How to distinguish plastic from mother of pearl?
White plastic is a popular and economical option for making cards. When working with it there are no restrictions on printing, personalization and decoration.
The color on the finished plastic card usually matches that stated in the layout. Color distortions sometimes occur because even white plastic can have a different shade – colder or warmer. Such inaccuracies are barely noticeable, but please do not neglect to order a trial edition and color proofs.
White plastic is printed using both offset and digital methods. Both methods produce high-quality printing; the differences lie in the coverage of the color space. Offset printing uses PANTONE inks, so it can convey a wider range of shades: pastel, acidic, complex gradient colors.
Gold plastic
Gold plastic has a grainy metallic texture that shines pleasantly and shimmers in the sun. Gold is a rich, self-sufficient color; it recreates a feeling of luxury and prosperity. Gold plastic cards are suitable for high value discount cards, gift certificates, VIP cards, elite and limited editions.
White color can only be applied to a gold surface using the offset printing method. You cannot print white on gold using digital equipment.
Please note that due to the gold base, other colors on the card will vary from those shown in the design. It is easy to preserve the original shades by placing a white base on top of the gold, but then the metallic luster will be lost. This method is used when the design is applied to only part of the gilded card. When filled with color, they are printed on silver plastic.
Before starting to produce cards on gold plastic, we recommend ordering a trial run of plastic cards or ready-made samples.
If you place a barcode on gold plastic cards, take into account the reading indicators of the device, since not all scanners have the necessary sensitivity. A barcode is guaranteed to be read when a white plate is first applied to the gold surface, and only then the barcode.
The price of plastic cards made from gold plastic is higher than from white plastic. Take a look at the portfolio of the Country of Cards company, there you will find design options for gold plastic cards.
Silver plastic
Silver plastic has a sparkling, iridescent structure. In terms of its main parameters, it is similar to gold plastic: pleasant shine, similar grainy texture.
On a silver surface, like on a gold surface, white is applied only using the offset printing method. Digital printers print in all colors except white.
The silver base distorts the colors less, they are superimposed on top, merge and acquire a metallic tint. You can apply a color image to a white substrate, then the shades will be richer, but the specific metallic texture will disappear. In the “Countries of Maps” portfolio you will find design layouts that use this method.
Before ordering a circulation of plastic cards, be sure to ask to send a trial run or ready-made samples. This way you can ensure the quality of the print and make sure the colors are correct.
The cost of making plastic cards from silver plastic is the same as from gold plastic.
New generation devices rarely have problems scanning a barcode, but to guarantee reading it is recommended to apply a white stripe. High contrast will eliminate possible problems.
Transparent plastic
Transparent plastic is used to create cards with interesting, creative designs. This type of plastic can be printed without restrictions using the offset method. When printed with a laser, the image will in most cases be translucent, even if a white backing is applied underneath. Transparent plastic can be glossy or matte, the latter having less transparency. With certain methods of placing information, cards can be double-sided.
Embossing, textured foil stamping and selective varnish are well applied to transparent plastic.
If you want to remove transparency in a specific area of a plastic card, white paint is first applied, and a full-color design is applied on top.
If we talk about “creative” design of plastic cards, then in 90% of cases this refers to cards made of transparent plastic – artists, photographers, art agencies and design studios use them as an advertisement for their creative skills.
Order a trial run in advance or ask the manager to send samples, then questions about the quality of printing and inclusion in the layout will immediately disappear.
Be sure to take a look at the portfolio of the Country of Cards company, where we have posted design options for plastic cards made of transparent plastic.
Mother of pearl plastic
Mother-of-pearl plastic has a mesmerizing sparkling surface and very fine grain. The color of mother-of-pearl is close to white, so it distorts the original colors to a much lesser extent than gold and silver. Moreover, it makes them richer and juicier. The fine grain fraction gives the pearlescent shine modesty and delicacy.
There are no restrictions when printing on mother-of-pearl plastic using the offset method. If you print an image using digital printing, you will not be able to apply white color or a white backing.
The price of cards made of mother-of-pearl plastic does not differ from cards made of silver and gold.
Despite the fact that mother-of-pearl plastic slightly distorts colors, we urge you to order a trial run or request samples in order to be 100% sure of the quality of printing and color accuracy.
