The difference between Raised Letter and Full Color printing is in how the ink is applied to the card stock.
Thermography is the type of printing that produces ink that stands up off the page slightly. When you run your fingers across the surface, you can feel the printing on the stock.
Each color that is printed has a separate plate, and the cards have to be run through the press for each color chosen. These types of cards have a very elegant and refined look about them, especially if the colors and stocks chosen are complimentary. There are hundreds of varieties of stocks and inks to choose from.
Full Color printing is much like printing from your ink jet printer at home. All the inks are printed on the page at the same time, combined to create hues, shades and photo images.
These cards have been traditionally used by real estate agents, insurance agents and the like. But now, with this type of printing becoming more affordable and available, anyone can choose this option. These designs most of the time seem sharper and more upbeat.
To choose the look that is right for you, think first about the image you are projecting for your company. If you are you a doctor? You probably would rather have a classier linen stock with black and gold inks.
Same for lawyers and other professionals. A handsome burgundy on grey fiber stock would speak volumes about your professionalism.
The raised letter would add to the expensive feel. There is really no need to add more than one color and black in printing raised letter cards. A doctor or lawyer is usually using cards to provide clients with contact information, not get more business.
Full color is proven to get a 30% better response rate than regular printing. But this is only a bonus if your business aims to use the business cards to get more business.
In reality, cost usually dictates the biggest part of your decision making process. However, try to consider your image first. You might find that if you choose the card that has the best representation of your image, the cost ends up being less than if you choose the wrong one.
