Materials and media · 9 folder types
Folder Materials, Finishes and Media Holders
Material is what clients feel first. These pages cover premium stocks, special finishes, and folders built to hold discs and drives.
How material changes the folder
Paper board is light and prints sharp color. Poly bends without cracking and wipes clean. Leather and leatherette feel like a gift and last for years.
Finishes then change how the cover looks and feels. Embossing raises your logo, foil makes it shine, and soft-touch gives a velvet feel. For a full comparison of stocks and coatings, see our guide to paper stocks and finishes.
Media folders hold a CD, DVD or USB drive next to your printed pages, which suits press kits, training and portfolios.
Choose a material in four steps
- Decide how long the folder must last: one event or several years.
- Pick the feel you want in hand: smooth, textured, natural or soft.
- Choose a finish to bring out your logo.
- Add a media slot if you hand over files on a disc or drive.
Material notes
- Foil and embossing need a separate die, quoted once.
- Kraft and dark stocks print best with white ink.
- Soft-touch pairs well with spot UV on the logo.
- Poly folders suit wet or high-wear use.
Materials and media compared
| Folder | What stands out | Also offered |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Leather Portfolio Folders | Genuine leather option | Leatherette option |
| Custom Embossed Folders | Raised or sunken logo | Gold, silver, rose foil |
| Custom Plastic Folders | Polypropylene stock | Water resistant |
| Custom Linen Folders | Woven crosshatch texture | White, natural, or ivory |
| Custom Kraft Folders | Natural brown kraft board | White ink printing |
| Custom Soft Touch Folders | Velvet-feel laminate | Glossy spot UV accents |
| Custom USB Folders | Slot cut to your drive | Drive stays visible |
| Custom DVD Folders | 9 x 12 in folder size | CD/DVD slits or pocket |
| Custom CD Jackets | 4.875 in square jacket | 1 or 2 disc styles |
Materials, Finishes and Media: common questions
Still deciding? Call (503) 461-4788 and we will talk it through.
What is the most durable folder material?
Poly (polypropylene) is the most durable for daily use because it bends and resists water. Leather portfolios last longest as keepsakes.
Can I combine foil and embossing?
Yes. Foil stamping and embossing can be combined on the same logo for a raised, shiny mark.
Is kraft board recyclable?
Kraft board is paper-based, so it can go in paper recycling where local programs accept it. Laminated or foil-heavy covers are harder to recycle.
Can a folder hold a USB drive and papers together?
Yes. A die-cut slot holds the drive on one panel while a pocket on the other panel holds your printed pages.