Cardstock weight guide for perfect printing

The difference between something that looks like it was printed at home or a professional print shop lies in the details—including the weight of the cardstock used. Cardstock weight can drastically affect the look and feel of your printed materials, transforming simple prints into standout creations. 

This blog explores the various cardstock weights available and explains how to choose the best one for your projects. We'll discuss the classifications of cardstock, from lightweight to extra heavy, and delve into specific projects like greeting cards, menus, and even scrapbooking. 

For those seeking top-notch quality, Gelato's abundance of print on demand options ensures you'll find the perfect fit for any project.

• Cardstock paper has various weights, so choosing the right thickness for different projects is essential.

• Lightweight paper is ideal for flyers, while heavyweight paper options are suitable for invitations and greeting cards.

• Gelato provides a wide range of cardstock paper weights and print on demand services tailored for professional-quality results.

• Common cardstock uses include business cards, menus, photo prints, and DIY crafts, highlighting its versatility.

• Key considerations when selecting cardstock include project purpose, cost, ink absorption, and testing samples.

There's a lot to understand about the cardstock paperweight, also known as cover weight. Let's start by breaking down how cardstock weight is measured. 

The weight of this paper is measured in pounds (lbs) and refers to the weight of 500 sheets of cardstock in its uncut form, grams per square meter. This weight directly influences the thickness and sturdiness of the paper. For instance, 65 lb cardstock is considered lightweight paper and more flexible, often used for projects where ease of handling is important. 

On the other hand, a 130-lb cardstock is thicker, more rigid, and provides a luxurious feel, making it ideal for high-impact print jobs like business cards and wedding invitations. A thick card stock heavyweight paper can withstand wear and tear better, making it perfect for items like menus or certificates that need durability. 

A thinner cardstock is tailored for items where folding is required or when you are handling bulk printing to save on costs. 

Note: Keep in mind that copy paper, printer paper, and bond paper all differ from cardstock paper and are not to be confused with one another.

Let's discuss the standard cardstock paper weights below as no two types of paper can be the same weight. Understanding these weight distinctions is the first step in selecting the perfect paper.

Lightweight cardstock

The lightweight cardstock paper type, which weighs 65 or 80 lb, is perfect for projects that balance durability and flexibility, like flyers and brochures. Its thinness allows for easy folding and manipulation without compromising the quality feel. At Gelato, you'll find various lightweight cardstock options that ensure your print creations have just the right touch of professionalism. 

Medium weight cardstock

Typically weighing between 90 and 110 lb square meters, medium-weight cardstock offers an ideal middle ground for many print projects, such as greeting cards, menu covers, and sophisticated event programs. This weight is versatile enough to be sturdy while still maintaining the ability to be easily handled. Gelato provides an exceptional selection of medium-weight cardstock, ensuring high-quality prints that impress. 

Heavyweight cardstock

Heavyweight cardstock cover paper, such as 130 lb, is the go-to for projects requiring robust support, like business cards and premium invitations. This weight exudes quality and substance, ensuring your printed pieces make a lasting impression. Gelato provides a remarkable selection of heavyweight cardstock, offering unparalleled print clarity and tactile satisfaction. 

Extra heavy cardstock

For those projects that demand the utmost strength and presence, extra heavy cardstock, potentially reaching up to 300 lb, is your best choice. Ideal for items such as high-end presentation folders or exclusive product tags, this weight conveys elegance and durability. Gelato's extra heavy cardstock options guarantee impeccable quality, turning your vision into reality with a remarkable thickness.

Let's explore the perfect cardstock weight for every occasion so you find the best option for your needs.

Greeting cards and invitations

Cardstock paper must be sturdy enough to stand up independently for greeting cards yet flexible enough to fold without cracking the design. Invitations, particularly for events like weddings, benefit from a thicker, more luxurious feel that speaks to the importance of the occasion. 

