Paper Types
Learn about cardstock, cover paper, text paper, cotton paper, linen paper, parchment paper, synthetic paper, recycled paper, and other specialty papers.
Cardstock is heavier and generally more rigid than ordinary writing or text paper. It is commonly used when a printed piece needs additional strength, body, or durability.
Common applications include:
- Invitations
- Greeting cards
- Postcards
- Menus
- Covers
- Signs and displays
- Marketing materials
Cardstock encompasses many different paper grades, finishes, thicknesses, and basis weights. Printer compatibility should always be checked before using heavier stock
Paperworks Paper Pros
Quick tips from the Paperworks Paper Pros to help you choose, print, and create with confidence.
Cardstock for Every Idea, at Prices You’ll Love
As Paper Pros, we know that “white cardstock” is only the beginning. The right sheet might be a brilliant white, a warm natural white, or a soft ivory. It might be smooth and understated, richly textured, brightly colored, or finished with a metallic shimmer.
That’s why Paperworks brings so many choices together in one place. Explore vivid Astrobrights, elegant Classic Crest and Classic Linen, pearlescent Stardream, Colorplan, Mohawk, and Paperworks’ own cardstock lines. Choose from everyday and heavyweight cover stocks, including 65 lb, 80 lb, 100 lb, 110 lb, and 130 lb options. Shop familiar 8½ × 11 sheets, larger formats such as 11 × 17, 12 × 18, and 13 × 19, and more sizes for the job at hand.
There’s cardstock for invitations, menus, covers, presentations, crafts, and professional print projects—and great prices throughout the selection. Our name brand closeouts offer even more ways to find something special for less. When you need help narrowing the choices, our Paper Finder and Paper Pros are here to help you find the right color, finish, weight, and size.
Whatever you’re creating, start with Paperworks.
Related topics: Cover Weight | Paper Weight | Scoring | Printer Compatibility
Coated paper has a surface coating designed to control ink absorption and create particular printing and surface characteristics.
Common coated finishes include:
Coated papers are frequently selected for brochures, catalogs, postcards, marketing pieces, and other applications where image reproduction is important.
Related topics: Gloss Paper | Dull Paper | Matte Paper | Digital Printing
Uncoated Paper
Uncoated paper does not have the surface coating found on coated printing papers. The exposed fiber surface generally provides a more natural tactile quality and different ink-holdout characteristics.
Uncoated papers are available in numerous colors, textures, weights, and finishes.
Common applications include stationery, books, forms, invitations, business communications, and general commercial printing.
Related topics: Text Paper | Cover Paper | Paper Finish | Ink Absorption
Parchment Paper
Printing parchment is a specialty paper designed to provide the visual character of traditional parchment while functioning as a modern paper product.
Its distinctive appearance makes it popular for:
- Certificates
- Awards
- Menus
- Invitations
- Announcements
- Specialty documents
Do not confuse printing parchment with culinary parchment paper used for baking.
Printer compatibility depends on the particular paper and printing equipment.
Related topics: Laser Printing | Printer Compatibility
Synthetic Paper
Synthetic paper is a paper-like printable material manufactured primarily from synthetic polymers rather than conventional cellulose fibers.
Depending on the specific product, synthetic papers can provide excellent resistance to water, tearing, grease, chemicals, and frequent handling.
Common applications include:
- Restaurant menus
- Outdoor documents
- Maps
- Instructions
- Signs
- Frequently handled materials
Paperworks carries synthetic products including SYNAPS, with specific grades designed for particular printing processes and applications.
Related topics: Printer Compatibility | Digital Printing
Cotton Paper
Cotton paper contains cotton fiber and is valued for its strength, tactile quality, and premium appearance.
It is frequently associated with:
- Fine stationery
- Invitations
- Announcements
- Certificates
- Archival applications
The percentage of cotton fiber varies by product.
Related topics: Uncoated Paper | Linen Paper
Linen Paper
Linen-finish paper has a textured surface designed to resemble woven linen.
It is frequently used for stationery, presentations, invitations, certificates, and other pieces where texture is an important part of the design.
A linen finish describes the surface appearance and texture; it does not necessarily mean that the sheet is made from linen fiber.
Related topics: Linen Finish | Cotton Paper | Paper Finishes
Recycled Paper
Recycled paper contains fiber recovered from previously manufactured paper products.
Recycled content, color, finish, brightness, and printing characteristics vary considerably among products.
When recycled content is important to a project, check the manufacturer's specifications for the particular paper rather than assuming all recycled papers have the same composition.
Related topics: Uncoated Paper | Brightness
