Table of Contents
What is a Glossy Card?
What is RFID?
Core Components of an RFID Glossy Card.
What Materials Are Used in Glossy Cards?
What Are the Common Paper Weights (GSM)?
Types of Surface Coatings on Glossy Cards.
What Printing Methods Are Suitable for Glossy Cards?
Common Applications of RFID Glossy Cards.
Differences Between Glossy, Matte, and Satin Cards.
Advantages of RFID Glossy Cards.
FAQ.
Conclusion.
What is a Glossy Card?
Glossy Card is a type of card material with a smooth, shiny surface finish. It undergoes a special coating process that gives it vibrant colors, strong visual impact, and a high-end texture. It is commonly used for business cards, invitations, promotional cards, membership cards, and other applications that require excellent visual presentation.
What is RFID?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that enables contactless information reading and writing through radio waves.
Core Components of an RFID Glossy Card.
1. Outer Layer: Glossy Card Material
The surface uses glossy coated paper or synthetic paper, treated with varnishing or lamination to create a shiny, vibrant visual effect. It supports high-quality printing (e.g., logos, patterns, QR codes). Common base materials include PVC, PET, or paper-based substrates, ensuring the card's strength and premium appearance.
2. Middle Layer: RFID Chip
Embedded within the center of the card, the chip handles data storage and exchange. Chip types are selected based on application needs, such as NFC chips (NTAG213/215/216), MIFARE Classic, Ultralight, or UHF chips. Chips can be either read-only or read/write, and can be configured with encryption for data protection.
3. Antenna Coil
A single or multi-turn metal wire coil (usually copper or aluminum) surrounds the chip. It enables wireless communication with card readers and is essential for contactless identification. The antenna design significantly affects reading distance and performance.
4. Encapsulation & Lamination Structure
The chip and antenna are laminated and sealed within the card to form a complete multi-layer structure. The encapsulation process ensures durability, water resistance, and flexibility resistance.
What Materials Are Used in Glossy Cards?
1. Coated Art Paper (C2S)
The most common glossy card paper material, double-sided coated with a smooth, fine surface. Delivers vibrant and sharp printing quality.
Applications: Promotional cards, covers, postcards.
2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Widely used for membership cards, access control cards, bank cards, etc. It is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and suitable for laminated RFID chip embedding. The surface can be laminated with a glossy film for a high-shine finish.
Applications: RFID cards, smart cards, premium business cards.
3. PET (Polyester)
More environmentally friendly and heat-resistant than PVC, with higher strength. Supports glossy lamination and offers excellent visual and tactile quality. It is durable, weather-resistant, and deformation-resistant.
Applications: Industrial ID cards, outdoor-use cards.
4. Synthetic Paper
Made from plastic particles, this material has the appearance of paper while being waterproof and tear-resistant. It can be printed and treated for a glossy finish.
Applications: Hang tags, instruction cards, waterproof cards.
5. Art Paper / Specialty Paper
Includes pearlescent paper, metallic (gold/silver) card stock, mirror paper, etc. These papers have unique decorative finishes and glossiness, offering diverse visual effects.
Applications: High-end invitations, holiday greeting cards, branded packaging cards.
6. Laminated Paper Card
A paper-based core laminated with a glossy plastic film (such as BOPP or PET film), combining the texture of paper with a shiny surface. It is cost-effective and relatively eco-friendly.
Applications: Low-cost RFID cards, advertising cards, foldable info cards.
What Are the Common Paper Weights (GSM)?
Common Weight Categories of Glossy Cards (Unit: gsm)
| Weight Range | Characteristics | Applications |
| 150–200 gsm | Thin, flexible, foldable | Flyers, brochure covers, lightweight cards |
| 200–250 gsm | Medium thickness with some stiffness | Postcards, promotional cards, invitations |
| 250–300 gsm | Thicker, tactile, with a strong professional feel | Premium business cards, foldable cards, branded cards |
| 300–400 gsm | Very thick and rigid, similar to the feel of a plastic card | Gift cards, VIP cards, paper layers for RFID card encapsulation |
| PVC or PET | Measured by thickness (e.g., 0.76mm, roughly equivalent to the feel of 650–700 gsm paper) | Smart cards, membership cards, access control cards, etc. |
Types of Surface Coatings on Glossy Cards
Gloss Varnish
The most basic glossy treatment, applying a gloss varnish coating to the paper surface to enhance shine. Low cost and suitable for large-volume printing.
