Cardstock Paper | Scrapbooking Paper | Crafties Co

What is cardstock paper?

Cardstock paper is a thick, heavy-weight paper that comes in different weights ranging from 120 to 380 GSM (grams per square meter). It is commonly used for scrapbooking, card making and other craft projects. Cardstock paper usually has a much smoother finish than regular copy or printer paper, making it ideal for printing detailed artwork or ink colour blending. Another common type of cardstock is textured cardstock which has a raised surface, giving it a unique look and feel. Cardstock paper is available in varieties of colours, patterns, and finishes.

What is the GSM for cardstock?

Aside from colour and texture, it is also important to consider the weight of cardstock. Weights range from 120 gsm for standard cards to 380 gsm for heavier projects like scrapbooking. Depending on your project, you may need a thicker or lighter weight cardstock paper in order to get the desired result. It is also important to note that different paper types such as glossy or matte may require different weights.

Choosing the right type of cardstock for your project can make all the difference in achieving a professional-looking finish. So take the time to learn about different GSM and weight of cardstock, and then pick one that is best suited for your needs! You’ll have fun creating beautiful paper projects that you can be proud of.

What weight cardstock to use?

Generally the higher the gsm the thicker tha paper. The most popular cardstock weights are between 110 gsm to 378 gsm. Each paper weight is a specific thickness that will affect the versatility of your handmade projects. So what's the difference? Let's break it down: 

• 120-175 gsm cardstock - This cardstock weight are commonly use in home printers and has light feel to it. This paper is perfect for using with a paper punch or die cutting machine, easy to fold but not as there isn't much weight in the stock. Great for layering pieces on your cards or scrapbook page without adding excessive weight to your project.

• 200-250 gsm cardstock - The most popular cardstock weight for cardmaking as it is sturdy enough as a card base. It can be cut through with paper punch and die cutting machines making it ideal for creating embellishments for your project. A scoring tool is required to score the paper for nice and smooth fold.

• 270-300 gsm+ cardstock - Thicker and heavier and some have white core in the center. This is the most sturdy papaer weight and is often use for projects that have extra luxury embellishments. 
   

What kind of paper is used for cards?

When it comes to cards, cardstock weight between 200-300 gsm is the best choice for high-quality handmade cards. It is strong and sturdy allowing you to be creative with layering 3D elements and provides a more substantial feel when touched or held in your hands. Whether you’re making a homemade greeting card or creating an invitation, cardstock can help you create eye-catching projects with a professional look and feel.

Shop our range of card bases here.

What are the different finishes of cardstock?

Plain colour/ Solid Colour cardstock

Plain cardstock is smooth, untextured cardstock that are vailable in variety of colours. White smooth cardstock are the most popular for cardmakers as they are use as cardbases. Smooth cardstock is a popular choice for papercraft and card-making projects. It's known for its ultra-smooth surface and rich colours, making it ideal for ink blending, stamping, colouring, and other creative mediums. Because the surface of the card stock is so smooth, even intricate designs can be easily transferred onto it with precision.

Metallic Finish cardstock

Metallic finish cardstock is the perfect way to make your crafts stand out! Its reflective surface does an excellent job of capturing light, making it ideal for creating eye-catching projects. The beautiful metallic sheen comes in a variety of colours, so you can customize your creations to perfectly match any theme or colour scheme.

Matte Finish cardstock

Matte finish cardstock is perfect for a more subtle and refined look. This type of cardstock has no glossy shine, making it great for creating projects that won't be too flashy. Its muted tones will give your work an elegant feel without being too overwhelming. Matte finish cardstock is the ideal choice if you're looking to create classic and timeless designs! Matt cardstock comes in a wide variety of colours.

Glossy Cardstock

Glossy cardstock is a smooth and shiny paper stock perfect for crafting projects. It can be used to print photos, create cards and invitations, scrapbooking, or even make art prints. This type of cardstock is great because it has a gloss finish that displays vibrant colours and crisp details.

Alcohol inks work best when applied to this type of paper because the reflective surface provides an interesting effect with the bright colours of the ink. Other types of ink that work well on gloss paper are Ranger Archival Ink, Stazon, and any dye based inks.

Glitter Cardstock

For an even more dazzling look, opt for glitter finish cardstock! It's coated on one side with a layer of sparkling glitter, which is available in a variety of amounts and colours. This type of cardstock will make your project shimmer and sparkle like never before!

Is cardstock the same as cardboard?

Cardstock paper should not be confused with cardboard which is much thicker and sturdier than cardstock. Cardboard can range from 200 GSM up to 600 GSM or higher. It is usually used for making boxes, shipping containers, and other heavy-duty products.