How to Measure the Thickness of a Paper Card
Many people use cardstock paper to create personalized cards and invitations. They also use it for business purposes. However, all cardstock papers are not created equal.
Choose a dull/matte or uncoated stock for writing on, to avoid finger prints and smudges. Or, go for a glossy finish to make your colors pop.
Size
The size of a paper card is usually measured in gsm or lb. In Paper Card the US, the paper weight is specified in pounds (lb) and refers to the basis paper weight of a 500-sheet ream of standard sheet sizes (20 x 26 inches). Paper or card stock with a higher gsm or lb is thicker and sturdier than thinner copier or printer paper.
The best business cards are made from recycled or tree-free paper, and these are a good choice for eco-friendly businesses. They are also durable, which makes them suitable for a wide range of printing techniques. For example, they can be printed with a special coating that provides increased resistance to damage from contact.
When printing on a custom size paper, be sure to check your printer’s settings and adjust them if necessary. This is especially important when using heavier or textured paper, as it can be easy to run into scaling issues with more substantial media. For instance, a missed check mark in your printer’s settings can result in text being stretched and misaligned even if everything else is correct. This can be a real frustration, and it’s a good idea to test your print before you start producing your cards.
Thickness
There are two ways to gauge the thickness of a sheet of paper: weight or points. Some people use the term weight to describe a sheet of paper (which includes both its density and thickness). Others use the term points, which measures the thickness in 1/1000ths of an inch. The higher the point number, the thicker the paper.
The point number is a good way to tell if a piece of paper will hold liquid adhesive or embellishments without warping or tearing. It also makes it easier to compare different types of paper and cardstock.
While most cardstock is around 14 or 16 pt, you can find thinner and thicker options as well. The thinner varieties are great for creating card layers and backgrounds, while the thicker ones can be used to create sturdy layout bases.
Many cardmakers also like to use vellum in their mifare desfire ev3 crafts, which can range from semi-translucent to opaque. This type of paper is typically made from calf skin and is ideal for die cutting, layering, and various wet techniques.
Other types of thick cardstock include kraft, sturdier construction, and watercolor paper. You can even find special paper that has been coated to make it resistant to water or other liquids. These types of papers are best for business cards or other projects that require a high level of durability.