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Handwritten Notes for Business: Your Writing Utensil Guide for Stocks & Finishes

In an ever-digital world, a personal touch can make all the difference. And nothing says personal like a handwritten message. Whether you want to add handwritten notes for business or personal notes on announcements, thank you cards or inserts, we’ve got your guide for which writing utensils work best on which paper stocks and finishes. Find out how a blue ballpoint pen, black permanent marker and regular ol’ pencil performed (and which one you should use).

Hands writing on product inserts with a marker.

Writing on Paper Stocks

As a premium commercial printer, we pride ourselves on offering the best of the best when it comes to paper stocks. From coated to uncoated, recycled and textured, we’ve got the stocks that make your print marketing effective and memorable. And as for handwritten notes for business or personal messaging, it’s crucial to know which writing utensils get the job done. Will a pencil be enough? What about pens for writing on black paper? Find your stock and your answers below.

Hint: Want to see all of these specs in a quick snapshot? We’re the online print shop that’s got it for you: Writing Utensil Guide for Handwritten Notes for Business

(Hover over each image to view paper stock name)

Coated Gloss

Stock Specs: Coated stock with a coated surface and shiny appearance.
Utensil Performance: The pen, marker and pencil all have a smooth writing feel, with the ink/lead sitting on top of the stock.
PRINT TIP: Send a branded card to potential partners or clients after meeting with them. Write a quick note about how you enjoyed your time together and how you’re looking forward to next steps.

Coated Matte

Stock Specs: Coated stock with a coated surface and soft matte appearance.
Utensil Performance: The pen, marker and pencil all have a smooth writing feel, with the ink/lead sitting on top of the stock.

Coated Semigloss (C1S)

Stock Specs: Cardstock with one uncoated side and one exceptionally smooth side with a semigloss finish.
Utensil Performance:
- Coated Side: The pen, marker and pencil all have a smooth writing feel, with the ink/lead that sits on top of the stock.
- Uncoated Side: The pen and pencil both have a smooth writing feel, with ink/lead that sits on top of the stock. The marker ink has a slightly grainy appearance and slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
PRINT TIP: Design a holiday greeting card for your employees or top customers. Write a personalized note that suits the spirit of the season.

Felt Weave

Stock Specs: Uncoated paper stock with a raised bump texture and made from 30% post-consumer fiber.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a slightly grainy appearance on the stock.
- Marker: Ink has a slightly grainy appearance and slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
- Pencil: Lead has a slightly grainy appearance and gets between the stock fibers.

Linen

Stock Specs: Uncoated paper stock with a linen color, raised grid texture and made from 30% post-consumer fiber.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a slightly grainy appearance on the stock.
- Marker: Ink has a slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
- Pencil: Lead has a grainy appearance and gets between the stock fibers.
PRINT TIP: Create a custom invite for nonprofit galas or corporate events. Write a note letting attendees know you can’t wait to see them there.

Kraft

Stock Specs: Uncoated stock with visible flecks and made from 100% recycled content with 30% from post-consumer waste.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel.
- Marker: Ink has a slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
- Pencil: Lead has a slightly grainy appearance.

Synthetic (Waterproof)

Stock Specs: Synthetic stock that’s strong, durable and has excellent printed ink adhesion.
Utensil Performance: The pen, marker and pencil all have a smooth writing feel, with the ink/lead sitting on top of the stock. The pen requires you to press hard when writing.

Uncoated 100% Recycled

Stock Specs: White paper stock with a few flecks and fibers and made from 100% post-consumer-waste recycled fiber.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel.
- Marker: Ink has a slightly grainy appearance and slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
- Pencil: Lead has a smooth writing feel.
PRINT TIP: Design a marketing postcard as a package insert. Write a simple thank you note and include your name to add a personal touch to customer orders.

Uncoated Black

Stock Specs: Uncoated stock with a dark, rich black color that’s ideal for white ink printing and made from 30% recycled post-consumer fiber.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel but is difficult to see.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock. (Note: We tested this stock with a silver marker.)
- Pencil: Lead has a smooth writing feel and appears slightly shimmery.

Uncoated Smooth

Stock Specs: Uncoated stock with a smooth, uniform surface.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock.
- Marker: Ink has a slightly grainy appearance and slight bleed that gets between the stock fibers.
- Pencil: Lead has a slightly grainy appearance and gets between the stock fibers.

