soft-touch (velvet) lamination
Soft-touch lamination creates a velvety texture and helps hide fingerprints and smudges.
Business Cards & Stationery Introduction to Business Cards 3
A client wants a business card finish that is smooth and shiny, making colors appear vibrant.
Which finish should you recommend?