Drawbacks: Lower scratch resistance and water resistance.
Lamination / Film Coating
A transparent plastic film (such as BOPP or PET) is applied to the card surface. Types include:
Gloss Lamination: High gloss, strong reflectivity, vibrant colors.
Matte Lamination: Low gloss with a soft texture.
Satin Lamination: Between gloss and matte, with a silky feel.
Advantages: Scratch-resistant, waterproof, stain-resistant, and improved tactile feel. Commonly used for premium business cards, VIP cards, smart cards, etc.
UV Coating
A high-gloss coating cured by ultraviolet light, can be applied overall or partially. Types include:
Flood UV: Entire card surface is glossy.
Spot UV: Only highlights patterns, logos, or specific areas to enhance dimensionality.
Advantages: Produces a brighter surface with strong visual impact but is prone to fingerprint marks.
Aqueous Coating
An eco-friendly water-based coating with lower gloss but quick drying and environmentally safe. Often used for eco-friendly packaging printing but not suitable for cards with long-term or frequent handling.
Calendering / Supercalendering
Mechanical roller pressing that smooths and brightens the paper surface. Low cost and widely used on standard coated art paper.
Polyethylene (PE) Coating
Commonly applied on synthetic paper or PET surfaces to enhance water and chemical resistance. Frequently used for industrial, outdoor, and food-contact label cards.
What Printing Methods Are Suitable for Glossy Cards?
Offset Printing — Most Common and Recommended
Compatibility: Very suitable for coated art paper, synthetic paper, and other glossy materials.
Advantages: Fine print quality, vibrant colors, low cost (ideal for medium to large print runs).
Disadvantages: Not suitable for personalized single-piece printing; not applicable to PVC plastic cards.
Digital Printing — Suitable for Small Batches and Variable Data
Compatibility: Suitable for coated paper glossy cards, with some equipment supporting synthetic materials.
Advantages: Fast sample output, supports personalized content (e.g., QR codes, names).
Disadvantages: Slightly lower color accuracy compared to offset printing; higher cost than large-volume offset.
Silk Screen Printing — Used for Special Effects
Compatibility: Suitable for non-absorbent glossy materials like PVC, PET, etc.
Advantages: Can print special effects such as metallic gold/silver, fluorescent, matte, embossing.
Disadvantages: Low efficiency, best for printing partial patterns or effects.
Dye Sublimation Printing
Compatibility: Mainly used for PVC cards (e.g., employee cards, access cards).
Advantages: Rich images, suitable for personalized cards (e.g., photos).
Disadvantages: Requires special coating or printing materials; not suitable for ordinary paper-based glossy cards.
UV Inkjet Printing
Compatibility: Suitable for non-absorbent materials such as PVC, PET, and metal card surfaces.
Advantages: No plate making, strong light resistance, can print local embossing/raised effects.
Disadvantages: Higher cost and relatively slower speed.
Common Applications of RFID Glossy Cards
Access Control & Identification
· Employee access cards and attendance cards
· Student IDs and campus all-in-one cards
· Hotel room key cards (with branded designs)
· Hospital patient cards and visitor passes
Membership Management & Marketing
· Membership cards for malls, restaurants, gyms, beauty salons
· Points cards, stored-value cards, promotional cards
· Discount cards, branded VIP cards
· NFC smart business cards (scan to view profiles or contact info)
Transportation & Public Services
· Bus cards, subway cards, city transit cards
· Parking cards, ETC vehicle access cards
· Theme park entry cards, amusement park passes
Conference & Event Management
· Exhibition entrance badges, VIP passes
· Concert and sports event electronic tickets
· On-site identification cards for large events, anti-counterfeit commemorative cards
Library & Education Systems
· Library borrowing cards, library IC cards
· Campus cafeteria payment cards
· Student health and academic record cards
Industrial & Logistics Applications
· Product anti-counterfeiting certification cards, warranty cards
· RFID label cards (used for packaging, warehouse management)
· Outbound/inbound inventory identification cards
Other Specialized Applications
· Smart device companion ID cards
· NFC interactive cards (can open apps, web pages, videos)
· Premium promotional cards (e.g., tech companies for brand showcasing)
Differences Between Glossy, Matte, and Satin Cards
Here is a comprehensive comparison summarizing the main differences between Glossy Card, Matte Card, and Satin Card:
| Comparison Dimensions | Glossy Card | Matte Card | Satin Card |
| Glossiness | High gloss with strong mirror-like reflection | No gloss, very low reflectivity | Slight gloss with a soft, silky reflection |
