Ethan Clarke
Plastic cards can be personalised in a variety of ways, including the use of fonts, colours, bar codes, and variable data such as names, photos, and numbers. Inkjet PVC Card Trays can be used to print on Inkjet PVC Cards, which have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink. Cards can also be personalised with unique shapes, finishes, and textures, such as gloss, satin, and matte. Etsy offers custom plastic cards with detailed information, such as full-colour photo ID badges and PVC cards with printed photos.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Card Material | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Printing Method | Inkjet Printer |
| Card Tray | Required for printing |
| Card Coating | Absorbs ink |
| Card Drying | Immediate |
| Card Durability | Waterproof |
| Card Design Software | Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, Apple Pages |
| Card Stock | White, pearl, clear, metallic, frost/opaque |
| Card Finish | Gloss, satin, matte |
| Card Shape | Custom die-cut shapes |
| Card Add-ons | Luggage slot, hole punch, magnetic stripe, signature panel |
| Card Personalization | Font, color, bar codes, variable data (names, photos) |
| Card Types | Business cards, gift cards, membership cards, VIP cards, loyalty cards, ID badges |
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What You'll Learn
Printing on plastic cards using an inkjet printer
Choosing the Right Printer and Cards
Before you begin, it's important to select the right equipment. Not all inkjet printers are compatible with printing on plastic cards, so be sure to check if your printer supports the use of an inkjet PVC card tray. Additionally, choose the type of plastic cards you want to print on. These cards come in various colours and finishes, such as gloss, satin, or matte. The standard size and thickness of blank PVC cards are similar to credit cards, measuring 3.375" x 2.125" (CR-80) and 30 mil thick.
Using the Inkjet PVC Card Tray
Printing on plastic cards requires a special tray designed specifically for inkjet printers. This tray ensures that the plastic cards are properly positioned for printing. Once you've acquired the compatible tray, insert the plastic cards into the tray according to the instructions provided.
Preparing Your Design
You can use software applications like Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, or Apple Pages to create your card design. These applications often provide templates to help you set up your design in the correct location for printing. Remember to consider if you want single-sided or double-sided printing and any additional features like magnetic stripe encoding.
Selecting the Right Ribbon
ID card printers typically use thermal ribbons instead of traditional ink or toner. These ribbons are available in black or colour. If you're looking for something more extravagant, manufacturers also offer ribbons in specific colours like gold foil, red, or blue. Keep in mind that the cost of colour ribbons is generally higher than black ribbons.
Printing Your Plastic Cards
After you've set up your design, loaded the plastic cards into the compatible tray, and selected the appropriate ribbon, you're ready to start printing. Adjust your printer settings to suit the type of ribbon you're using and the desired print quality. Finally, initiate the printing process and watch your custom plastic cards come to life!
By following these steps, you'll be able to create professional and personalised plastic cards using your inkjet printer, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution for your identification, promotional, or membership needs.
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Choosing fonts and colours
When choosing a font for your plastic card, it is important to consider the card's purpose and your brand's personality. The font style, colour and size make a significant statement and can help express a mood, establish a style and create an emotional connection with your audience.
If your brand is playful, choose a font that reflects that. If it is more corporate, opt for a font that suits that image. For instance, serif fonts like Times New Roman and Garamond give a classic, traditional, upmarket, respectable, authoritative, literary, classy and warm look. Sans serif fonts, on the other hand, are generally more readable, especially in small print. Fonts like Helvetica, Futura, and Arial are easy to read in business card printing and also work well on digital displays. If you want to use a script font, consider Black Caviar, which uses thin strokes and wide letterforms to make the text easy to read.
It is recommended to use up to three different fonts per card: one for the name, one for the brief description or message, and one for the small print. It is also important to check your chosen font for readability from a distance. Ensure that the thin lines are visible and that the numeral "1" and capital "I" are not likely to be confused.
When choosing colours for your fonts, remember that contrast is key. You want your name and contact details to be easily readable. On a light background, black is a safe choice. A crisp white or deep black background can make the colours of your logo pop. If you want to add graphics and illustrations, complementary colours work well, such as those from opposing sides of the colour wheel. You can also use variations of the same colour, such as a dark blue typeface and a bright blue logo.
In addition to matching your brand marketing, your colour choices should be consistent with the type of company culture you project. If your company is more on the serious side, colours like black, white, grey, and muted blues or greens are a good fit. If your company is more fun, choose bright, playful colours or earthy tones for a laid-back look. The colour of your card design influences perception, recognition and memorability. For instance, blue is common in corporate, finance and tech, while black and grey dominate luxury and law. Green suits eco-friendly and wellness brands, and red and orange work well for food, marketing and entertainment.
