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Printing high-quality business cards requires the right type of paper - that's where card stock printer paper comes in. This specialized paper combines durability with a professional finish, making it perfect for both personal and commercial use. Our roundup compares the most popular card stock options on the market, helping you choose the perfect paper for your printing needs.

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Reviews

My Colors Heavyweight Cardstock Whitewash

This core-dyed cardstock comes in a consistent 100lb cover weight with long fiber pulp that prevents cracking during folding and scoring. The acid-free, lignin-free sheet features a smooth 270 GSM finish perfect for clean cuts with die-cutting machines. The whitewash variety provides a clean, crisp base for projects, with each 12x12 sheet carefully monitored for color uniformity from the manufacturing process.

KodyCreation Colored Card Stock Paper

This versatile cardstock from KodyCreation combines premium quality with an impressive selection of 100 assorted colored sheets. The vellum bristol cover ensures excellent print quality while protecting your creations. Each of the 20 sheet color options is perfect for projects like scrapbooking, business cards, and posters.

Hamilco Cream Colored Cardstock Paper

Looking for a reliable cardstock that handles well in your printer? Hamilco's cream-colored cardstock might just be the paper you've been searching for. With its 80 lb cover weight and smooth finish, it feels substantial enough for professional-looking projects like wedding invitations or certification prints. The sturdy sheets come in generous 50-pack quantities and always arrive protected in sturdy cardboard packaging, making them a trusted choice for both home craft projects and office use.

Springhill Digital Index Color Card Stock

The card stock combines a smooth, durable finish with excellent printability for both inkjet and laser printers. At 90 lb weight, it's suitable for various applications including index systems, file cards, and brochure covers. While some users note it's slightly thinner than other 90 lb card stocks, the quality holds up well for its price point.

Pacon Heavy Weight Card Stock

These 65-pound card stock sheets offer solid durability for a range of projects, from elegant greeting cards to sturdy report covers. The subtly rich marble color assortment brings a touch of sophistication to any paper creation, while the generous 11 by 8.5-inch size makes them practical for both standard and rubber stamping applications. Each package's 100 sheets distribute evenly across five shades, providing plenty of versatile options for your next crafting session.

itechpanda 50 Sheets Colored Printer Cardstock Paper

Create standout projects with these premium cardstock sheets, which smoothly print on both sides and fold effortlessly. Every package includes 50 richly colored sheets that measure a generous A4 size. Use them for crafting everything from classroom decorations to handmade greeting cards.

My Colors Heavyweight Cardstock Bundle

These premium 100-pound cardstock sheets are a versatile addition to any crafting collection. Made from virgin pulp with long fibers, the smooth 260gsm sheets cut and fold beautifully. The acid and toxic-free paper is available in a neutral white that's resistant to feathering during intricate cuts.

Wausau Paper Astrobrights Colored Card Stock

The fireball fuchsia card stock demands attention with its vibrant color, while the acid- and lignin-free construction ensures lasting quality. At 65 lbs weight, each sheet feels substantial in your hands, making it perfect for professional projects that need to stand out. The certified managed forest-sourced wood gives this Chinese-made paper an added sustainability appeal.

Colorful Cardstock Paper

Each sheet of this premium cardstock measures a generous 8.3 by 11.69 inches, making it perfect for a variety of crafting projects. The 250gsm thickness ensures your creations will look professional, while the smooth matte finish gives your designs a polished look. The set includes 50 sheets in 50 different colors, offering plenty of choices for your next art or craft project.

Livholic Heavy Cardstock Paper

These heavy-duty cardstock sheets bring a vibrant burst of color to any project, with each sheet sporting a different shade on its front and back. The smooth, acid-free paper is perfect for crafting everything from greeting cards to school decorations, and its robust 250gsm weight makes it ideal for layering in scrapbooks or creating sturdy paper flowers. At 100 sheets per pack, these pastel-hued sheets provide plenty of material for both casual crafting and classroom activities.

