Plastic Business Cards
Short answer
Specify transparency, thickness and reading conditions before choosing a plastic card. Selected areas on clear stock may need a white underbase, depending on the artwork and printing system. A plastic substrate by itself provides neither NFC functionality nor a payment or access-card system.
Plastic introduces design questions beyond a general durability claim. Text can be affected by what sits behind the card; reverse-side content may show through; thickness affects holder fit. Describe the handling and environment before choosing the material, since inks, coatings and substrates have different limitations.
Key facts
- Transparency
- Clear, translucent or opaque
- White layer
- Selected area with agreed artwork
- Thickness
- Specified for the actual material
- Function
- Printing is separate from an electronic system
Legibility on clear stock
Inspect the design against light and dark backgrounds. A white layer may sit under a logo or text while other areas remain clear. Identify those areas in an agreed mask or layer. For two-sided artwork, check show-through so reversed lettering or numbers do not interfere with the information on the other face.
Thickness, corners and environment
A bank-card-like appearance does not establish thickness. Specify dimensions, thickness and corner shape, then check the holder. Wet use requires assessment of the print and coating as well as the substrate; resistance to rubbing or cleaning chemicals must not be assumed from the word plastic.
Printed information versus system functionality
A printed number or QR link can be part of the artwork. NFC chips, access control, loyalty databases and payment functions are separate technical requirements and need explicit confirmation. For an illustrative membership use, specify whether the code simply opens a web page or must connect to a managed system.
Plastic-card order checks
| Requirement | Specify |
|---|---|
| Background | Transparency and white areas |
| Two faces | Show-through and reading direction |
| Holder | Finished dimensions, thickness and corners |
| Function | Print only or a separate technical system |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the complete card waterproof?
Can it be handwritten?
Is NFC automatically included?
Does plastic always take longer than paper?
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