With Gelato's card printing features, you can bring your vision to life with ease. Our extensive range of cardstock weights ensures that every card or invitation is crafted appropriately. Gelato also offers customizable options, such as foil embellishments and rounded corners, to enhance your design. 

Postcards

The right cardstock weight is crucial for creating postcards that make a memorable impression. Generally, postcards are printed on heavier cardstock to endure postal handling while maintaining their pristine appearance. Gelato offers a variety of cardstock weights, allowing you to choose the ideal thickness for durability and design impact. 

With Gelato's on-demand printing services, crafting custom postcards is effortless and efficient. You can upload your design or select from various templates to suit your needs, ensuring your postcards reflect your unique style. Gelato's state-of-the-art printing technology guarantees vibrant colors and sharp images that stand out. 

Photo prints and art prints

When it comes to capturing life's most cherished moments or showcasing your artistic creations, the weight of the cardstock you choose can make a big impact. For photo and art prints, selecting the appropriate cardstock ensures your images look vibrant and professional.

With Gelato's print on demand services, you can access various cardstock weights that are perfect for producing stunning, high-quality prints. Gelato provides options like lightweight cardstock for casual prints or heavier stock for gallery-worthy creations. 

Business cards

The choice of cardstock plays a crucial role in how your business card is perceived. Heavier cardstock offers durability and a premium feel to your card, which is ideal for creating a lasting impact. Gelato offers a variety of business card options to suit different styles and needs. 

Our print on demand service ensures high-quality cardstock printing that reflects your business's essence. With Gelato, you can choose from an array of thickness levels and finishes to find the perfect match for your business card needs. 

Flyers and brochures

Businesses can use cardstock to design high-quality marketing materials that stand out in crowded spaces. The thickness of cardstock allows for vibrant color printing, ensuring that images and text are sharp and clear. Cardstock can be easily folded or cut into various shapes, offering flexibility in design layouts.

Its versatility also extends to different printing techniques, such as letterpress or embossing, which can add a tactile dimension to the materials. Cardstock is available in various colors and finishes, allowing businesses to align their promotional materials with their brand identity.

Menus

The substantial feel of cardstock ensures that menus can withstand frequent handling without showing signs of wear and tear. Designers can use the variety of colors and finishes available in cardstock to match the establishment's theme and ambiance. 

For example, a fine-dining restaurant might choose textured or glossy cardstock to convey sophistication. At the same time, a casual café could choose a more vibrant or recycled option for a relaxed vibe. Cardstock also allows for creative layouts, including foldable designs or custom shapes.

Certificates and diplomas

The thickness of the cardstock lends a sense of importance and prestige, making recipients feel valued and recognized. When designing certificates, cardstock provides a sturdy base that supports intricate designs, embossing, and metallic accents, enhancing the overall aesthetic. This material also resists bending and creasing, ensuring the certificates maintain quality over time. 

The ease of printing on cardstock allows for high-quality text and graphics, ensuring that all information is clear and legible. By using cardstock for certificates and diplomas, you can achieve a lasting and impressive presentation that effectively honors achievements and milestones.

Event programs

The thickness of cardstock ensures that programs can withstand handling without tearing or becoming damaged, which is essential for multi-day events or those with extensive schedules. Designers can utilize cardstock to incorporate detailed layouts, vibrant colors, and high-quality images that reflect the event's theme and branding. 

Cardstock allows for creative elements such as fold-outs, pockets, or ribbon bookmarks, enhancing the functionality and appeal of the program. The material also supports various printing techniques, including foil stamping and embossing, which can add a touch of elegance and sophistication.

Product tags and labels

Its sturdy nature ensures that tags and labels remain intact during shipping, handling, and display, protecting the information and design. Businesses can customize cardstock tags with their branding elements, such as company logos, colors, and fonts, to reinforce brand identity and make products easily recognizable. 

For handmade or boutique items, cardstock tags add a personalized and professional touch, enhancing the overall presentation. Adhesive-backed cardstock labels can also be used for packaging, providing a secure and attractive way to display essential information like ingredients, instructions, or pricing.