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Adding variable information and signature panels
Plastic cards with signature panels are versatile and useful in a variety of contexts, including financial transactions, access control, and identification. They can be used in industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and retail. For example, in the healthcare industry, they can be used as patient identification cards, with the signature panel allowing for the recording of patient consent, medication allergies, and medical history. In the hospitality industry, these cards can be used as room keys or for access control, with the signature panel used to record guest information.
Printing on plastic cards with signature panels can be done through various methods, including thermal transfer printing and dye-sublimation printing. Thermal transfer printing uses heat to transfer ink from a ribbon onto the card surface, resulting in high-quality, durable, scratch-resistant, and fade-resistant printing. Dye-sublimation printing also uses heat but transfers dye onto the card surface.
Inkjet PVC cards are another option for printing variable information and signature panels on plastic cards. These cards have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink from an inkjet printer. However, it is important to check your printer's compatibility with inkjet PVC card trays before attempting to print on this type of card.
Signature panels offer flexibility by enabling cardholders or issuers to add information at a later time. This can include expiration dates, member names, card values, or any other relevant details. They also make it easier to write on the cards with any type of pen, providing a convenient way to capture signatures or additional data.
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Using card stocks and finishes
Card stocks and finishes are an important consideration when creating plastic cards. The finish you choose will depend on the functionality and end goal of your card. For example, if you need to write on the card, a matte finish is the best option. Matte is a flat, gritty-textured finish that can be applied to one or both sides of the card. It has a muted, non-shiny feel and can even change the tone of the printed colour.
On the other hand, if you want a vibrant, shiny finish, a gloss finish is the way to go. Gloss is the most popular finish for credit cards and gift cards as it is easy to clean. It has the highest amount of sheen compared to other finishes and can be used on either or both sides of the card.
Another option is a satin finish, which falls between matte and gloss in terms of reflectivity. A less common option is a linen finish, which involves applying cross-hatching to curing varnishes.
When it comes to card stock, the most common type is white stock. You can use whichever finish you prefer on either or both sides of a white card. Other types of card stock include clear, frosted, pearl, metallic, and coloured stocks like blue or black. Pearl stock has a unique sparkle-like shine that adds an elegant shimmery effect to the card. Frosted clear stock allows you to see partially through the card, making it creative but challenging to work with if you want different designs on both sides. Metallic stock gives a rainbow-like shine when the card is moved.
For card games and board games, thicker and heavier card stock like the A35 card stock may be preferable. For cardistry and magic tricks, a lighter and softer card stock like the M30 linen air light card stock is ideal. For the highest quality, the M32 master quality card stock offers unparalleled smoothness in handling.
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Customising plastic cards with a personal message
Custom plastic cards can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business cards, loyalty or membership cards, gift cards, identification cards, credit or debit cards, access cards, and more. They can be customised with a personal message, logo, name, photo, or other unique designs.
When creating custom plastic cards, it is important to first select the product that best showcases your brand and meets the specific needs of your target market. Consider the purpose of the card, the information you want to include, and the design you want to convey. You can choose from standard sizes or custom shapes, and select from different types of plastic, such as white plastic, clear plastic, or frosted plastic, each offering a distinct look and feel.
To add a personal message to your plastic cards, you can either design them yourself using online tools and templates provided by printing services, or you can upload your own artwork or design file. Bright colours, especially with a high-gloss shine, tend to work well on plastic cards. However, keep in mind that certain textures or finishes may not be possible with the plastic card printing process.
If you are printing PVC cards using an inkjet printer, you will need a special inkjet PVC card tray that is compatible with your printer. These cards have a coating that allows them to absorb ink, resulting in immediate drying and a waterproof finish. Templates are available for various applications, including Adobe Photoshop, GNU GIMP, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Word, and Apple Pages, to ensure proper printing alignment.
Additionally, you can further customise your plastic cards with features such as magnetic stripes, barcodes, RFID chips, or variable data options to make them unique and functional for your intended use.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to personalise a plastic card with your name. You can choose from a variety of card stocks and finishes, such as white, pearl, metallic, or frosted card stock, and gloss, satin, or matte finishes. You can also select a unique shape, such as a camera-shaped card for a photography business. Additionally, you can customise the font and colour to match your brand or personal style.
To print on a plastic card using an inkjet printer, you will need an Inkjet PVC Card Tray. These trays are compatible with certain printers, so be sure to check your printer's compatibility. Inkjet PVC cards have a special coating that allows them to absorb ink, ensuring immediate drying and waterproofing. You can use templates available for various applications, such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Word, to set up your design to print in the correct location.
Aside from printing, you can explore customisation options such as embossing to give your card a 3-dimensional texture. You can personalise the coloured tipping with gold, silver, or black. Alternatively, you can opt for a signature panel, allowing you to write directly on the surface of the card.
