Start with the effect you want to keep
For a deck without holographic reflections, go for matte on both sides. If you want light to play on your cards, holographic-front / matte-back paper has shifting reflections on the front and a matte back. Here you are choosing the look of the paper; you will judge the result on a sheet printed with your inks.
Check both sides before laying out your file
For double-sided cards, decide before printing which face of the paper will be used for the front and which for the back. The available holographic reference is described with a holographic front and a matte back; the matte one, matte on both sides. Prepare a file that follows this choice; do not expect an identical rendering on both sides.
Compare on a test sheet
Print the same permitted design on a sheet of each finish, let it dry according to your equipment instructions and compare under the same lighting. Note your printer, inks and settings. Store visuals are illustrative: no photographic comparison of actual prints is presented here.
Sources and scope
- ProxyCardStock catalogue
The supplier gives the sides, basis weights, formats and accepted inks for each catalogue reference.