When your first start out in the world of craft and are looking to buy some cardstock for your next project it can be very intimidating, cardstock listings are full of words like gsm and textured but what does that mean? In this article, we will answer some common questions about cardstock and provide a beginner’s guide to using this versatile crafting material!
The first and arguably the most important question is:
What Is Cardstock?
Cardstock in its most basic form is a type of paper that is thicker and more durable than standard printer paper. It is often used for making cards, invitations, and other paper crafts. Cardstock can be purchased in different weights and colours, making it a versatile crafting material.
What Is Cardstock Weight?
The weight of cardstock is usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the gsm number, the thicker and more durable the cardstock. Cardstock with a lower gsm rating is thinner and less durable, making it better suited for projects like scrapbooking or origami. Sometimes cardstock thickness can be measured in LBS or pounds per ream. This measurement is not as common, but if you come across it, here is a quick guide to converting between the two.
What Weight Cardstock Should I Use For My Project?
The weight of cardstock refers to the thickness of the paper. Cardstock is available in a wide range of weights, from very thin tissue paper to thick chipboard. Here are some common weights and which project they would work for:
Lightweight 60-70lbs (90-105gsm):
This type of cardstock is often used for making cards, as it is easy to cut and fold.
Medium Weight 80-100lbs (120-150gsm):
This type of cardstock is perfect for scrapbooking layouts and other projects where you need a little more stability.
Heavy Weight 110lbs+ (175gsm+):
This type of cardstock is perfect for things like tags, bookmarks, and name badges as it is very sturdy.
Cardstock comes in a wide range of weights which can make it difficult to know which one to use for your project. A good rule of thumb is to use heavier-weight cardstock for projects that will be handled a lot, such as scrapbooking layouts, and lighter-weight cardstock for projects that will be displayed, such as cards and invitations.
What Are The Different Types Of Cardstock?
There are many different types of cardstock available on the market, from plain white cardstock to shimmery metallic paper. Here are some of the most common types of cardstock and their uses:
Plain Cardstock:
This is the most basic type of cardstock and can be used for a variety of projects. Plain cardstock is available in different weights and colours. This cardstock is what you will normally use for the base of your project for example making card blanks or die-cutting shapes.
Textured Cardstock:
This type of cardstock has a textured surface, which can add interest to your project. Much like plain cardstock textured cardstock is available in different weights, colours and textures. Some common textures include linen, laid, and vellum. This cardstock is great for making cards, invitations, and scrapbooking layouts.
Patterned Cardstock:
As the name suggests, this type of cardstock has patterns printed on one or both sides. It is often used for scrapbooking, as it can add an extra element of interest to your pages. There is a huge number of different patterns and designs to choose from and the different brands make different sizes and weights.
Metallic Cardstock:
This type of cardstock has a shiny, metallic finish that can add a touch of luxury to any project. Metallic paper is often used for wedding invitations and other formal occasions, but it’s also perfect for die-cutting and use on things like greeting cards! Metallic cardstock tends to be a lighter gsm as it is normally used for embellishments rather than the base of a project.
Glitter Cardstock:
Glitter cardstock is perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your projects. It is often used for making cards, and scrapbooking its also perfect for using punches to make cute decorations for your creations! Glitter cardstock is rarely a very high weight simply because of its intended uses.
Foiled Cardstock:
Foiled cardstock has a metallic or holographic design printed on one side. It is commonly found in card making and other paper crafts and is primarily used as a backing for photos or embellishments.
What Are The Different Cardstock Finishes?
Cardstock can also be purchased in different finishes, from glossy to matte. Here are some of the most common types of cardstock finishes and their uses:
Glossy Finish:
A glossy finish will make your colours appear brighter and more vibrant. Glossy cardstock is often used for photo prints and other projects where you want the colours to stand out.
Matte Finish:
A matte finish doesn’t reflect light in the same way as glossy cardstock, which can make your colours appear softer. Matte cardstock is often used for cards and scrapbooking layouts as it doesn’t distract from your photos or embellishments.
Linen Finish:
A linen finish has a slightly textured surface that resembles fabric. This type of finish is often used for wedding invitations and luxury card making, using this finish is an easy way to add a luxury feel to any project!
Laid Finish:
A laid finish has a very textured surface that resembles fine paper. This type of cardstock is often used for making cards, as the texture can add an extra element of interest to your project. This type of cardstock is usually a little more expensive so that’s something to be aware of.
Vellum Finish:
Vellum is a semi-transparent paper that is often used for making cards and invitations. It can also be used for scrapbooking, as it allows you to layer different elements on your page.
As you can see cardstock comes in a wide range of colours, weights, finishes, and textures, which means there is a perfect type of cardstock for every project!
Can You Print On Cardstock?
Yes, you can print on cardstock! Cardstock is one of the most common papers used for printing. It is thick enough to be used in most printers and has a smooth surface that is perfect for printing text and images.
One thing to keep in mind when printing on cardstock is the weight of the paper. Cardstock that is too heavy can jam some printers, so it’s always a good idea to check the weight of the paper before printing. If you are unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use lighter-weight cardstock.
Another thing to keep in mind when printing on cardstock is the finish and colour of the paper. Cardstock with a glossy or metallic finish can be difficult to print on, so it’s best to use cardstock with a matte or linen finish.
What Are The Different Cardstock Sizes?
Cardstock is available in a wide range of sizes, from A0 to A8. The most common size for card making is A4, which is the equivalent of 8.27″ x 11.69″. Cardstock is also available in half-sheet and quarter-sheet sizes, which are perfect for card making and scrapbooking.
Here are some of the most common cardstock sizes put into handy tables by CraftsUPrint:
| Size | mm | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| A7 | 74 x 105 mm | 2.9″ x 4.1″ |
| DL | 99 x 210 mm | 3.7″ x 8.3″ |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | 4.1″ x 5.8″ |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | 5.8″ x 8.3″ |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | 8.27″ x 11.69″ |
| A3 | 297 x 420 mm | 11.7″ x 16.5″ |
| A2 | 420 x 594 mm | 16.5″ x 23.4″ |
| Large DL | 105 x 297 mm | 5.8″ x 11.7″ |
A0: The largest size of cardstock, A0 is typically used for posters and large-scale projects.
A4: The most common size of cardstock, A4 is perfect for card making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts.
Conclusion
Cardstock is a versatile paper that can be used for a wide range of projects. It is available in a variety of colours, weights, finishes, and sizes, which means there is a perfect type of cardstock for every crafter and every project! Here’s where we get our cardstock.
Cardstock is also very easy to print on, which makes it even more multifunctional. We hope this article cleared up some of the confusion you may have had around cardstock!
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it helpful, check out our Card and Paper craft section for tons more useful articles!
