How to Choose the Right Card Stock for Your Custom Card Deck
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Whether you’re designing tarot cards, game cards, custom affirmation cards, or just about any form of cards, choosing the right card stock will determine the quality of the finished product.
The card stock will ultimately affect the visual and feel of your custom cards but that is not all it will determine.
In fact, durability, functionality and overall presentation are also affected by the card stock and with so many options available it is understandably a real challenge to choose the right one.
I will go over card stock options, the terminology and commons questions surrounding this topic so that at the end of this blog you will be more confident with your card stock knowledge and how to choose the best one for your project.
Ready? Let’s go.
What Is Card Stock?
Card stock, also known as cover stock, is a type of thick paper designed for durability and sturdiness yet still thinner than other forms of paperboard.
This balance of thickness makes it ideal for printing products that are frequently handled such as custom printed cards, business cards, post cards and playing cards to name a few.
For those of you who are planning on printing custom card decks like tarot, oracle, or game cards, the card stock will highly influence the aesthetic and longevity of the cards.
This is something your customers (if you plan on selling them) will certainly notice and appreciate.
Why Does Card Stock Matter for Your Deck?
We know that card stock greatly affects the end quality of your card deck. Let’s look deeper into the 4 main factors it affects:
- Durability: Thicker and higher-quality card stock will last longer, especially for decks that are handled frequently.
- Feel: The texture and weight of the card stock influence how the cards feel in-hand, which is especially important for tarot readers or game players.
- Appearance: A smooth, polished surface not only gives off a premium feeling but also highlights colors, whereas texture finishes add a classic and professional touch.
- Functionality: Depending on whether your cards will be shuffled often or handled lightly, different card stocks are better suited for different purposes.
Just a quick recap, we should all be on the same page on the definition and the importance of card stock. Before I dive into the various options and what they are best suited for, I want to quickly explain some common terminology that is often used.
Now, with so much depending on choosing the right stock, you might be wondering how do you choose and what options are available?
Card stock weight.
That’s how you will know (or at least have an idea) of what type of card deck to choose.
What is Card Stock Weight?
Perhaps you’re familiar with the term GSM (Grams per Sqaure Meter), if you’ve had to use a printer at work, especially in a design company then you would have been exposed to different paper (weights).
GSM refers to the weight of the paper and the higher the number it is the heavier and thicker the paper. It is a universal measurement for cardstock paper weight.
Have a look at the GSM table below, where I used a rough divide for the typical card stock weight range and provided a short description on what kind of custom cards they are suitable for.
GSM Range | Description |
35gsm - 55gsm | Very thing and not typically a cardstock choice for custom card deck printing due to its thinness and low durability. |
56gsm - 100gsm | Thin and still not suitable for cardstock printing, may be used instead for instructional sheets. |
101gsm - 150gsm | This weight range starts to feel more durable and can be used for flashcards or educational cards. |
251gsm - 300gsm | Ideal for poker and playing cards as this weight range offers a professional feel and reliable sturdiness to it. Card stock printed in this weight can handle frequent handling. |
301gsm - 350gsm | The heavyweight range, the ideal option for premium custom card options, an excellent choice for trading card and tarot cards. |
Other Key Card Stock Considerations
Core: This is the inner layer for the card stock. While there are a few different color cores available what you need to know is that differences between them which is how they change a cards transparency.
Let’s look at a black core for example. Black cores are designed to not light any light through and hence it’s 0% transparent and this is chosen for casino grade cards.
They can’t have other players looking and seeing through opponents’ cards now, can they?
Finish: This refers to the surface coating of the card (e.g., matte, glossy, or linen), which affects how the card looks and feels.
- Matte: Offers a flat, non-reflective surface that is easy to read and handle.
- Glossy: Provides a shiny, reflective surface that enhances color vibrancy.
- Linen: Adds a textured feel and classic look, often used in traditional playing cards.
While there are no definitive guidelines on what finish to use on which printed card, it may be a good idea to experiment and order samples to personally check and feel if it’s the right option for you.
How to Choose the Right Card Stock for Your Custom Cards
Let’s break down the different card stock options from QPMN. They already have the core and GSM set and as for the finish, you can freely choose which one you want.
- Classic Smooth (CS27)
- GSM: 300
- Core: Blue
- Best for: Marketing promotions, budget-friendly options
- Description: CS27 provides a smooth surface for printing and is the most affordable option for those who need high-quality cards without breaking the bank. The blue core layer reduces transparency, making it suitable for double-sided printing. If you’re creating a promotional card deck or need a budget-friendly option for giveaways, this is a great choice.
