⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
- Getting Your Print Sorted for a Fresh Start
- Choose Paper and Stock That Speak Your Brand’s Language
- Make Finishes Work for You — Not Just for Show
- Design and Colour: Keep It Clear and Consistent
- Case in Point: Refreshing a Local Café’s Print for the New Year
- Wrapping It Up: Start Your Year with Print That Works for You
- FAQ
Getting Your Print Sorted for a Fresh Start
There’s something reassuring about starting the year with a clear plan, isn’t there? When it comes to your business, making sure your printed materials reflect who you are can really set the tone for the months ahead. Whether it’s your business cards, flyers, or exhibition banners, the right print choices can boost your brand’s confidence and help you connect better with customers.
In this guide, we’ll walk through some handy tips on choosing print that’s not just eye-catching, but also aligns with your business ethos — including sustainability. Plus, we’ll share a quick case example from our experience at Newstyle Print to show it all in action.
⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide
Choose Paper and Stock That Speak Your Brand’s Language
We know it can feel a bit daunting picking the right paper weight or finish, especially with so many options out there. But here’s the thing: these choices matter more than you might think. For example, opting for recycled business cards or eco-friendly flyers not only shows you care about the environment but also signals to your clients that your values go beyond just the products or services you offer.
At Newstyle Print, we offer a broad range of recycled stocks — from folded leaflets and loyalty cards to compliment slips and gift tags. They all have that natural feel and look, which people appreciate when they hold them in hand. It’s a subtle way of making your brand more memorable and trustworthy.
Quick Tip: Match Paper Weight to Purpose
- For business cards, 350gsm recycled card usually feels just right — sturdy but not bulky. This weight tends to balance durability with a pleasant heft that leaves a good impression without feeling overdone.
- Flyers and leaflets often work well on 150–170gsm stock, balancing durability with cost-effectiveness. It’s a practical choice especially if you’re distributing a lot, such as handing out flyers at local markets or including leaflets with orders.
- For booklets or multi-page brochures, go for 130gsm uncoated inside pages paired with a thicker, matt laminated cover for a professional finish. The uncoated pages give a nice tactile experience, while the thicker cover protects the contents and looks polished.
Make Finishes Work for You — Not Just for Show
Print finishing can sound fancy, but it’s really about how your materials perform and feel. Lamination, for instance, protects your prints from fingerprints and moisture — perfect if you’re handing out postcards or posters at busy events where things can get a bit messy. Matte finishes give a sophisticated, understated look, while gloss can make colours pop but sometimes show reflections that might distract, especially under harsh lighting.
We’ve seen plenty of customers choose soft-touch lamination on folded business cards to give them a velvety feel that people can’t help but notice. It’s a subtle touch that can set your brand apart without going over the top. That tactile experience often sparks conversation or helps the card stick in someone’s memory — something a plain card just can’t achieve so easily.
Helpful Insight: Consider Your Audience and Usage
- If your print will be handled a lot, invest in a protective finish. For example, menus in restaurants or event passes benefit greatly from lamination to withstand spills or repeated use.
- For outdoor banners and posters, waterproof and UV-resistant finishes keep your message strong longer. A banner left hanging outside a shop window for weeks needs that protection to avoid fading or damage from rain.
- Think about the brand personality — glossy for vibrant, energetic brands; matte or soft-touch for elegant, understated ones. For instance, a creative agency might lean towards gloss to highlight bold colours, while a boutique clothing store might prefer a matte finish to match a minimalist aesthetic.
Design and Colour: Keep It Clear and Consistent
You might be surprised how often print jobs come back needing tweaks because the artwork wasn’t quite right for print. Colours can shift, images can be pixelated, or crucial details might get cut off without proper bleed. It’s frustrating when that happens, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Here at Newstyle Print, we offer free artwork checks to help you avoid these issues before going to press. We’ll flag up resolution problems, colour mismatches (like RGB instead of CMYK), and ensure your files have the right bleed and margins. It’s a small extra step that saves a lot of headaches later, and it helps your materials look polished and professional.
Case in Point: Refreshing a Local Café’s Print for the New Year
Recently, we worked with a small café that wanted to update their print for the year ahead. They asked for recycled folded leaflets and eco-friendly business cards to reflect their commitment to sustainability. We recommended a 350gsm recycled card for the business cards with a soft-touch finish — giving a warm, tactile feel that matched their cosy brand vibe.
The folded leaflets were printed on 150gsm recycled stock with a matt lamination, perfect for handing out with takeaway orders. We also helped tweak their artwork to ensure their new seasonal menu looked sharp and vibrant. The café’s owner was thrilled — they said their customers noticed the quality and appreciated the eco-friendly choice, which aligned beautifully with their ethos of serving locally sourced, organic food.
This example highlights how thoughtful print decisions can reinforce a brand’s story beyond just words. The tactile, natural feel of the recycled materials complemented the café’s atmosphere and values, making the printed collateral part of the overall customer experience rather than just an afterthought.
Wrapping It Up: Start Your Year with Print That Works for You
Choosing the right print materials and finishes — especially with sustainability in mind — helps your business make a strong, authentic statement from the get-go. Whether you’re refreshing your business cards, flyers, or exhibition banners, there’s plenty of options to fit your brand personality and budget.
Remember, it’s worth taking time on paper stock, finishes, and artwork quality. These details elevate your print and, by extension, your business impression. And if you’re ever unsure, you can always ask us at Newstyle Print for advice or send your artwork over for a free check.
It may seem like a small part of your overall marketing, but print is often the first physical interaction a customer has with your brand. Getting it right upfront can save money and hassle down the line, and it can genuinely make your business feel more approachable and trustworthy.
If you’d like advice on printing, we’re always happy to help — free artwork check included.
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FAQ
What paper weight is best for business cards?
Most businesses opt for 350gsm for business cards, which offers a sturdy feel without being too heavy. At Newstyle Print, we also provide recycled options with similar weights that feel just as premium. This weight strikes a good balance, so cards don’t feel flimsy but also aren’t awkwardly thick.
How can I make sure my colours print accurately?
Using CMYK colour mode in your artwork and sending us a proof for a free artwork check helps ensure colours stay true. We’ll spot any RGB files or low-resolution images before printing starts. It’s worth noting that colours can look different on screen versus print, so this step is crucial to avoid surprises.
Are recycled papers as durable as standard stocks?
Yes, recycled stocks today are high quality and durable enough for most printed materials. They also carry that important eco-friendly message, which many customers appreciate. While some older recycled papers might have felt thinner or rougher, modern recycled stocks often feel comparable to virgin paper.
What finishes do you recommend for outdoor banners?
For outdoor use, waterproof and UV-resistant finishes protect your print from weather and fading. We offer a range of laminations suited for different conditions and budgets. For example, a vinyl banner with UV lamination will last longer in direct sunlight than untreated materials.
Can you help with my artwork if I’m not sure it’s print-ready?
Absolutely! At Newstyle Print, free artwork checks are part of our service. We’ll guide you on any fixes needed, from bleed adjustments to file format corrections. It’s a friendly, no-pressure way to make sure your print turns out just right.
How quickly can I get my print order delivered?
Updated on 8 January 2026
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