Postcard Paper Stock: 16pt Gloss, Writing and Mailing

Why does 16pt cardstock suit postcards?

16pt cardstock gives a postcard a substantial card-like feel without requiring a fold or an envelope for every use.

Unlike a flexible information sheet, a postcard is often handled as one loose piece. A firmer card suits a counter takeaway, an insert in a welcome packet, or an event invitation with a short message. Its shape also makes the front and back useful as separate reading surfaces.

The gloss finish suits photography and clear blocks of color. It reflects light, so pay attention to text contrast and avoid putting essential details over a complicated image. Give the front one main purpose, then use the reverse for supporting information and the next action.

Thickness does not make the paper waterproof, tearproof, or guaranteed to arrive without wear. No outdoor lifespan or protective laminate is specified for this product. For mailing, the finished piece must meet the requirements of the service you choose; a stock name is not postal approval.

Can you write on both sides of a gloss postcard?

You can try writing on gloss, but neither side of this postcard is an uncoated writing surface.

As general practice, a ballpoint tends to smudge less than a gel pen on glossy card. Results depend on the ink and surface, so test a spare finished card and allow the mark to dry before stacking. Do not assume a pen that works on office paper will behave the same way here.

A label can be more practical when a message changes from card to card. Leave a clear panel large enough for the label you intend to use. That space can also make a handwritten note easier to read, but leaving it unprinted does not remove the underlying gloss.

If matte or uncoated postcard stock is essential, ask for a custom quote. Those finishes are not standard postcard options today. Do not order gloss and expect the reverse to arrive as plain paper simply because the back design contains white space.

How much do 4 x 6, 5 x 7, and 6 x 9 in postcards cost?

For 100 double-sided 16pt gloss postcards, the printing prices are $74.89 at 4 x 6 in, $85.59 at 5 x 7 in, and $106.99 at 6 x 9 in.

These pack prices cover printing, not postage, mailing-list purchases, or delivery to each recipient. Artwork services and shipping to you are separate. Double-sided printing is included in the stated configurations, so using the back does not add a second printing charge.

Use the postcard size guide when the message needs more space. Increasing the sheet gives you room for larger photographs or supporting details, but it also changes the printing cost and may change the mailing category. Check both budgets before selecting a size for a mailed campaign.

What USPS size and thickness rules apply?

USPS retail and commercial card-price standards have different maximum sizes, so the mailing method must be part of your size decision.

For retail First-Class Mail card pricing, dimensions run from 3.5 in high by 5 in long through 4.25 in high by 6 in long, with thickness from 0.007 through 0.016 in. The 4 x 6 in format fits that size range. Mailed with a stamp, 5 x 7 and 6 x 9 in cards are priced as letters, not postcards. See USPS DMM 101.6.2.

Commercial postcard standards set a ceiling of 6 in high by 9 in long and 0.016 in thick; confirm any piece near that ceiling, including its thickness, with USPS. Their minimum size is 3.5 x 5 in; cards over 4.25 in high or 6 in long need at least 0.009 in thickness. See USPS DMM 201.1.2.

Those commercial dimensions do not mean every 6 x 9 in card can use a retail postcard stamp. Ask USPS to confirm the finished piece, address layout, service, and preparation requirements before ordering. In the point system, 16pt equals 0.016 in, right at the stated maximum, and the product page does not list a measured thickness for the finished gloss card, so do not treat the stock name as an eligibility guarantee.

Should you mail the postcards or hand them out?

Handouts need a distribution plan, while mailed postcards also need a separate postage and address-preparation plan.

For a counter display or package insert, the main constraints are message space and how many people will receive the card. You can devote both sides to the offer and useful details. A mailed piece needs room for the address, postage, and any required postal markings.

Inline Graphics prints the postcards and ships the order to you. We do not mail the campaign, sell postage, or provide mailing lists. If delivery method is still undecided, compare door hangers and postcards before finalizing the art. They reach a reader differently and need different preparation.

How should you prepare postcard artwork?

Postcard artwork needs 0.125 in bleed outside every trim edge and a 0.125 in safe area inside every trim edge.

Extend backgrounds into the bleed so a small trim shift does not leave an unintended white edge. Keep text and logos inside the safe area. For double-sided cards, supply the front and back as two pages of one PDF, with the front first. Check that both pages use the same intended finished orientation.

Use CMYK color mode and outlined fonts. Images need at least 150 dpi at the final print size, with 300 dpi ideal; vector artwork is also suitable. Do not rely on a screen preview alone to judge whether a small photograph will stay sharp when enlarged.

There is no production setup fee. Your file or image is prepared through AI image to print for $14.99 per item, including a file sent after checkout. Design it for me is +$29.99 with two revisions, free when the item itself is $499 or more. A free digital proof follows the order, before anything prints.

What should you check before approving postcard printing?

Check both faces for accurate information, readable contrast, correct cropping, and room for any later writing or mailing details.

The digital proof shows the prepared layout for your review. It does not demonstrate the tactile finish or guarantee an exact color match to your screen. Read the offer, dates, web address, and contact details closely rather than approving from the overall impression alone.

Production takes 48 hours after proof approval, with shipping transit additional. The postcards are printed in the USA and ship nationwide. Browse print marketing products if your campaign also needs a folded explanation or a full-sheet handout.

Need postcards or other custom printing? Inline Graphics helps businesses, churches, schools, and event organizers across the country design and print cards, banners, signs, decals, displays, and marketing materials that get noticed. Contact us today for a quote.