The Basics of Paper Card Making

The Basics of Paper Card Making

Card making is a popular paper crafting hobby that creates meaningful works to give to loved ones. It can incorporate many of the same techniques that are often used in scrapbooking.

The paper used for cards is created using a blend of hardwood and softwood fibers and fillers. This helps to ensure proper paper formation, while enhancing opacity and brightness.

Size

There are many different sizes of paper card available, Paper Card with each one offering a specific set of applications. For example, 3 x 5 index cards are often used as study notes or for keeping track of projects. They are small enough to easily fit in your pocket, yet large enough to be readable.

Another common application for paper card is making greeting cards, invitations, or flyers. These cards can be printed on either one or both sides, and they can come with a matching envelope. The size of a card is also important, as it will determine how much text or artwork can be printed on it.

The most popular paper card size is A4, which measures 21 cm by 29.7 cm (or 8.27 inches by 11.7 inches). This size is ideal for home printers, as it can be easily cut to make a variety of sizes. For example, folding an A4 sheet into two will create an A5 card, while cutting the long edge of an A4 sheet into three will produce an A6 card.

The A series of paper and card sizes is internationally recognized, except in the US, which uses a different sizing system. These cards can be cut into the next smaller sized paper, known as the B series. The B series is based on a different scale than the A series, but it maintains an aspect ratio of 1:2. The smallest sized paper in the B series is B6, which measures 125 mm by 176 mm.

Thickness

The thickness of a paper card is one of the most important aspects to consider. It can be the difference between a business card that looks cheap and dull, and a premium and sturdy one that leaves an impression on your clients. A thicker card stock also adds a more professional feel to your work. This is especially true if you use it to print invitations, resumes, or other similar documents.

The term “cardstock” is often used interchangeably with cover stock, but it is actually a type of paper that is thicker than regular writing and printing papers. It is also thicker than many types of paperboard. The thickness of a paper card is usually described in terms of grammage, or grams per square meter. The higher the gsm, the thicker the cardstock.

Choosing the correct paper weight is critical for any project, from wedding stationery to business cards. It can be tempting to go for a cheaper option, but the wrong choice could cost you in the long run. There is nothing worse than handing over a flimsy card to a client or presenting a flyer that won’t stand up to the elements.

However, it is important to remember that paper weight and thickness are not the same thing. Even though a paper with a high GSM will be thicker than a lower-rated sheet, the exact thickness will vary depending on the material used to make it.

Coatings

During the paper manufacturing process, some papers may be coated with white clay materials to give it a smooth feel. These coatings also limit ink absorbency, so printed colors look deeper, sharper and glossier. The coatings can be applied to one or both sides of a sheet, or they can be added to certain parts of the piece for special effects.

Coatings are applied during production and differ from paper finishes, which can be added at the bindery after printing and affect texture and durability. They can also influence a printed piece’s opacity, which is how much of the paper shows through to what is on the opposite side.

We use several types of coated and uncoated paper for different applications. For example, 100# uncoated cover is our most popular business card stock because it’s a substantial paper with a natural feel. We recommend it for mifare desfire ev3 businesses that will be writing on their cards, like attorneys or financial companies. It’s also ideal for appointment or reminder cards that can be written on.

If you need a little extra protection for your postcards, we offer free aqueous and optional UV coatings that will deter dirt and fingerprints while making colors really pop. For a unique effect, we can add Soft Touch (request a sample) to the non-address side of your postcards for a velvety feel that makes them stand out and grab attention.

Applications

A paper card is thicker than normal paper and can be used for a variety of crafts. It can be shaped into scrapbook papers, greeting cards, placards, and other papercrafts. It is easy to cut with sharp implements and can be rolled up for storage. It is also compatible with specialized cutting machines that can cut shapes and letters from templates.

In the US, paper stock is described by its basis weight in pounds (lb) while in Europe and Australia it is specified as grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the gsm, the thicker the cardstock. The sturdiness of cardstock makes it suitable for packaging and mounting displays.