What Is Cardstock

Once you finally gather up the courage and buy a printing machine for your crafts, you think you’re ready to start designing. Then when you get into it, new terms such as cardstock start bombarding you like a storm. If you’re into DIY and printing projects, you know we have great insights and tips to take you through your design journey, and we want you to create the perfect cardstock prints. So, let me explain everything there is to know about cardstocks.

Cardstock is a basic paper craft under the umbrella term “special paper”. It is a long-lasting, thick and heavy sheet compared to a “normal” paper sheet. Because of its thick and sturdy nature, cardstock is harder to bend, making it a good substrate for printing a variety of cards. They also look professional and are visually appealing.

Cardstock was first manufactured recycling fibres from used textiles and wood pulp and was originally called sugar paper.

They are now used in printing different types of cards, scrapbooks, postcards, and other promotional cards depending on how far your imagination stretches. According to CreditDonkey , 27 million business cards are printed daily, and out of every 2,000 cards handed out, a company's sales increase by 2.5%. The high statistics make cardstock a preferred substrate for anyone hoping to leave an unforgettable impression.

Now that we know what cardstocks are, let's see the different ways they are manufactured and their characteristics.

Cardstock is an all-round paper and is manufactured in a variety of types and finishes to be used for different applications.

People also refer to it as sack paper and kraft board. Kraft card is manufactured using unbleached wood pulp, giving it an earthly, and natural look, and contributes to its longevity. They are a good choice if you’re aiming for a vintage theme with your printing projects. Since the material is sturdy and elastic compared to other cardstocks, it is good for packaging such as with gift boxes.

They have a level, shiny and ruminative surface that makes colors pop. It's mostly used to print projects that need sharp detail such as photo albums, brochures, and other promotional products.

Watercolor cardstocks were designed with painters in mind. Unlike with regular cardstock, they are meant to withstand and absorb water molecules without warping or breaking down. They’re mostly manufactured in white or neutral colors to provide a good background for paint color visibility. The main jackpot when using watercolor cardstock is its waterproof ability and longevity.

The skin is uniformly smooth and untextured and is either coated with finishes such as gloss to make it shiny, or uncoated retaining its natural smoothness with no shine. Smooth cardstocks are mostly ideal for printing professional cards, photos and other crafts needing smooth surfaces.

The surface is satin-looking, levelled, luxurious and non-reflective. If you get an ick whenever you see fingerprints or glare on crafts, matte cardstock is your best pick. It's mostly used to print professional presentations, cards or menus, although the uses are endless.

Bleachcard is normal cardstock that is bleached to remove the natural pulp color to create a white or near-white surface. Businesses use bleach cards to print text-heavy documents and designs with images. Since it can withstand hard processes like the cutting machine and embroidery, many people use it to print formal stationery.

Glitter cardstocks are a favourite for crafters who like their prints sparkly and visually interesting. Although the skin is glittered, the base surface is level and sturdy. It is non-porous making it less absorbent compared to other cardstocks. When using adhesives and ink, look out for those that are specifically used on non-porous surfaces.

Mirri cardstock exudes luxury and elegance because of its reflective-like finish that creates a shiny metallic gleam to prints. It's manufactured in a variety of colors including gold, silver, and bronze to insist on its luxurious look. To create a strong first impression, use it to print your promotional products, packaging, and cards.

Do not limit your creative juices because there is more variety of types of cardstock such as metallic, linen, cotton, woodgrain, vellum, felt, and parchment cardstock.

There is more to the measurements of cardstocks than just large and small. Most manufacturers show the weight of cardstocks in pounds (lb) per ream, and points (pt).

The weight of cardstock is important when choosing which type to use for your projects. The weightier it is, the better the quality and longevity. Meaning its less likely to warp during printing, tear when cutting, or crack when folding.

The standard sizes inclued:

The specialty sizes are:

• 12 x 12 Inches

• 12 x 18 Inches

When a project requires different sizes than the ones listed, you can order custom-made cardstocks to fit specific requirements.

Cardstocks have endless uses thanks to their sturdiness and flexibility. They can be tuned to fit a variety of projects to create great prints. Different thicknesses are best used for specific projects as shown below.

Lightweight cardstock is great for making stationery and designing notebooks, and envelopes. These crafts need a certain level of malleability and minimal solidity. You’ve also come across lightweight cardstocks in theatres as movie posters and product posters.

Standard-weight cardstocks are used to print homemade cards, covers, packaging dividers or inserts. The thickness is meant to withstand handling and folding and still retain a professional look.

Heavyweight cardstocks are suited for hardcovers, 3D DIYs, hard cards and strong packing boxes because they are thick enough to withstand constant pressure.

Extra heavyweight cardstocks are good for designing luxurious cards and packaging, durable covers, and professional art.

I hope I’ve given you good insights on what cardstock you should use for your upcoming printing project. However, do not go for cheap ones that are not meant for your type of project while trying to be economical and save money. You will end up will a good-looking craft that tears and warps easily. Now that you know what to make, it is time to get creative and artsy.