What Is Cardstock Paper?

When it comes to packaging, cardstock is a top material. This material is commonly used in packaging and several industries due to its low cost and premium quality. One of the best features that cardstock has is its sustainable nature. You can use this material to manufacture boxes without harming the environment. In addition to this, cardstock is an excellent food-grade material that is used for food box manufacturing.

From retail markets to logistic brands, the use of cardboard is ubiquitous. Most brands look for a material that can not only protect the product but also provide a sustainable and economical alternative for custom packaging. In this case, cardboard comes as a top choice. This material is available in multiple GSMs and with surface coatings that impart unique properties. Let’s read the blog and get a thorough understanding of cardboard.

What Is Cardstock?

Cardstock is a thick and durable paper designed to offer superior cut-and-read quality packaging. It’s made of dense and compressed paper fibers, which give it a refined look. It holds up well against tears and wrinkles, even while it’s bendable. You can select Cardstock when you need materials that are less expensive and highly durable.

What Are the Types of Cardstock Paper?

Cardboard is available in different types of finishes and thicknesses. This is generally measured in GSM, available from around 18 to 350 GSM. Lower GSM cardstock is easier to bend and lighter, whereas higher GSM ones are denser and more resistant. There are various grades of base stock that customers can select, depending on the types of paper machines they run. The different types of cardboard have different strengths and surface properties, such as:

What Is Cardstock Paper Used For?

It is not only found where traditional papers are counterindicated due to a lack of strength or a rough surface, but also where aesthetically powerful materials are needed. It is particularly useful for jobs that require a rigid form but are still flexible to printing and cutting. Some of the common applications cardboard materials have are as follows:

Is Cardstock Different from Cardboard?

While cardstock and cardboard are both derived from paper, they are vastly different in structure and intended use. Cardstock is lighter in weight and appears thinner, but it is still as strong as chipboard. These have smooth and excellent printability. Cardboard is thicker and sometimes made up of more than one layer, which allows it to be used for custom packaging. Some of the major differences these two materials have are as follows:

Cardboard

• Thicker Board
• Higher Strength
• Shipping Suitable
• Cost Effective
• Durable Structure

Cardstock

• Thinner Paper
• Lower Strength
• Print Friendly
• Premium Finish
• Light Packaging

Is Cardstock Just Thick Paper?

Cardstock is sometimes called “cover stock” and refers to paper with a weight higher than that of other types. It is thicker than regular paper, but the thickness depends on how brands manufacture it. It has a higher bulk and a more compact fiber structure, so it is stiffer and has some resistance to physical impact.

Cardstock is thicker than regular paper and measures between 180 and 350 micrometers. It can be categorized by its weight or caliper. This construction allows the cardstock to retain its shape while being curved or cut.

Is Cardstock Waterproof or Water-Resistant?

Most cardstock isn’t really waterproof or water-resistant. With natural moisture absorption, paper can often warp and stain; it also weakens if it becomes damp. A few types of cardstock are coated or laminated to some degree, and those with a slightly shiny surface can resist moisture well.

While these treatments help seal the surface, they don’t make the material suitable for wet areas. Specialty stock with plastic coatings can be more water-resistant, but it’s still not a friend of long-term exposure. For applications that require moisture tolerance, additional protective coatings or different materials become necessary.

Is Cardstock Matte or Glossy?

Cardstock also comes in different finishes, each chosen according to its end use. The back cover is matte cardstock, enabling writing on the back of the blank pages. It is a popular choice for designs with text or logos, as well as projects that demand a professional look. Shiny cardstock has a coated surface that gives it a bright appearance to reflect light and enhance color vibrancy. This is a finish we often use  in images meant to have a visual “pop”. Both finishes also influence how ink is presented on and attaches to a surface, and thus how printed material will look.

How Can I Tell if My Paper Is Cardstock?

Cardstock can be identified by observing several physical features. Cardstock also has a weight and rigidity that you can feel when using it. It holds its shape when you try to lift it out and won’t bend or flop over. This is one of the safest ways to check, as paper over 180 GSM is usually considered cardstock. Cardstock also produces a denser “thud” when shaken or bounced against a surface. Terms like “cardstock” or “cover stock” are also part of packaging labels and add to the evidence you can use to verify the type of paper.

What Does Cardstock Look Like?

Cardstock has a clean and smooth look that ensures you have a quality enough autograph. The edges of cardstock are thicker and crisper than on regular paper, and the surface is generally smooth and even. Cardstock can have a soft and muted look in some finishes or an intense sheen in others. Some versions are also subtly textured, adding visual and tactile interest. When cut, cardstock has sharp edges and neat cuts. These edges create a clean look and reduce the chance of dust collecting on its surface.

What Is Another Name For Cardstock?

Cardstock has since been used in various industries (for example, publishing). Other industry- and application-specific terms exist. Cover stock is a term used by printers who also use the word “point” to describe paper thickness. It is also called an art card in some local markets. The names may change, but the type of heavyweight paper used for high-end cardboard packaging is almost constant. Knowing these synonyms can be useful when sourcing materials from multiple vendors or when dealing with printing guides.

Conclusion

It is ideal for making with cardstock, because this type of paper combines strength and quality. Based on the specific requirement of your brand, you can select multiple styles and thicknesses of cardboard. If you are looking for premium quality cardboard boxes, then Bexo Packaging is the top choice in the USA. We have all the options that a customer needs, with multiple add-ons and unlimited customization options.