Dynamico Red & Pink Valentine's Day Cardstock Paper

This cardstock pack brings a touch of Valentine's Day romance to your crafting projects with its rich red and soft pink hues. The premium 65lb cover quality feels great in your hands and prints beautifully, while the acid-free sheets protect your creations for years to come.

Springhill Digital Index Color Card Stock

With its smooth, hard finish, this card stock handles both inkjet and laser printing like a champ – you won't believe how well it catches every detail of your design. The 110 lb weight feels solid in your hands, though some might want to check their printer compatibility first. Each sheet comes from a certified managed forest, giving you that warm fuzzy feeling while you're working.

Springhill Digital Index Card Stock

This blue card stock packs a punch with its 110lb weight, though some users have noted jams with their printers. At 199 g/m², it's not quite the 110lb advertised, but still offers great die-cutting and folding characteristics. The smooth surface handles both ink-jet and laser printing beautifully while resisting ink bleed. Each sheet measures a standard 8.5 x 11 inches, making it perfect for everything from index cards to menu covers.

Pen + Gear Assorted Neon Card Stock Paper

Printers and crafters rejoice! These vibrant cardstocks come in five fluorescent hues – yellow, orange, blue, pink, and green – all with lasting, colorfast ink that shows off black markers beautifully. The 65 lb weight holds up to cutting, folding, and gluing while remaining compatible with both inkjet and laser printers. Lignin-free construction ensures your projects stay bright and flat over time, making this versatile paper perfect for school reports, homemade cards, or classroom decorations.

Array Card Stock

A versatile card stock that packs big value in its 100-sheet packs, with its acid-free cover making it great for projects that might stick around for years. Whether you're crafting greeting cards, report covers, or memory book pages, this Chinese-made paper handles rubber stamping and printing like a champ.

Colourful US Heavyweight Brown Kraft Cardstock

This sturdy brown kraft cardstock brings warmth and texture to every craft project, from elegant invitations to homemade scrapbook pages. Each sheet, measuring a handy 8.5 by 11 inches, boasts premium quality with consistent color on both sides and a thickness that prevents bending and folding. With 100 sheets per pack, this classic heavyweight paper is an essential addition to any arts and crafts collection.

Double Sided Gloss Card Stock Paper (8.5 x 11, 50 Sheets)

Printers and card-making enthusiasts will appreciate this 80-pound gloss cardstock, which shines with 98 Lumen brightness. The 50-sheet pack lets you print professional-quality images on both sides of the premium white paper, though reviewers haven't shared their experiences yet.

Wausau Exact 30% Recycled Index Card Stock

This recycled card stock combines durability with environmental consciousness, featuring a 90-pound weight that holds up well to frequent use. The acid-free, FSC-certified paper prints beautifully across various office machines while maintaining a smooth surface that prevents ink bleeding. Users appreciate its versatility for creating brochures, file folders, and business forms that stand the test of time.

Color Card Stock Paper

These pink cardstock sheets offer a lovely combination of substance and brightness, with the perfect weight for both printing and crafting projects. The acid-free construction ensures your creations will stand the test of time, while the soft toothy finish adds an extra touch of quality to every printed piece.

Springhill Colored Paper

With its 176gsm weight and cover stock finish, this Springhill paper handles printing and crafting with ease. The acid-free, recycled content makes it environmentally responsible while the smooth vellum surface ensures great print quality and consistent coloring. While some colors may vary slightly from what's pictured, the durable, toothy sheet provides excellent value for cardmaking, crafting, and professional printing needs.

Pen + Gear Matte Coated Photo Card Stock Paper

Made for both sides of your print projects, this bright white card stock takes photos and designs from everyday to extraordinary with its smooth matte finish. The 199 gsm weight and Forest Stewardship Council certification tell the story of responsible paper sourcing, while its compatibility with desktop cutters and printers makes it a versatile addition to your crafting collection.

Astrobrights Ultra Red Cardstock

This vibrant Ultra Red cardstock brings out-of-this-world color to your projects, with each sheet measuring a generous 8.5 by 11 inches. The 65 lb weight handles both inkjet and laser printers like a champ, giving your prints that professional, bleed-free finish.

