Printing Options for Strut Cards

Quick Answer: Strut cards, top-tier marketing tools, are designed to catch customer attention and are perfect for counter displays and point-of-sale promotions. Your choices, ranging from materials (cardboard, foam board, PVC), finishes (matte, gloss, UV coating), to printing methods (digital, offset, screen printing), can transform your strut card into a powerful driver of brand visibility, showcasing the potential impact of this marketing tool.

Printing Options for Strut Cards: Everything You Need to Know

Strut cards, ubiquitous in retail, excel at one thing: seizing attention and driving sales. Let’s walk through the printing options so you can make your strut cards stand out and boost your brand presence.

Materials for Strut Cards

Strut cards usually start with a solid base material. You’ve got a few to pick from, depending on where they’ll be displayed and how durable they need to be:

• Cardboard: Affordable and lightweight. Ideal for short-term displays or limited-time promotions.
• Foam Board: Thicker, sturdier, and gives a more premium look. Perfect for higher-end displays or long-term use.
• PVC: Super durable and resistant to wear. Great for outdoor or high-traffic areas where durability is a must.

Your choice of material affects your strut card’s look, durability, and price. For example, PVC and foam board hold up better but can cost more than cardboard.

Laminated vs. Non-Laminated Strut Cards

Lamination, a key finishing option, not only fortifies strut cards but also adds a touch of elegance to their appearance. A laminated card could be the difference-maker if you’re after brand impact.

• Laminated Strut Cards: Adding a layer of lamination, either gloss or matte, can make your strut cards more durable. Gloss lamination creates a shiny, eye-catching look, while matte feels more refined and reduces glare.
• Non-Laminated Strut Cards: These can be cheaper but prone to wear and tear. Go non-laminated if it’s a short-term display in a low-traffic area.

Finishing Options: Matte, Gloss, and UV Coating

Finishing is where strut cards get their “pop.” It’s how you give them that final, polished look that customers will remember.

• Matte Finish: This finish is smooth, soft, and glare-free. It’s ideal for a clean, professional look.
• Gloss Finish: Reflective and vivid. It’s a high-energy look that works well for colour-rich graphics.
• UV Coating: This adds a thick, glossy, extra durable, and scratch-resistant layer. It’s a top choice for outdoor or high-contact displays.

Your finish can add visual appeal, so it’s worth experimenting to see which best matches your brand’s vibe.

Printing Processes: Digital, Offset, and Screen Printing

The choice of printing process is a pivotal one, dictating the quality, cost, and quantity of your strut cards.

• Digital Printing: Fast and cost-effective for small runs. It’s great for short print jobs or if you want to test different designs.
• Offset Printing: The go-to for high-quality, high-volume orders. You’ll get sharp, vibrant colours, but setup can be pricey for smaller jobs.
• Screen Printing: Ideal for large areas of solid colours and long-lasting designs. It is a good choice for PVC strut cards where durability is key.

Each method has strengths, so consider your budget and branding goals.

Choosing the Right Size and Format

When it comes to size, there’s no “one-size-fits-all.” It’s about purpose and placement.

For a counter display, A5 or A6 sizes often work best. They’re compact but still noticeable.

Want something that pops? Go for A4 or even custom shapes with die-cut edges.

Remember to fold lines or pre-cut slots to add a unique look. These can add dimension and create a more interactive experience for customers.

FAQs

Q: What’s the best material for strut cards?

A: It depends on where you’re displaying it. Cardboard is great for the short term, while foam board and PVC offer more durability.

Q: Is lamination necessary?

A: Only sometimes, but if your strut card will be touched often or placed outdoors, it’s a good idea.

Q: What size should I choose?

A: For counters, A5 or A6. Bigger displays could go A4 or custom for maximum impact.

Q: What’s the most durable finish?

A: UV coating is tough and scratch-resistant, perfect for long-lasting displays.

A well-designed strut card with suitable materials, finishes, and printing process can make all the difference in brand visibility. So, let’s make those displays work hard for your brand, It’s time to get noticed.