How Different Types of Paper Card Stock Affect Card Making

How Different Types of Paper Card Stock Affect Card Making

Card making is an activity that merges paper crafting with social interaction. It can incorporate a wide variety of materials and supplies.

Card stock is thicker than regular paper and comes in a variety of thicknesses. It’s also available with a range of finishes. Some examples are linen embossed (woven texture), hammered finish (looks like old hemp or hessian sacks). The thickness and stiffness of the card stock will affect its price.

Size

Whether you’re looking for the perfect cardstock for your own handmade cards or need high-quality paper for your next professional project, the size of the material can make a big difference. In general, thicker materials will be sturdier and have more durability than thinner materials.

Cardstock and paper are typically measured in gsm, which stands for grams per square meter. This measurement is similar to the weight in lbs used for textiles, with Paper Card a higher number meaning thicker and more durable paper.

The smallest standardized paper and card sizes in the UK are A5, which is 105 mm x 148 mm. This is familiar to many people as the standard postcard size and fits perfectly into a C6 envelope. A5 paper is also half of the size of A4, which means that one sheet produces two A6 cards or can be cut to produce a letter-sized card.

A5 is also a popular choice for wedding invitations and order of service booklets. The next size up is A7, which is a similar size to A6 and is often used for letters and postcards. The largest sized cards are A1 and A3, which are usually used for posters and presentations.

Thickness

The thickness of a paper card can affect its durability and how it feels in the hand. Generally speaking, thicker cards are more durable and feel heavier in the hand. They also tend to be more expensive than thinner cardstock. Paper thickness is typically measured in points (also known as mils) or gsm, though it can be expressed in other ways depending on the region and language. The gsm measurement is more common in Europe, while the pt measurement is preferred in the US.

Paper weight is typically measured in pounds per ream of uncut sheets, though it can also be stated as grams per square meter. The higher the gsm number, the thicker the paper. Often, the lb or gsm number is combined with a caliper measurement to give more information about the paper.

Generally, standard copier and printer papers will run between 70-100 gsm. This weight is a great choice for cards, scrapbook layouts, tags, and other paper crafting projects because it can be printed on easily without showing through to the other side.

Anything above 100 gsm moves from being called paper to being considered cardstock. This is the thickness of most watercolor paper and mixed media papers, as it will stand up to heavy inking and liquid mediums without buckling or warping. It is also a good option for die-cutting, layering, and printing.

Texture

The texture of a paper card can have a great impact on how a project looks and feels. This is especially true for art projects. Textured paper influences both presentation and how ink and paint settle into the material. It can also add a sense of history and importance to an artwork. It is a popular choice for hand-made greeting cards and scrapbooking, as well as high-quality art prints.

There are several types of paper texture, such as laid, wove, and antique. Laid papers have a pattern of horizontal and vertical lines that create the look of a traditional hand-made sheet. They are often used for letterheads and presentations, as they have a very distinct and rich feel. Wove papers are smooth and can be used for any type of artwork, including digital printing. They are also a good choice for drawing with chalk, soft pencils, or pastels.

Decorative paper textures are perfect for postcards or any work that requires a sophisticated, elegant style. This pack includes a variety of styles, from mifare desfire ev3 a delicate silk purple net to kraft and tissue paper. Some are even embellished with gold foil details. Others feature a more rustic look, with slight creases and folds that add character to the piece.

Finish

Paper card stock can come in a variety of finishes that can be used for specific purposes. For example, a linen finish adds a classic look to stationery products like letterheads and envelopes while adding a touch of luxury. Another common finish is a gloss, which adds a sheen to the card that can make it stand out visually.

Paper and card can also be coated with a variety of varnishes and laminates to increase its durability. Some of these are aqueous (water-based) and others are cured with UV light. UV finishes are typically stiffer and might be more prone to cracking, but can be very effective in a variety of applications.

Matte – A matte finish is very smooth, both to the eye and to the hand. It can give a premium feel and is commonly used in cards with dark colors or for business collateral. Matte stocks also allow for easy writing on business cards.

Gloss – A gloss finish is shiny and bright, which can stand out on its own or be combined with other textures for an unique look. While high-gloss cards are beautiful, they can be more prone to clumping when being shuffled, so you might want to avoid them for components that will be handled often.