What Is Soft Touch Lamination on Business Cards?

If you’re looking at premium finishing options, you may be wondering what is soft touch lamination on business cards? Soft touch is a specialist finish applied over the printed surface to give the card a smooth, tactile feel that’s noticeably different from standard matt or gloss.

It’s often chosen when the physical feel of the business card is an important part of the overall presentation.

What Does Soft Touch Lamination Feel Like?

Soft touch has a smooth, almost velvety surface. It feels softer in the hand than a standard matt finish and has very little surface shine.

The main difference is tactile rather than simply visual.

Soft Touch vs Matt Business Cards

Soft touch and matt can look similar because both have a relatively low-sheen surface.

The difference is mainly in the feel. A standard matt finish is smooth and understated, whereas soft touch provides a noticeably softer tactile surface.

Our guide on whether business cards should be matt or gloss explains the conventional finish options in more detail.

Soft Touch vs Gloss Business Cards

Gloss has a much more reflective appearance, while soft touch is low sheen and tactile.

Neither is automatically better. The right choice depends on the design, branding and presentation you’re trying to achieve.

Does Soft Touch Make a Business Card Thicker?

The finishing layer can add a small amount to the completed card, but the underlying card stock still has the biggest influence on its overall weight and substance.

This is why it’s useful to consider the card material and finish together.

See our guides to the best paper for business cards and what GSM is best for business cards if you’re still deciding on the base stock.

Does Soft Touch Work Well With Dark Business Cards?

It can. The low-sheen surface often complements darker or more minimal artwork.

However, dark surfaces can sometimes show handling marks more readily than lighter artwork, so it’s worth considering how the cards will actually be used.

Can You Write on Soft Touch Business Cards?

Soft touch isn’t usually the most practical option if the card needs to be written on regularly.

If handwritten appointment times or notes are important, an uncoated stock may be more suitable.

Is Soft Touch Worth It for Business Cards?

It can be if the tactile experience supports your branding.

For everyday cards, a standard stock and finish may be perfectly suitable. Soft touch becomes more relevant when you deliberately want the card to feel different in the hand.

What Artwork Works Well With Soft Touch?

Soft touch can work with many designs but is particularly suited to clean, uncluttered layouts where the surface finish can be appreciated.

Your artwork still needs to be prepared correctly. See our guides to the standard UK business card size and how much bleed business cards need before preparing your final file.

Business Card Printing in London

Printpal London offers professional business card printing in London with different card stocks and finishing options depending on your specification and turnaround.

Final Thoughts

So, what is soft touch lamination on business cards? It’s a low-sheen finish designed to give the card a smoother, more tactile surface than standard matt or gloss.

It’s worth considering when the physical feel of the business card forms an important part of its presentation.

Explore our business card printing in London options to compare available stocks and finishes.