| Surface Feel | Smooth and sleek surface, slightly slippery to the touch | Fine texture with a slight roughness, feels dry to the touch | Smooth and gentle texture, between glossy and matte |
| Color Reproduction | Vibrant colors with strong contrast and visual impact | Soft colors with low saturation | Natural, warm colors combining expressiveness with softness |
| Print Compatibility | Suitable for photos, solid colors, and color-rich printing | Suitable for text-heavy and design-focused layouts | Suitable for high-end brands and designs with a soft visual appeal |
| Reflectivity | Noticeable reflectivity; can be glaring under sunlight | No glare, comfortable for reading | Mild reflectivity, visually soft without excessive glare |
| Fingerprint Resistance | Prone to fingerprints and oil stains | Resistant to fingerprints | Relatively clean surface with some fingerprint resistance |
| Scratch Resistance | Moderate scratch resistance; scratches can appear easily | Poor scratch resistance, prone to wear | Medium to above-average scratch resistance |
| Water Resistance | Good water resistance (especially PVC or laminated materials) | Average water resistance (paper-based surfaces tend to absorb moisture) | Good water resistance (most have protective coatings) |
| Common Applications | Premium business cards, RFID cards, promotional cards, smart business cards | High-end invitations, eco-friendly packaging, design-oriented business cards | Wedding invitations, premium brochures, brand labels, art prints |
| Suitable Style | Bright, vivid, modern, and tech-savvy | Simple, rustic, artistic feel | Elegant, soft, and lightly luxurious |
Advantages of RFID Glossy Cards
Smooth and Unprinted Surface
The surface is clean and neat, ideal for subsequent personalized processing such as silk screen printing, dye sublimation printing, UV printing, digital printing, handwriting, or labeling. As a “blank card,” users can perform secondary customization based on their needs for personalized applications.
Cost Advantage
By omitting printing and personalization, manufacturing costs are lower than those of full-color printed cards or shaped cards. Standardized mass production ensures fast delivery, making it suitable for urgent projects or large-volume general applications.
Technical Advantage
Compatible with various chips such as EM4100, TK4100; M1 (S50/S70), NTAG series, DESFire; EPC Gen2 protocol, etc. Encapsulated with materials like PVC and PET, providing waterproof, dustproof, and anti-magnetic interference properties to adapt to diverse environments.
Wide Application
Suitable for various systems: access control, attendance, membership, campus cards, IC transit cards, and more.
Safe and Environmentally Friendly
Supports eco-friendly materials such as degradable PVC and PETG, meeting green procurement requirements. Blank cards contain no sensitive images or text, reducing the risk of copying or misuse.
FAQ
Can glossy cards be read by NFC-enabled smartphones?
Yes, as long as the embedded chip supports the NFC standard (such as the NTAG series).
Can double-sided printing be customized without affecting the chip functionality?
Yes, as long as the spacing between the printed layers and the chip is properly designed.
Are they waterproof and scratch-resistant?
Yes, a protective film (such as PET) can be added to enhance durability.
Are they environmentally friendly and recyclable?
It depends on the chip and outer material. Eco-friendly paper substrates are available as an option.
How many times can they be read? How long does the data last?
Depending on the chip type, they can typically be read and written up to 100,000 times, with data retention for over 10 years.
Are they expensive? Can I order just one?
Single-card customization is relatively costly. The more you order, the lower the unit price. Small-batch NFC business card solutions are already available.
Can they be made using a regular printer?
No, professional RFID embedding and printing equipment are required.
Conclusion
RFID glossy cards combine a high-end smooth and shiny appearance with advanced RFID technology. They feature vibrant colors and a premium tactile feel, along with waterproof, scratch-resistant, and durable properties. These cards are widely used in access control, membership management, transportation, and many other fields. Whether it's customized smart access cards for enterprises or premium membership cards for brand promotion, RFID glossy cards are an ideal choice that balances aesthetics and functionality. If you have any RFID card customization needs, please feel free to contact us. We are ready to provide you with professional solutions and excellent service.
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