What Is a Paper Card?
The cards we send convey our message and our connection to those we love. While the cards industry as a whole has seen a decline, many smaller craft companies are seeing a new generation embrace a slower, more personal way of communicating.
Card stock is thicker than standard paper, and can be purchased in a variety of colors, designs and textures. You can also find it coated for added protection, or even a plantable seed-based option.
Size
A paper card is a greeting card that comes with an envelope. Greeting cards are typically 3.75″ x 5.5″ (with colored envelope). They may feature a message or a unique design. One type of card is a seed paper card, which contains seeds that can be planted to grow flowers like snapdragon and alyssum. Another card is made from recycled paper and is planted to grow wildflowers. Other cards are made with handmade paper from artisan groups around the world.
Weight
When choosing paper for your cards, the weight of the stock can make a big difference in how the card feels. You want a paper that is thick enough to feel sturdy in your hands and to convey that you put effort into your handmade cards. The thickness of the paper also affects its opacity and how it holds up to embellishments and liquid adhesive.
While pound measurements are common in the paper industry, some people prefer the metric system measurement of GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper.
Pound measurements usually refer to how much 500 sheets of the basic, uncut Paper Card size of a given type of paper weighs in a given ream. This is why a 60-pound cover might weigh more than an 80-pound text paper, even though the actual number of sheets in a ream is the same.
In addition to the opacity of the paper, its thickness can impact other features of your cards, such as how they print and fold. Generally speaking, thicker papers are better for printing and folding and thinner papers tend to be more flexible. When you start experimenting with different types of lightweight paper and cardstock, you will quickly learn your preferences. For example, you may find that a thin patterned paper is more suitable for certain projects than a solid kraft or white cardstock.
Thickness
The thickness of a paper card is an important factor to consider, especially when printing on it. It can impact the overall look and feel of the paper, as well as its functionality. Thicker cards are sturdier and more durable, and they don’t fold or tear as easily. They also tend to have a more elegant appearance. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including invitations and business cards.
The most common types of cardstock vary in both thickness and weight. They are usually made from a combination of groundwood pulp and chemical wood pulp. They are often sized to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface of the paper, and they may be coated with a plastic to give it a smooth finish.
When choosing a paper card, the thickness you choose should depend on several factors, including your budget. For example, if you are handing out hundreds of business cards each month, it may not be worth investing in a heavy paper stock. This is because thicker papers can’t fit in many business card holders and wallets.
The thickness of a paper card is measured in points (pt.) and mils, which are equivalent to 1/1000th of an inch. These measurements are not to be confused with GSM, which is based on density rather than weight.
Coating
The coating of a paper card determines its feel and how well it performs. Coated papers have a smoother printing surface and less ink absorption, which gives them sharper details and brighter colors. Uncoated papers have a natural, warm texture that evokes feelings of authenticity and trust. They are good choices for projects that need to convey a sense of community and responsibility, such as identity systems, catalogs and direct mail.
The thickness of the paper card also affects its performance. Heavier paper is stronger and more rigid, which means it will stand up better to bending and folding. It’s important to consider the environment in which the paper will be used, as certain kinds of papers can be damaged by moisture and dirt.
A common coating for paper cards is UV coating, which adds a high-gloss finish that enhances colors and protects the printed piece from water damage. Another popular option is aqueous coating, which is free and improves ink holdout during the printing process. Other finishes include Soft Touch, which makes your business card feel like velvet and Raised Spot Gloss, which raises the highlights of an image.
Other finishing options for paper cards include embossing and foil stamping, which create premium holographic effects. Foiling is a 5th ink added to the standard CYMK printing process, and can add a look of luxury to any business card. A magnetic stock is a mifare desfire ev3 great way to keep your business card handy, as it can be stuck on most metal surfaces.