FAQ

Cards are available in a range of thicknesses from .012 mil to .030 mil. The thickness of a standard credit card is .030 mil.

A Colourfast customer service representative will help you every step of the way. Our graphic experts will assist you in creating an effective design for your product. Just give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Magnetic Stripes are thin layers of ferrous oxide applied to the surface of the card. Magnetic stripes were never intended as security devices; magnetic stripes only ensure the speed and accuracy of the information entered into a system. Magnetic stripes are, in essence, magnetic bar codes, nothing more. They are encoded with information only once, usually a series of numbers. When the information on the stripe is accessed by swiping, the stripe is not altered in any way, it is only read. Magnetic stripes are not used to collect data, only to send the same data over and over very efficiently.

UV (ultraviolet) coating is a thin layer of clear ink applied over the printed image making it slippery and less likely to scratch (like a polyurethane layer on a hardwood floor). Lamination is an additional layer of plastic placed over the printed image, sealing and protecting it. Lamination is the industry standard. This method creates the smoothest, highest quality, longest-lasting card product. Not all lamination is equal, however; roll lamination of PVC or other plastics most often produces a card with a less than perfect finish, while platen or hydraulic lamination produces a very smooth mirror or matte finish. Platen lamination is the method used for virtually all VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and other bank credit cards.

Loyalty: A loyalty card is meant to give customers incentive to come back to you time after time. They’ll earn something by scanning or using this card. Royalty: A royalty card is basically another term for loyalty card, and is used in a similar manner. Gift: A gift card is used just like currency at your establishment. You can give them to customers, or customers can purchase them for themselves or others. When they are used it's like using money. However, gift cards are not typically redeemable for cash.

That is your choice depending on what kind of program you want it to support. Does your business need business cards? We have a very impactful plastic business card solution. Do you want to start offering gift cards? We can help. Do you want to offer membership cards or a reward card to encourage customer loyalty? There are solutions we can offer. Maybe you have an event that you need passes to wear for entrance. That can be done too. If you have questions we are happy to help walk you through the process.

Absolutely! We can take your images and create an impressive, effective as well as unique design for you.
 Click here to view our art work and print specifications, or here to contact one of our design team.

Colourfast will provide a proof of your job, for your approval. This will show you the exact layout of the images, personalization (barcodes, magnetic strip or serial numbers), and true colours so that you can be confident in the impact of your final product. Once the proof is approved and signed, we will proceed to the next step and print your cards.