When you’re looking to print your next document, presentation, or flyer, it’s important to understand the various weight options that are available. There are so many choices when it comes to printing your documents, and one of the most important is the cardstock weight. If you’ve ever printed something before, you probably know that different weights of paper are available for printing. The thickness of a piece of paper can be measured in terms of its weight. In general, the heavier cardstock weight means a thicker sheet of paper. Some common weights include:
What Is Cardstock?
Cardstock is a paper product that is often used for printing business cards, books, posters, and other printed materials. Cardstock typically has a thicker texture and heavier weight than normal paper. This thicker texture makes it a good choice for printing posters, greeting cards, books, and other printed materials that may require some stiffness. Cardstock is also sometimes referred to as “paperboard”. However, paperboard is typically made of wood pulp and is significantly heavier (and thicker) than standard cardstock paper.
How To Find The Right Cardstock Weight For Your Print Job
There are a few different things to consider when choosing the right cardstock weight for your print job. If you’re printing something on a thicker cardstock, you’ll want to make sure that it’s of a sufficient weight to hold up. For example, greeting cards are often printed on cardstock, so it’s important that the cardstock is thick enough to hold your greeting inside without bending. Similarly, business cards made from thicker cardstock will be more durable and longer-lasting than a lighter paper option. In these cases, you’ll want to choose a heavier paper stock to get the best possible cardstock weight for your print job. The thickness of the paper will determine the cardstock weight.
What Does Heavy Cardstock Weigh?
As mentioned above, thicker cards will have a heavier cardstock weight. On average, cardstock that is used for business cards is around 110-120 grams per square meter. While you can’t measure the cardstock weight exactly in grams, you can use the thickness of the paper to estimate its weight. Heavy cardstock will feel significantly thicker than regular paper, which is often around 50-60 grams per square meter. The additional weight will give your cards a more durable feel and make them more suitable for long-term use. In fact, business cards printed on heavier cardstock will often last upwards of 18 months without noticeably fraying. Lightly used cards from a lighter paper stock might last only a few months before showing significant signs of wear.
Why Is Cardstock Weight Important?
Cardstock weight is important in a few different ways. First and foremost, the weight of the cardstock will determine how long it lasts. As mentioned above, a heavier cardstock will last longer than a lighter paper option. In fact, a heavier cardstock weight will often last over a year before showing any signs of wear. This makes a heavier paper stock ideal for business cards, event cards, or any other printed materials that may get used often. Another important reason to use a heavier cardstock weight is to make your printed materials feel more professional. Using a thick cardstock paper will give your cards a premium feel that is especially important when marketing your business. In many cases, the feel of your printed materials is just as important as the content. A thick cardstock paper will make your cards feel more substantial, professional, and attractive for potential clients.
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Conclusion
Overall, cardstock weight is an important factor to consider when printing. A thicker paper stock will make your printed materials feel more durable, last longer, and look more professional. There are many different paper weights available, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. When you’re choosing a paper weight, you’ll want to consider how long it will last, how durable it is, and how it will affect the overall feel of your printed materials. For example, business cards printed on a heavier cardstock will feel more substantial and last longer than cards printed on a lighter paper stock.
