Question 1

What weight of card stock is best for greeting cards?

Accepted Answer

For greeting card bases, choose 80-110 lb cover stock (roughly 216-300 gsm) so the folded card stands upright and feels substantial. Use lighter 65 lb stock for layered panels, sentiment strips, and die-cut accents you adhere on top. If a listing only gives gsm, 250 gsm and up is reliable for a sturdy A2 card base.

Question 2

What's the difference between text weight and cover weight card stock?

Accepted Answer

Cover weight is the thicker, rigid card stock used for card bases, tags, and packaging; text weight is closer to heavy printer paper. Cover (80-110 lb) holds embellishments and stands when folded. Text weight (around 60-80 lb text) scores and folds without cracking, so makers use it for invitation inserts, liners, and booklet pages rather than the structural base.

Question 3

Which card stock works in a home printer?

Accepted Answer

Smooth-finish card stock up to about 80 lb cover feeds reliably through most inkjet and laser printers; check your printer's max paper thickness first. For heavier 100-110 lb sheets, use the rear manual feed or single-sheet tray. Avoid textured, metallic, or coated stock in laser printers unless the listing says it's laser-rated, since coatings can flake under the fuser.

Question 4

How much does craft card stock cost?

Accepted Answer

Expect about $8-$30 for a pack of 25-100 sheets from independent makers, depending on size and finish. Plain smooth 8.5x11 in 80-100 lb sits at the low end; 12x12 scrapbook packs, cotton stock, deckle-edge, and metallic or pearlescent sheets run higher. Curated color assortments and specialty textured packs typically land in the $15-$25 range.

Question 5

What finishes of card stock should I look for?

Accepted Answer

Smooth (or vellum-finish) card stock gives the crispest results for stamping, embossing, and printing. Linen and felt finishes add subtle texture that suits letterpress looks and watercolor. Metallic, pearlescent, and shimmer stock read formal for wedding invitations and place cards. Kraft and cotton stock give a natural, matte feel popular for rustic and handmade-style projects.

Question 6

Is card stock acid-free and safe for scrapbooking?

Accepted Answer

Look for listings labeled acid-free and lignin-free if the project is meant to last, such as scrapbook pages, photo mats, or keepsake albums. Acid-free stock resists yellowing and won't degrade adjacent photos over time. Cotton and archival-grade card stock are the safest bets; many decorative or budget assortments are not archival, so confirm before using them with photographs.

Card Stock: Weights, Finishes & Sizes

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