Staples Canary Stock Paper

The canary yellow cover stock from Staples brings vibrant color to your projects while maintaining professional durability. At 67 pounds, it's sturdy enough for mailers and handouts, with a vellum finish that keeps prints crisp and legible. The 250-sheet ream fits most standard printers and copiers, making it a practical choice for both home and office use.

Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover Cardstock

Printers and copiers love this Hammermill cardstock, thanks to its 80lb weight and acid-free formula that prevents yellowing. At 100 brightness, it cranks up the image contrast for sharp color prints, while the ultra-smooth surface keeps toner in place for crisp reproduction. Whether you're printing photos or professional documents, this premium cover weight paper delivers reliably excellent results.

YINUOYOUJIA 50 Sheet Kraft Cardstock

The cardstock combines a sturdy 250gsm weight with that lovely, natural Kraft brown color that really lets your designs shine through. At 8.5x11 inches per sheet, it's big enough for cards and small projects alike, while still being portable enough to keep in your desk drawer or travel bag. The surface is smoothed out just right - not too rough like some cheaper options, but with enough texture to give your projects a little extra grip for embossing or die-cutting.

Bright Essentials 12" x 12" Cardstock Paper (100 Sheets)

Crafters will love this bright cardstock pack that lets you choose from a variety of 12" by 12" sheets in multiple colors. At 65 lb/176 gsm, the acid-free paper holds up well to cutting and crafting projects. Many reviewers praise its durability and vibrant colors, though a few note the 5-sheet limit per color might not be enough for larger projects.

Astrobrights Bright Assortment Cardstock

When you need your project to pop, this cardstock delivers with its richly saturated colors and smooth inkjet/laser printer compatibility. Each sheet is 65 lb weight, perfect for durability while remaining easy to handle for crafting. The 250-sheet pack includes five solid colors that coordinate across the line, so you can mix and match for coordinated projects while keeping your costs down.

Hlonon 50 Sheets 5x7 Brown Kraft Cardstock Paper

The premium brown kraft cardstock from Hlonon combines thick, heavy-weight quality with a smooth, glossy finish that protects your projects from water and damage. Each sheet measures a standard 5 x 7 inches, making it perfect for invitations, scrapbooking, and crafting projects that require sturdy, double-sided paper. The acid-free, environment-friendly stock holds up beautifully to color and inkjet printing, delivering sharp images and vibrant colors every time you print or write on it.

Hamilco Linen Textured Cardstock Paper

The 80 lb cover cardstock combines premium quality with versatile functionality, ideal for creating professional-grade invitations, business cards, and custom crafts. The natural linen texture and bright white color pop with detail, while the thick 11" x 8.5" sheets ensure your prints maintain crisp clarity on every page.

Utron 56-Pack 5x7 Cardstock Paper

This 90-lb cardstock brings professional quality to your homemade invitations, postcards, and greeting cards with its 250gsm thickness and smooth coating. The set of 56 pristine white sheets measures a perfect 5x7 inches, making them ideal for both inkjet and laser printers. The waterproof surface resists smudges and stains while ensuring your designs look crisp and vibrant.

Blank Cover Paper, 12" x 18", 65 lb, 50 Sheets

These premium 65lb cardstock sheets offer exceptional durability and rich color reproduction, perfect for creating professional-quality invitations, brochures, and announcement cards at home or in the office. The smooth, 176gsm paper handles prints beautifully, ensuring crisp details and superior opacity in every project.

Joyberg White Cardstock Paper

The 8x10 white cardstock offers a smooth surface for printing photos, invitations, and announcements. At 250gsm, it provides that satisfying crispness when printing. The sheets are perfect for both inkjet and laser printers, giving you plenty of room to create multiple items from one package.

Cardstock Invitations & Printing

This 200-pack of 5x7 cardstock provides plenty of heavy-duty paper for your crafting needs. Each sheet, measuring 3 by 7.1 inches and weighing 110 lb cover, offers a sturdy foundation for projects like paper accessories, signs, and homemade games. The thick, 300gsm cardstock makes it a practical choice for protecting important documents and creating durable keepsakes.

