What is cardstock paper? Uses, types, and more

Ever wonder what makes a business or greeting card stand out? The secret lies in cardstock paper. Renowned for its sturdiness and pleasant texture, cardstock has diverse applications — from crafting personalized greeting cards to preparing stunning art prints or DIY decor.

You may be wondering, “What is cardstock paper?” and you’re in the right place! In this blog, we'll examine the various types of cardstock paper and their distinct characteristics, helping you choose the right one for any project. 

We'll explore common uses, from stylish greeting cards to eye-catching flyers, and discuss the differences between standard paper and more robust cardstock. We'll also highlight the benefits of using cardstock for professional projects or eco-friendly endeavors.

• Cardstock paper is thicker and more durable than regular paper, ideal for high-quality creative projects like greeting cards and art prints.

• Different types of cardstock, such as glossy, matte, and textured, offer various finishes suited for specific needs.

• Cardstock enhances printed materials' visual and tactile experience, making designs more professional and impactful.

• Gelato provides a range of cardstock options through its print on demand services, perfect for customizing your projects.

• Choosing the right cardstock involves considering factors like different weights, durability, and whether eco-friendly materials like recycled cardstock are preferred.

Cardstock is a versatile, durable type of paper thicker than regular printer paper, often used for DIY crafts and professional projects. Its sturdiness and quality make it suitable for printing tasks such as greeting cards and invitations. Available in various textures and finishes, cardstock provides a polished look for brilliant creative expression and impactful designs.

Cardstock paper is incredibly versatile and is used in various creative projects. Let's take a closer look at the common uses of this paper type. 

Greeting cards and invitations

Cardstock paper is ideal for occasions where durability and a professional look are key. Cardstock also handles ink and embellishments well, making it perfect for handwritten notes, printed designs, or decorative elements like embossing and foil stamping. 

It offers versatility in size and color, allowing for a personalized, elegant appearance. When using cardstock, cards and invitations remain pristine, giving recipients a tangible, memorable piece. Gelato's custom products offer a range of cardstock options to bring your unique designs to life. 

Art prints and photos

Cardstock is a go-to option for displaying art prints and photos. It offers a durable, high-quality backdrop that enhances color vibrancy and detail. Several artists and photographers often choose cardstock for its ability to hold ink without bleeding, ensuring crisp, clear images. 

The material's smooth or textured finishes add depth to prints, making it an excellent medium for showcasing artwork, photography, and illustrations. Gelato's custom art prints are perfect for transforming your artwork and photos into beautiful displays. 

Business cards

Not all paper can be strong; thus, the sturdiness of this paper type ensures that cards won't bend easily, helping to maintain a professional appearance when exchanged or stored. Cardstock's smooth finish allows for high-quality printing of logos, contact information, and branding elements, presenting a polished, credible look. 

Various cardstock weights and finishes, like matte or gloss, allow customization to reflect brand personality and cardstock makes business cards feel substantial and conveys professionalism.

Craft projects and DIY decor

Cardstock is a versatile material for craft projects and DIY decor, perfect for everything from scrapbooking to paper flowers and seasonal decorations. Its durability allows it to hold various folds, cuts, and adhesive applications without tearing, making it ideal for intricate designs and 3D creations. 

Whether used in handmade cards, gift tags, or wall decor, cardstock adds a quality feel and structure to projects, making it a staple material for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Flyers and posters

This paper is frequently used for flyers and posters, providing a more substantial, durable option than standard paper. This extra cardstock weight gives promotional materials a professional touch and helps them stand out. Its sturdiness ensures that flyers and posters remain intact and presentable, even in high-traffic areas or outdoor settings. 

Cardstock's smooth surface is perfect for high-quality graphics and bold text, enhancing visibility and readability. It is ideal for small business promotions, events, or community announcements; consider Gelato's print on demand services to ensure your promotional materials attract the attention they deserve.

Though these two paper types are often used interchangeably, they hold subtle nuances that can help you pick the right material. Here's a look at their differences to help you make the right choice: 

• Thickness variation: Cover stock usually refers to a type of slightly heavier cardstock, where weight is measured from a sample sheet cut to one square meter. It is equivalent to the covers of softcover books.

• Surface texture: Cardstock is commonly available in various textures, from smooth to textured, while cover stock is primarily smooth and intended for printing purposes.

• Intended use: Cardstock is versatile for various projects, such as greeting cards and scrapbooking, while cover stock is often preferred for projects requiring sturdy construction, like book covers.

• Industry preferences: The term "cover stock" is typically used in the print industry, whereas "cardstock" is a more common term in crafts and hobby contexts.

With the uses and differences noted, let's explore the various types of cardstock paper available and discover the best use for each.

Glossy cardstock

Glossy cardstock has a shiny, reflective finish that enhances color vibrancy, making it ideal for projects where visual impact is essential. Its smooth, polished surface is perfect for printing detailed images and vivid colors, and it is often used in photo prints, flyers, greeting cards, and professional presentations. Labeled cover stock is card stock that has been coated with a glossy finish on one or both sides. 

Matte cardstock

This offers a non-reflective, smooth finish that's easy to write on, making it suitable for items that may require personalization, such as business cards, invitations, and greeting cards. This finish allows for a more subdued and professional look, emphasizing legibility and quality rather than shine. Its ink-friendly surface is excellent for text-heavy materials, as colors and designs appear crisp without glare. 

Textured cardstock

Textured cardstock adds depth and tactile interest to projects, with finishes like linen, canvas, or woven effects. This type of cardstock is ideal for invitations, scrapbooking, and art prints where a unique, high-quality feel is desired. The texture elevates the look and feel of the paper, making it perfect for special occasions or premium branding. Textured cardstock is also a good choice for handmade cards. 