- Premium Smooth (PS30)
- GSM: 300
- Core: Blue
- Best for: Game cards, wedding promotions, high-end projects
- Description: PS30 is one of the most popular choices for designers. Its smooth finish and blue core center make it perfect for game cards, promotional materials, or even custom tarot decks. This card stock is known for its durability and professional look, making it a versatile option for many different types of projects.
- Deluxe Smooth (DS33)
- GSM: 330
- Core: Blue
- Best for: High-end game cards, premium tarot decks
- Description: If you want to take your custom card deck to the next level, DS33 is the way to go. This card stock offers an ultra-smooth finish that enhances color vibrancy and sharpness in your designs. It has a luxurious feel and superior durability, making it ideal for high-end products like premium tarot cards or collectible card decks.
- Regular Linen (RL28)
- GSM: 280
- Core: Blue
- Best for: Classic card games
- Description: Linen card stock like RL28 offers a textured surface that adds a touch of class to your custom cards. The blue core reduces transparency, and the linen texture gives the cards a vintage or classic look. This stock is often used for traditional playing cards or board games.
- Gaming Linen (GL29)
- GSM: 290
- Core: Blue
- Best for: Board games, card games
- Description: GL29 is a step up from regular linen, offering a specialized linen pattern that provides a tactile feel. This card stock is designed for frequent handling and shuffling, making it a popular choice in the gaming industry. If you’re creating a custom board game or card game deck, this is an excellent option.
- Casino Linen (CL31)
- GSM: 310
- Core: Black
- Best for: Professional-grade playing cards, casino decks
- Description: CL31 features a professional-grade linen finish with air pockets, making the cards more durable and easier to handle. The black core prevents light from shining through, ensuring the cards are opaque. This card stock is ideal for professional playing cards or high-quality game cards where durability and performance are key.
- Sturdy Layers (SL35)
- GSM: 350
- Core: None
- Best for: Thick, heavy card designs
- Description: SL35 is the thickest and most durable card stock available, making it perfect for card games or board games that require extra durability. While it lacks a core layer, its thickness ensures that the cards will hold up over time, even with frequent use.
- Eco-Friendly (EF27)
- GSM: 270
- Core: None
- Best for: Environmentally-conscious projects
- Description: EF27 offers a sustainable option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Made from herbaceous plants like grass, this card stock has a natural brown tint and visible fibers, giving it an earthy, organic appearance. It’s a great choice for eco-friendly projects or for those who want to make a statement with their card deck’s sustainability.
- Waterproof Plastic (WP10)
- Thickness: 13pt
- Core: None
- Best for: Outdoor use, waterproof cards
- Description: WP10 is a 100% plastic card stock that is both waterproof and extremely durable. It’s perfect for outdoor use or for decks that will be handled frequently in harsh conditions. These cards are also slippery, making them easy to shuffle and manipulate. If you need a card stock that can withstand water, heat, or heavy use, WP10 is the best choice.
Choosing Durable and Sustainable Card Stock Options
You may require special stock that goes beyond the existing durability offered by higher GSM and there are also more sustainable options that can also meet your needs.
Durability for Frequent Use
For cards that will be shuffled, handled often, or used in outdoor settings, choosing a highly durable card stock is crucial.
Materials like WP10 Waterproof Plastic and SL35 Sturdy Layers are excellent choices for their ability to withstand wear and tear, ensuring your cards remain in top condition over time.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options
For those who prioritize environmental responsibility, sustainable card stock options are available.
Look for materials like EF27, which are crafted from renewable resources. These stocks not only offer durability but also feature a natural, organic appearance, making them a great choice for eco-conscious consumers who want their cards to reflect their values.
By carefully considering both durability and sustainability, you can choose the ideal card stock that aligns with your usage requirements and environmental commitments.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Card Stock for Your Deck
Your choice of card stock will impact several key factors of your custom card deck. The options covered in this blog will cover almost all your requirements and enable you to select the best card stock for your project.
Whether you're designing game cards, tarot decks, or promotional materials, there's a card stock option that fits your needs.
For more information on custom card stock options or to request samples, consider ordering a sample or contact us directly. We’re here to help you create stunning, durable decks that stand the test of time!
Common Card Stock Questions
- Playing cards typically have a thickness ranging from 0.17mm to 0.24mm. A full deck of 52 cards is usually between 8.5mm and 12.48mm thick.
- In terms of GSM it is roughly around 250gsm to 350gsm.
- Playing cards are often printed on card stock with a blue or black core to prevent transparency. Common weights include 280gsm for blue core and 310gsm to 330gsm for black core.
- Printing custom playing cards can be done at home with the right tools and equipment. You can check out my other blog How to Print Your Own Playing Cards.
- An alternative option is to use professional companies to print your cards. QPMN is a print on demand solution provider, and you can also order samples to test your cards at just one unit.