Soft Touch vs Classic vs Mohawk Superfine Postcards. Which Stock Is Right for You?

Soft Touch and Classic postcards follow two different approaches to postcard printing. Soft Touch postcards are coated on both sides with a soft\u2011touch laminate that creates a velvety, suede\u2011like surface. The coating deepens color, softens the feel of the paper, and gives the postcard a noticeably premium tactile finish that stands out the moment someone picks it up.

Classic postcards follow the traditional postcard format used in direct mail. The front side is coated so images and colors print bright and sharp, and you can choose either Soft Touch or Super Gloss on that printed side. The back stays natural and uncoated so it is easy to write on and can be processed by postal equipment for addressing, barcodes, and mailing marks. Because of this balance, Classic postcards are widely used for promotions, direct mail campaigns, and everyday postcard messaging.

Classic postcards follow the traditional postcard format used for direct mail. The front is coated so images and colors print clean and vibrant, while the back remains natural and uncoated so postal equipment can easily process it. That uncoated surface allows mailing systems to apply inkjet addressing, barcodes, and postal markings directly onto the postcard without smearing. Because of this, Classic postcards are widely used for direct mail campaigns, promotions, and any postcard that needs to move smoothly through mailing and sorting machines.

Mohawk Superfine Ultrawhite is one of the finest uncoated papers produced by Mohawk Fine Papers, a mill known worldwide for premium paper craftsmanship. The Ultrawhite shade is extremely bright and clean, giving designs exceptional contrast and crisp detail. Its smooth refined surface feels closer to premium stationery than typical postcard stock, which is why designers and premium brands often choose Mohawk Superfine postcards for high-end projects. Because there is no coating, the paper itself becomes part of the visual experience, creating postcards that feel natural, elevated, and distinctly premium.

Classic postcards are specifically designed with a writable back, which is why they are widely used for traditional postcard messaging and direct mail. The front side is coated so images and colors print clean and vibrant, while the back remains natural and uncoated. That uncoated surface allows ink from pens, markers, and postal addressing systems to absorb properly without smearing. Because of this design, Classic postcards are the easiest option when you need to write notes, addresses, or short messages directly on the card.

Mohawk Superfine postcards are also very easy to write on because the paper is completely uncoated. The smooth fine-paper surface accepts pen, pencil, and marker well, making it a strong option for handwritten notes or design-forward postcards where a natural paper feel is important.

Soft Touch postcards are fully coated with a soft-touch laminate on both sides, so they are slightly less ideal for writing. However, they can still be written on using a ballpoint pen or permanent marker if needed. Soft Touch is typically chosen when the tactile feel and premium presentation of the postcard are more important than handwritten messaging.

Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Our sample pack includes postcard samples so you can compare feel, finish, and thickness in person.