Recycled cardstock

Recycled cardstock offers eco-friendly options made from post-consumer materials, appealing to those prioritizing sustainability. This type of cardstock is often slightly textured and may have natural flecks, giving it a rustic, earthy look. It's ideal for businesses or individuals who want to convey an eco-conscious message in their marketing materials, such as menus, business cards, or invitations. 

Colored and patterned paper

This type of cardstock is perfect for crafts, DIY decorations, greeting cards, and children's projects where creativity and color are key. Patterns can range from simple polka dots to elaborate floral designs, offering endless creative possibilities. Colored cardstock is great for layering and contrasting, helping elements stand out in scrapbooking or card making.

Let's look at the benefits of using this paper below; from its robustness to its aesthetic charm, cardstock offers a range of benefits that enhance any creative endeavor.

Enhanced durability

Cardstock's thicker and sturdier nature than regular paper makes it highly durable, allowing it to withstand more handling and hold its shape over time. This durability makes it ideal for long-lasting projects like invitations, greeting cards, and keepsake crafts. 

Cardstock is less likely to tear, bend, or curl, giving each project a quality feel that endures. Its resilience also supports various embellishments, like layered elements and 3D designs, making it essential for durable, standout creations.

Premium appearance

The thicker weight and smooth or textured finishes of cardstock give projects a polished, high-quality appearance that stands out. Cardstock's premium look is perfect for professional or special occasion items like wedding invitations, business cards, and art prints, where a refined aesthetic is desired. 

Its ability to hold vibrant colors and clean lines enhances the overall presentation, creating an impression of quality and care. 

Versatile design possibilities

Softwood fibers provide strength, sturdiness, and compatibility with various cutting, folding, and shaping techniques, allowing for versatile designs and personalized creations. Cardstock is suitable for scrapbooking, 3D paper crafts, handmade cards, and more. 

It can be embossed, die-cut, or scored without losing its structure, enabling endless design possibilities. From simple, elegant designs to complex, multi-layered works, cardstock adapts to suit creative visions. 

Paper weight ranges to suit different projects

This range enables crafters to choose the perfect weight for specific projects, whether creating delicate paper flowers or professional business cards. Lightweight cardstock is great for layering, intricate folds, and decorations, while thicker options provide stability for items that need to last. 

This adaptability in paper weight allows for tailored results, ensuring that each project achieves the right balance of flexibility and durability to suit its purpose and design needs.

Colored cardstock for creative expression

It's available in various colors, from soft pastels to bold, vivid shades, allowing crafters to experiment with contrasts, layers, and color combinations. Colored cardstock is perfect for creating striking invitations, playful DIY decor, or memorable scrapbook pages. 

It adds personality and impact without additional embellishments, helping crafters communicate mood and style through color alone. From elegant monochrome themes to colorful, lively projects, colored cardstock helps in artistic expression.

Better color and ink absorption

This paper's thicker texture prevents ink from bleeding or smudging, ensuring clear images, crisp text, and vivid colors that pop. This superior absorption is especially beneficial for printed art, detailed illustrations, and calligraphy, where precision and color accuracy matter. 

Cardstock's resistance to warping under ink application maintains the integrity of each piece. From professional-grade prints to DIY designs, cardstock's excellent ink absorption contributes to the creative work's aesthetic appeal and durability.

Ideal for embossing and special printing techniques

These techniques require a material that can hold intricate textures and impressions without tearing, and cardstock's thickness provides the ideal surface. Embossing on cardstock adds depth and dimension, enhancing the tactile appeal of invitations, business cards, and art projects. 

It also withstands heat and pressure from specialty printers, making it suitable for unique finishes like metallic foil or letterpress. 

Professional-grade thickness for impactful designs

The thickness provides a solid base that holds its shape and weight, creating an impactful presence for business materials or decorative pieces. Cardstock's heft makes it ideal for projects that need to convey importance, such as marketing collateral, presentation folders, and upscale invitations. 

Its professional-grade thickness also ensures that designs won't easily bend or warp, maintaining a sharp, well-defined appearance.

Eco-friendly options with recycled cardstock

Made from post-consumer materials, recycled cardstock minimizes waste and reduces the demand for virgin paper production, lowering the environmental impact. It often has a natural, earthy look, making it ideal for rustic-themed designs, eco-friendly brand materials, and handmade projects. 

Despite being recycled, it still offers the durability and quality needed for professional-grade projects. Choosing recycled cardstock supports sustainable ecommerce practices around the world.

After exploring the world of cardstock and its impressive uses, it's clear that choosing the right type can elevate the quality of your projects. From crafting elegant invitations to designing eye-catching flyers, the right cardstock can make all the difference. So, how do you get started?

Enter Gelato, your go-to provider for premium print solutions. 

With Gelato's print on demand service, you can access a diverse range of cardstock options tailored to your needs, ensuring exceptional quality for each project. Through Gelato's platform, you can create custom products such as cards, photo books, calendars, and stunning art prints that stand out. 

Gelato streamlines the process with its user-friendly interface. It allows you to easily choose from various designs and paper types, print exactly what you need, and enjoy hassle-free global shipping. With over 140 production partners across 32 countries, you can trust Gelato to bring your visions to life efficiently. 

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

What is the difference between paper and cardstock?

Paper is thinner and more flexible, and it is commonly used for everyday tasks like printing and writing. Cardstock is thicker and sturdier, making it more durable and suitable for projects requiring a solid base, such as greeting cards, invitations, and crafts that benefit from a professional, quality feel.

What is cardstock paper used for?

Cardstock is used for various creative and professional projects, including greeting cards, invitations, art prints, business cards, and crafts. Its thickness and durability make it ideal for high-quality designs, adding a premium touch to each project while ensuring long-lasting results.