Choosing the Right Paper Card Stock for Your Printing Project
Choosing the Right Paper Card Stock for Your Printing Project
Choosing the right paper stock for your printing project can make all the difference. It can impact everything from final presentation to cost.
Cardstock is thicker and more durable than normal printing paper. It’s also available in a variety of textures and finishes.
Material
Paper / Card material is a versatile product that can be used for a wide range of projects. Its strength, flexibility and thickness vary depending on the type of fibre and additives that are mixed with it. It is often measured by its gsm value, which relates to its thickness and weight.
The higher the gsm number, the thicker and more heavy the paper is. The gsm value is determined by the size of the fibres and the amount of additives that are mixed with them. The material can be made from a variety of sources, including recycled waste paper and wood pulp. The paper / card is then formed and mixed with other chemicals until the correct texture, thickness and structure is achieved.
Cardstock is paper that has a much thicker and more sturdy structure than standard printer paper. It is usually a mixture of hardwood and softwood fibres as well as fillers. The hardwood helps with proper paper formation while the softwood provides strength and the fillers add opacity, brightness and overall appearance.
Cardstock is a staple in the card-making world, and Paper Card comes in a variety of textures, colours, finishes and sizes. It has become a popular choice for many craftspeople because it is durable and has a high-quality print. In addition, it is easy to find paper that is sourced from environmentally conscious mills.
Thickness
When choosing the type of card stock you need for a specific project, you have to consider the thickness. Thickness is important because it can affect the strength of a card and how it folds. The thickness of paper is measured in a different way than the thickness of cardboard, and it is often described using the GSM (grams per square meter) measurement. This is a more precise way to measure the thickness of paper.
Generally, the higher the GSM number, the thicker the paper. The GSM measurement is used in most parts of the world where the metric system is in use. It’s also the standard way to measure paper weight in the United States. The thickness of a paper is usually expressed in points or inches, which can be confusing when comparing different types of paper.
For example, a 32 pt business card is much thicker than the 14 or 16 point paper that most printing companies will print on. But the difference in thickness is due to how the paper is manufactured. For example, the thinner 16 pt paper is made from recycled materials while the 32 pt paper is made from virgin fibers.
Cardstock comes in many thicknesses, from vellum to 300gsm and up. The thicker the cardstock, the more rigid it will be. It is often used in cards and scrapbooks, and can be a great option for 3D projects.
Colors
Color can be an obvious way to distinguish a business card from the competition. While a strict professional may stick to whites and grays, an adventurous professional might experiment with eye-catching colors that stand out in a crowd.
Keep in mind that color and paper type can impact how the design appears on a printed piece, so it is important to test your printouts before ordering large batches. Even white paper can vary in color between brands due to additives, textures, and finishes that react differently with inks and toners on digital and conventional presses.
Dark colors can make text difficult to read, so consider using lighter colors and a darker background if your business card needs to be readable for long periods of time. Neon bright colors also contribute to eye fatigue, so it is best to use them sparingly.
If you want your cards to have a luxurious feel, try out Colors Metallics. These cards have a unique texture that gives off a sheen in certain lighting conditions. They also come with free aqueous or optional UV coating that protects the cards from scratches and scuffs, while making the colors pop dramatically. These cards are perfect for postcards, mifare desfire ev3 wedding invitations and craft projects. They also work well as greeting cards for birthdays and other holidays.
Design
A card’s color, design or texture can add to its impact. For example, a colorful business card for a floral company is a great way to grab attention and convey the brand’s vibrant personality. Alternatively, a simple business card that balances white space with clean lines and soothing color schemes communicates professionalism and a sense of peace.
A variety of techniques can be used to create unique cards, such as embossing or foiling. These types of designs can make a card feel more luxurious and expensive, as well as stand out from other cards. They also work well with other materials, such as rickrack or ribbon. Other common cardmaking materials include brads, eyelets and tea bag medallions.
Minimal business cards are also popular, as they can make a company look stylish and professional. This simple and effective business card for a web developer features interesting icons and colors that complement each other. The result is a creative and appealing business card that captures the viewer’s interest.
Another trend that’s gaining popularity is the use of transparent business cards. These cards are made from a special polymer that diffuses light as it passes through it. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, from semi-transparent to frosted, so there’s sure to be a card that’s perfect for your business.
