Cardstock is a type of thick paper that is sturdier and more durable than regular paper but thinner and more flexible than paperboard or cardboard. It is commonly used for crafting, card making, invitations, scrapbooking, and packaging.

Card Stock vs. Cover Stock

Cardstock and cover stock are similar; the only difference is that when cardstock is coated, it becomes cover stock.

Types of Card Stock

Before diving into the different types of card stock, it’s essential to understand the key variations in weight, finish, and coating that determine its suitability for various projects.

Thickness of Cardstock

The weight of cardstock is typically measured in pounds (lb), points (pt), or grams per square meter (gsm), with higher numbers indicating thicker and heavier paper.

lb	pt	gsm
100 lb	12pt	approx. 271-298 gsm
110 lb	14pt	approx. 298-325 gsm
120 lb	16pt	approx. 325-350 gsm
130 lb	18pt	approx. 350-400 gsm
160 lb	24pt	approx. 450-500 gsm

• 12pt: Ideal for business cards, postcards, and lightweight brochure covers.
• 14pt: Commonly used for premium business cards, invitations, and sturdy brochure covers.
• 16pt: Suited for high-end business cards, luxury packaging, and durable book covers.
• 18pt: Best for heavy-duty business cards, high-quality packaging, and premium covers.
• 24pt: Perfect for ultra-thick business cards, specialty packaging, and extremely durable covers.

Finishes and Textures

• Glossy vs. Matte Finishes: Glossy finishes provide a shiny, reflective surface that enhances the vibrancy of printed colors, making them ideal for photographs and marketing materials. Matte finishes, on the other hand, offer a smooth, non-reflective surface that gives a more elegant, understated look, suitable for formal invitations and business cards.
• Textured Card Stock Options: Textured card stock adds a tactile dimension to printed materials. Options like linen, with its fabric-like texture, or felt, with a soft, velvety feel, are perfect for luxury invitations, special event programs, and creative packaging. These textures add depth and character to designs.

Coated vs. Uncoated Cardstock

• Differences: Coated card stock has a smooth finish achieved through the application of a glossy or matte coating. It is available in options like C1S (coated one side) or C2S (coated two sides). This coating enhances the visual appeal of printed images and prevents ink from soaking into the paper. Uncoated card stock, without any coating, has a natural, porous surface that is ideal for writing or printing with a more organic feel.

• Uses for Each Type: Coated card stock is commonly used for professional materials like brochures, high-end business cards, and product packaging where image quality and durability are paramount. Uncoated card stock is preferred for letterpress, crafting, and projects where a more natural, writable surface is needed, such as stationery or greeting cards.

Use of Cardstock in Paper Crafting and Packaging

Cardstock is a versatile material used in a wide range of applications due to its sturdiness and flexibility. Here are some common uses of cardstock:

• Greeting Cards: Cardstock is frequently used to create greeting cards, including birthday cards, holiday cards, and thank-you cards. Its thickness makes it ideal for holding up under embellishments like stamps, stickers, and handwritten messages.
• Business Cards: Due to its durability and professional appearance, cardstock is the material of choice for business cards. It provides a substantial feel, making a lasting impression when networking.
• Postcards: Cardstock is an ideal material for postcards because it can withstand the wear and tear of being mailed while maintaining a professional and attractive appearance.
• Invitations: Whether for weddings, parties, or other special events, cardstock is commonly used to create invitations. Its sturdiness allows for intricate designs, embossing, and foil stamping.
• Packaging: Cardstock is often used in the creation of product packaging, including custom boxes for cosmetics, electronics, and small gifts. It’s strong enough to protect the contents while being lightweight and easy to print on.
• Scrapbooking: In scrapbooking, cardstock is used as a base or background for layouts. It’s thick enough to support layers of photos, embellishments, and other decorative elements without warping.

Manufacturing and Structure of Cardstock

Before the industrialization of paper production, recycled fibers from used textiles, also referred to as rags, were the most common fiber sources. These rags were typically made from hemp, linen, and cotton.

With the introduction of wood pulp in 1843, paper manufacturing became independent of ragpickers and other recycled materials. Over the years, the papermaking process has evolved.

Wood pulp is produced either through chemical pulping or mechanical pulping. In contrast, recycled paper is created by blending chemically or mechanically produced pulp with water and using mechanical processes.