Materials Guide
Understanding quality papers and finishes
Premium Paper Selection
Cotton Paper
Made from cotton fibres, this paper offers exceptional softness and durability. Ideal for wedding invitations and formal correspondence. Weight: 300-600gsm.
Recycled Kraft
Eco-friendly option with a natural, rustic appearance. Perfect for casual cards, gift tags, and environmentally conscious projects. Weight: 200-350gsm.
Textured Cardstock
Features subtle patterns like linen, felt, or hammered finishes. Adds tactile interest to any design. Weight: 250-400gsm.
Shimmer Paper
Contains mica particles for a subtle sparkle effect. Elegant choice for celebrations and special occasions. Weight: 250-350gsm.
Bamboo Paper
Sustainable alternative made from fast-growing bamboo. Smooth texture with excellent print quality. Weight: 200-300gsm.
Understanding Paper Weight
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). Higher GSM means thicker, more substantial paper. Here's a quick guide:
- 120-180gsm: Standard writing paper, inserts
- 200-300gsm: Quality cards, postcards
- 300-400gsm: Premium invitations, business cards
- 400gsm+: Luxury cards, speciality items
At drizelonvymlixar, we recommend 300gsm minimum for cards that feel substantial and premium when held.
Paper Finishes and Coatings
Matte Finish
Non-reflective surface that's easy to read and photograph. Sophisticated appearance for elegant designs.
Gloss Finish
Shiny, reflective coating that makes colours pop. Durable and vibrant for photo-based designs.
Satin Finish
Subtle sheen between matte and gloss. Balances colour vibrancy with readability.
Uncoated
Natural paper feel with no coating. Excellent for handwritten notes and natural aesthetics.
Special Printing Techniques
Foil Stamping
Metallic or coloured foil applied with heat and pressure. Creates stunning accents in gold, silver, rose gold, and more.
Letterpress
Traditional printing method creating debossed impressions. Offers beautiful tactile quality and vintage charm.
Embossing
Raised design elements created with custom dies. Adds dimension and sophistication to any card.
Debossing
Pressed-in design creating recessed impressions. Subtle, elegant effect for logos and patterns.
Edge Painting
Coloured edges on thick cardstock. Unique finishing touch visible from the side of the card.
Die Cutting
Custom shapes cut from paper. From simple rounded corners to intricate designs.
Ink and Colour Options
Drizelonvymlixar uses premium inks for lasting colour quality. Our standard digital printing uses eco-solvent inks that are vibrant and durable.
For special projects, we offer:
- Pantone Matching: Precise brand colour reproduction
- White Ink: For printing on dark or coloured stocks
- Metallic Inks: Subtle shimmer throughout designs
- Vegetable-Based Inks: Eco-friendly option
Our Environmental Commitment
Responsible Sourcing
We partner with suppliers who share our values. Our papers are FSC-certified or made from recycled content wherever possible. We prioritise locally produced materials to reduce transportation impact.
Waste Reduction
Our studio practices include recycling paper offcuts, using digital proofing to minimise test prints, and packaging orders with recyclable materials. Every small step contributes to sustainability.
Request Material Samples
Want to feel the difference before ordering? We offer sample packs featuring our most popular papers and finishes. Contact us to request your sample kit.
Request Samples