Writing on Coatings

When you’re strategizing about handwritten notes for business partners, customers or clients, it’s important to consider the finish on your postcards, brochures and invites. One of those finishes is a UV coating. Ideal for guarding against scratches, moisture and general wear and tear, these coatings protect your marketing while adding a seriously professional look. Before you do your custom printing, see how the writing utensils performed on our UV options:

Paper stock with flat matte UV coating and pen, pencil and marker written on it. — Flat Matte UV Coating

Ultra Gloss UV Coating

Coating Specs: Adds exceptional depth and high sheen to stock and makes designs pop so your artwork and color looks stunningly vibrant.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink doesn’t show up well and requires you to go over your writing multiple times. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock with a shiny appearance.
- Pencil: Lead doesn’t show up well and requires you to press hard when writing. We do not recommend.
PRINT TIP: Send a brochure to targeted customers. Write a note about how specific products or services would be great for their needs and then circle them.

Flat Matte UV Coating

Coating Specs: Lends a rich, finished appearance to stock without adding shine.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink doesn’t show up well and requires you to go over your writing multiple times. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and a slight bleed that gets between the stock fiber.
- Pencil: Lead has a smooth writing feel that sits on top of the stock.

Writing on Laminates

If you’re looking for even stronger protection on your announcements, cards and package inserts, lamination is the way to go. Compared to a UV coating that’s applied in liquid form, lamination entails a film covering your entire print piece, creating a barrier against moisture and water, in particular. Check out our laminate options and how the pen, marker and pencil did on each one:

(Hover over each image to view paper stock name)

3 Mil Gloss

Laminate Specs: Provides exceptional depth with a high sheen and allows for maximum color saturation for photographic images.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink doesn’t show up well and requires you to go over your writing multiple times. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock with a shiny appearance.
- Pencil: Lead doesn’t show up well and requires you to press hard when writing. We do not recommend.

3 Mil Matte

Laminate Specs: Creates a rich, subtle matte finished appearance.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink doesn’t show up well and requires you to go over your writing multiple times. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock with a shiny appearance.
- Pencil: Lead doesn’t show up well and requires you to press hard when writing. We do not recommend.

Soft Touch Laminate

Laminate Specs: Matte appearance with a soft, suede-like feel to the touch.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock with a shiny appearance.
- Pencil: Lead barely shows up and requires you to press hard when writing. We do not recommend.
PRINT TIP: Send a custom announcement and jot down event or parking details. If it’s a product announcement to clients, write a note about why they’ll love it.
Hint: Want to dive deeper into Soft Touch Laminate? Our print shop includes a library of blog articles that explore our products and specialty features, including this one: Soft Touch Laminate: A Premium Finish with a Velvet Feel.

Writing on Foil

While your words stand out on handwritten notes for business clients and customers, your print design should, too. Smartpress’ online printing services include a specialty feature that literally shines: foil printing. With four colors and clear spot gloss, our Sleeking™ process creates a superior shimmer with foil that adheres to the ink and not the paper. See how the utensils fared below:

Paper stock printed with clear spot gloss and pen, pencil and marker written on it. — CLEAR SPOT GLOSS

Foil

Foil Colors: Gold (warm, golden glint), rose gold (soft pink-copper), silver (clean, modern shine) and holographic (iridescent with soft, watercolor shades of rainbow).
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock but doesn’t show up well. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock.
- Pencil: Lead doesn’t show up well and requires you to press hard with writing. We do not recommend.
PRINT TIP: Design a foil card with your contact information for client meetings. Write a message about how you’re looking forward to seeing them on the meeting date.

Clear Spot Gloss

Gloss Specs: Clear material that shows the color that’s printed underneath it, adding an undeniable sheen.
Utensil Performance:
- Pen: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock but doesn’t show up well. We do not recommend.
- Marker: Ink has a smooth writing feel and sits on top of the stock.
- Pencil: Lead doesn’t show up well and requires you to press hard with writing. We do not recommend.
Hint: Didn’t know our custom printing services included clear spot gloss? Learn more about it: Introducing Spot Gloss: A Radiant, Reflective Finish.

A hand holding four fanned-out product inserts printed with Thanks for your order and a handwritten name.

The Write Stuff

To connect with clients, customers and potential partners, your print marketing has to send a strong message. And handwritten notes for business send the right one. Now that you know exactly which writing utensil to use, you’re ready to start building the relationships and clinching the sales.