What Is the Weight of Cardstock
What Is the Weight of Cardstock
If you’re into scrapbooking, printing cards, or similar paper crafting projects, it’s crucial for you to choose the right cardstock paper. But let’s face it – there’s an abundance of cardstock papers out there, all with different shapes and sizes. So, it’s never easy to tell what is the weight of cardstock that best fits your creative project.
In this blog, we’ll clear up the confusion and explore exactly what cardstock weight means and why it matters for your DIY work. Let’s begin.
What is Cardstock?
Cardstock is a thicker, stronger type of paper that is thinner than cardboard yet way sturdier than regular paper. Although it’s firm enough to hold its shape, you can still easily cut and fold it to fulfill your DIY project demands. This makes it a great choice for greeting cards, invites, business cards, or other paper projects that require a stronger base.
Cardstock paper is super versatile, as it can be found in smooth, textured, and even metallic finishes. It’s hardly surprising that it is widely used in multiple crafts and projects. However, since they come in multiple weights, it’s worth exploring what is the weight of cardstock before choosing one for your craftwork.
What is the Weight of Cardstock?
Cardstocks come in multiple weights and sizes, including 65 lb, 80 lb, 100 lb, and 110 lb or higher. This makes them perfect for a wide variety of applications, fulfilling all sorts of crafting needs for you.
In 2023, the global paper consumption hit nearly 400 million metric tons. This means that crafting projects are here to stay, with cardstock set to gain more popularity due to its sturdiness. If you’re wondering how to pick the right weight of paper, we’ve broken down popular cardstock weights to make it simpler for you:
65 lb Cardstock (Super Lightweight)
As the lightest of the cardstock series, this is the thinnest of the lot with super light feel, ideal for kids’ projects, everyday printing, and even scrapbooking. While this paper is flexible and easy to fold, it might not be ideal for crafts that require durability.
80 lb Cardstock (Lightweight)
Although still light in weight and feel, the 80 lb cardstock feels more solid and has some substance to it. Due to its composition, it’s best used for flyers, brochures, and even artwork that requires many foldings. Plus, it can pass through most home printers easily.
100 lb Cardstock (Medium Weight)
The 100 lb cardstock is the most popular weight and has the perfect thickness to suit most projects. The ideal thickness and weight make it great for professional use. For instance, it can be used for wedding invites, premium business cards, and even luxury packaging purposes.
110 lb+ Cardstock (Heavy Weight)
Finally, the 110 lb or heavier cardstocks are genuinely thick and sturdy. Better yet, they have more texture than thinner cardstocks, which makes them fantastic for postcards and presentation covers. Yet, it’s worth noting that these heavy-weight cardstocks don’t feed through regular printers. So, you must buy a specialty printer or get them done professionally.
Tips to Choose the Right Weight Cardstock
Once you know what is the weight of cardstock, it’s natural to wonder how to pick the perfect one for the best project outcomes. While it sounds tough, you’re definitely not alone. Here are some tips to help pick the right weight of cardstock:
- For regular printing tasks at home, stick to 65 or 80 lbs cardstocks. If it requires multiple foldings, the latter might be a better option.
- If you’re into scrapbooking, lighter cardstock is better, so your work doesn’t feel too bulky.
- When printing greeting cards or invites, choosing 110+ or higher cardstock gives a premium finish.
Conclusion
Although what is the weight of cardstock looks like a small detail, it matters much more to your crafting projects. Ideally, when browsing your cardstock, let your needs guide you in making the best decisions. The tips we’ve given will surely help you do just that. For the best quality cardstock, don’t hesitate to get in touch with PaperPapers today!