Staples White Cover Paper

This 67-pound cardstock packs a punch of durability without sacrificing quality, as users rave about its strength for projects ranging from professional documents to children's crafts. Each sheet measures a standard 8.5 by 11 inches and sports that classic white vellum finish that looks fantastic under both ink and color. The acid-free formula ensures your creations will look sharp for years to come, while the 250-sheet packs make it a breeze to keep supplies stocked for any project.

Pen+gear Premium Index Paper

When you're working on projects that need some serious durability, this white index paper is your buddy. From crafting cool report covers to making awesome invitations, it's got your back. Each sheet is super sturdy at 199 GSM, and it's acid-free so your creations stay fresh for ages.

Buyer's Guide

Card stock printer paper combines durability with professional-quality output, making it ideal for projects that require thickness and resistance to folding or creasing. Understanding the key features and considerations can help you select the right paper for your specific needs and printing equipment.

Material Quality and Weight

Card stock papers range from 70 to 120 pounds in weight, with higher numbers indicating thicker, more robust paper. Consider the print job's intended use: lighter weight paper works well for documents and business cards, while thicker card stock is suitable for invitations, brochures, and protective packaging.

Printable Area and Cutting Options

Standard card stock dimensions include 8.5x11 inches and A4 sizes. Some papers come with pre-scored lines for easy folding, while others offer larger, unobstructed print areas for full-bleed designs. Consider whether your project requires specific cutting capabilities and how much bleed space you need for graphics.

Surface Finish and Printing Characteristics

Card stock finishes range from matte and dull coated to glossy and vellum. Matte surfaces work best for photos and text-heavy documents, while glossy finishes enhance color vibrancy and shine. Understanding how different finishes affect print quality and ink absorption helps achieve professional results.

Eco-Friendly and Recycled Options

Many card stock manufacturers offer eco-friendly options made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced wood pulp. These papers often carry environmental certifications and may have improved brightness and durability. Consider your project's sustainability goals when selecting paper type.

FAQ

What is card stock printer paper?

Card stock printer paper is a thicker, more robust type of paper that can withstand folding and has a premium feel. It's commonly used for greetings cards, invitations, business cards, and photo albums.

Standard printer paper typically ranges from 20-24 lb, while card stock usually starts at 65 lb and goes up to 110 lb, depending on the material's thickness and composition.

What makes card stock different from regular printer paper?

Card stock has a higher basis weight and greater thickness, measuring 0.004 to 0.012 inches compared to 0.003 inches for regular paper. This difference gives it better print quality, reduced ink penetration, and enhanced rigidity.

The construction of card stock includes more layers and fibers, providing excellent durability for projects that require folding or shaping.

How should I choose the right card stock weight?

Selecting the appropriate weight depends on your intended use. Lighter weights (65-80 lb) are suitable for simple projects like business cards and basic invitations, while heavier weights (100-110 lb) are ideal for folding items like greeting cards and photo albums.

Consider the content's importance and presentation requirements when choosing between lighter and heavier weights. Thicker stock demands more expensive printers and toner, while lighter stock may not offer the same print quality.

What type of printer is best for card stock paper?

Most home office printers can handle card stock, but laser printers produce the best results due to their ability to apply toner evenly without smudging. Check your printer's specifications for maximum paper weight and thickness compatibility.

Heavier card stock (110 lb and above) requires a printer capable of handling "premium" or "card stock" paper. Always test your print job with a small sample before running a full batch.

How do you store card stock printer paper?

Store card stock in its original protective packaging or in an unopened box to maintain its quality and prevent warping. Keep paper away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, which can damage the fibers.

Use acid-free folders or storage solutions when organizing card stock to prevent yellowing and preserve the paper's longevity.

Can card stock be recycled?

Card stock is generally recyclable, but check with your local recycling center about their specific requirements. Some facilities have restrictions on paper weight and coating types.

Uncoated card stock is the easiest to recycle. Colored stocks, coated stocks, and glossy finishes may need to be separated from other paper products for proper recycling.