A Comprehensive Guide on What is Cardstock!

Cardstock is one of the most popular manufacturing papers in the packaging industry, which most retail businesses prefer. The demand for cardstock is rising with each passing day, and its market rate is expanding at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2033. 

Cardstock can be used in various industries and has multiple uses. Due to being sturdy, it serves much better than flimsy paper. This paper has unlimited customization options in terms of types, uses, and printing methods. 

Read this blog to know whats cardstock is and every other detail to make the best use of it for upgrading your business. 

What Is Card Stock Paper?

Firstly, define cardstock. It has a thicker and sturdier nature compared to regular paper. Cardstock is a very flexible material when it comes to printing and coatings, especially for high-end items needing a premium look. 

This paper also serves as a perfect balance of strength, flexibility, and printability, making it ideal for crafting custom boxes for jewelry, cosmetics, and other items. Cardstock is sturdier and thicker than regular paper but thinner than cardboard. 

What Is Cardstock Paper Used For?

Cardstock is used in versatile industries. From art projects to card making, restaurant menus to the packaging industry, cardstock has become an excellent material. Consider its uses with functions in respective industries:

What is a Card Stock Manufacturing Process?

The manufacturing process of cardstock involves various steps from pulping, refining, to sheet formation, finishing, cutting, and packaging. Have a look at the step-by-step manufacturing process

Raw Material Preparation: Wood chips are cooked in a digester by adding chemicals like sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to separate fibers. Then, it is mixed with water and processed to create a fiber suspension.

Pulping and Refining: In the second process, fibers are separated and cleaned either chemically or mechanically to produce pulp. Then, pulp is refined to enhance properties and remove impurities.

Sheet Formation: Use a wire mesh conveyor to spread pulp and remove excess water. Ultimately, fibers bond together to form a sheet.

Finishing and Coating: In the next process, the desired finishing surface and coating are achieved after drying the sheet using heat cylinders to remove excess water.

Cutting and Packaging: Lastly, the paper sheet is cut into required sizes or rolls and packaged for distribution. 

Explore Diverse Types of Cardstocks

Cardstock comes in different types, each serving a unique purpose. Let’s explore each of them to help your business choose the right one:

• Glossy Cardstock: This type of cardstock has a reflective, shiny surface that makes colors appear more vibrant and visually appealing.
   
• Kraft Cardstock: Made from recycled wood pulp, Kraft cardstock exudes a rustic, natural appearance with visible fibers and flecks.
   
• Matte Cardstock: Matte cardstock lacks the shiny, reflective surface of glossy cardstock. It gives a sophisticated and subdued look.
   
• Metallic Cardstock: This type has a shimmering, metallic finish, often resembling a mirror or pearlescent effect.
   
• Mirri Cardstock: It is a premium quality mirror paper with a brilliantly clear and highly reflective, super shiny glass-like surface.
   
• Textured Cardstock: A type of cardstock that has a raised, uneven surface, unlike smooth or glossy finishes.
   
• Smooth Cardstock: A type of paper that has a flat, polished surface, free of irregularities or texture, unlike textured cardstock.
   
• Watercolor Cardstock: This type of cardstock is ideal for various artistic purposes, especially for handling the wetness and pigmentation of the water colors without losing quality. 

Weight of Cardstock Paper

The weight of cardstock matters because it impacts the thickness and quality of the paper directly. For example, lighter cardstock is easily bendable while heavier cardstock is non-bendable and tear-resistant. Hence, it becomes better to choose the weight of the right paper depending on your product. 

“lb” represents paper thickness, while “Pt” is the point of paper thickness, and “gsm” is grams per square meter of the paper. Consider these thickness ranges to find the paperweight: 

Standard Size Options for Cardstock Paper

Cardstock has different size ranges depending on different purposes. Some standard sizes with various applications are: 

Printing Process on Cardstock Paper

While printing your cardstock, you need to consider the following things, and you are all good to go. Have a look at the considerable factors:

• Thickness of Cardstock: Pay attention to the thickness of cardstock because with high thickness, it becomes difficult to print at home. To get quality printing results, go to a professional printer.
   
• Coatings on Cardstock: Coatings become an obstacle in printing and result in smudged prints that can spoil the overall appearance of your materials. Hence, opt for uncoated cardstock. 

Set Up Your Printer

After adopting cardstock, following the above recommendations, set your printer and send the cardstock file to your printer for high-quality outputs. 

Finishing Options for Cardstock

Different techniques of finishes are used on cardstock to add an alluring touch. These finishes not only enhance visual appeal but also protect the material against scratches or external damaging factors. Leverage these finishes to stand out in the competitive market:

• Matte Finish
• Gloss Finish
• Pearlescent Finish
• Frosted
• Vellum
• Satin
• Metallic
• Lettre
• Linen
• Embossed
• Silk
• Wove

Color Options for Cardstock

Bring life to the plain or mundane cardstock packaging by choosing different colors. Utilize these colors based on your preferences and brand theme:

• White: Exude a clean and pure look.
   
• Black: Reflects a sophisticated and powerful appearance.
   
• Yellow: Provide a stimulating and friendly tone.
   
• Green: Showcase an environmental or green look.
   
• Orange: Add fun and enthusiasm.
   
• Red: Reflects passion, love, and anger tone.
   
• Blue: Exhibit a trustworthy and secure look.

• Purple: Add royalty and a luxurious touch.
   
• Pink: Exude a romantic and nurturing appearance.
   
• Grey: Give a neutral or conservative touch.
   
• Brown: Offers a rugged or stable look.

Where to Find Perfect Cardstock Paper?

Cardstock is a popular material used for various purposes. From craft projects and arts to custom box packaging, cardstock paper stands out. Your business can choose any type or size of cardstock depending on your use discussed in this blog. However, to get premium quality packaging boxes made from cardstock materials, contact Custom Boxes Lane as a reliable packaging partner based in the US.