Scrapbooking and DIY crafts

The sturdy yet flexible nature makes it perfect for creating durable pages and embellishments that stand the test of time. Crafters use cardstock to create backgrounds, frames, and decorative elements such as paper flowers, tags, and stickers, adding depth and dimension to their projects. 

In scrapbooking, cardstock provides a reliable foundation for preserving memories through photos, journaling, and decorative accents. For DIY enthusiasts, cardstock is a go-to material for making greeting cards, invitations, paper crafts, and custom decorations.

Here's what you should consider to ensure your cardstock creation meets your expectations.

The purpose of the project

When selecting cardstock weight, first define the project's purpose. For example, invitations or greeting cards typically require a sturdier cardstock to convey quality and ensure longevity. Flyers or promotional materials might benefit from a lighter weight to reduce mailing costs and ease distribution. Understanding whether your project is for personal use, business, or an event can guide you in choosing the appropriate weight. 

Balance cost with quality needs

Heavier cardstock generally offers a more luxurious feel and greater durability but can be more expensive. Assess your budget constraints against the desired quality level of your project. Even a slight increase in cardstock cost can impact your overall budget for large print runs. Investing in higher-weight cardstock may be justified for smaller, high-impact projects. Bulk purchasing or seeking discounts from suppliers should be considered when managing costs. 

Think about ink absorption

Heavier cardstock has a smoother surface that allows for better ink absorption, resulting in sharper and more vibrant prints. However, some heavier papers may require specific ink or printing techniques to prevent smudging or bleeding. Lighter cardstock might absorb ink too quickly, leading to blurred images or text. Testing how different weights handle your chosen ink and printing method ensures that your designs appear crisp and professional. 

Experiment with samples

Ordering a variety of cardstock samples allows you to assess their texture, thickness, and how they handle printing and handling. Testing different weights also helps identify potential issues, such as ink absorption problems or difficulties in folding and cutting. Samples also allow you to compare colors and finishes, ensuring consistency with your project's aesthetic goals. Taking the time to experiment minimizes surprises and ensures a well-informed decision.

Consider paper thickness

The thicker paper provides sturdiness and a premium feel, making it ideal for items that need to stand up to handling, like business cards or packaging. Excessively thick cardstock might be challenging to print, fold, or mail, potentially increasing costs and complicating production. Balancing thickness with practicality ensures your project remains manageable without sacrificing quality, so choosing a thickness that accommodates all aspects of your design is important.

You're now equipped with the knowledge of cardstock paper weight to make informed choices for any project, from vibrant flyers to memorable photo prints. It's time to bring those ideas to life with Gelato! 

As a leader in print on demand solutions, Gelato offers a wide range of high-quality cardstock options that cater to every creative need. Imagine the convenience of accessing over 100 production hubs worldwide, ensuring fast delivery and reduced carbon footprint. 

With Gelato, you can customize products such as wall art, cards, photo books, and calendars to match your specifications while benefitting from our state-of-the-art technology and smooth workflow. From unique design templates to eco-friendly practices, Gelato paves the way for professional-grade printing, no matter the scale of your project. 

Ready to transform your ideas into reality? Sign up for Gelato today!

What is the standard cardstock weight?

The standard cardstock weight typically ranges from 80 to 110 lb, or 216 gsm (grams per square meter) to 300 gsm. 100 lb (270 gsm) cardstock is commonly used for invitations, greeting cards, and business cards. It offers a balanced combination of durability and ease of handling and is widely accepted for various professional and personal projects.

How thick is medium-weight paper in cardstock?

Medium-weight cardstock usually has a thickness of about 0.010 to 0.012 inches (10 to 12 mils). This thickness provides a sturdy yet manageable feel, making it ideal for projects like brochures, flyers, and standard greeting cards. It ensures durability without being overly bulky, facilitating easy printing and handling.