Cardstock

Cardstock Guide

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The right cardstock makes all the difference in card quality and durability.

Choosing the right cardstock is crucial for creating professional-quality Magic proxies that feel authentic and durable during Ideal Magic gameplay.

Understanding Cardstock Specifications

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

GSM measures paper weight and directly affects card feel and durability:

200-250 GSM: Too thin for standalone cards, requires backing
280-300 GSM: Good balance of printability and feel
310-330 GSM: Premium feel, closest to commercial cards
350+ GSM: May cause printer feeding issues

Thickness Measurements

0.25-0.30mm: Light cardstock, needs backing for rigidity
0.30-0.35mm: Standard cardstock, good for most applications
0.35-0.40mm: Heavy cardstock, premium feel
0.40mm+: Very thick, may not fit in standard sleeves

Paper Finish Options

Matte Finish

Advantages: Reduces glare, easy to read in any lighting, less fingerprint-prone
Best for: Text-heavy cards, competitive play, indoor gaming
Considerations: Colors may appear slightly muted

Satin/Semi-Gloss Finish

Advantages: Good color vibrancy, moderate glare reduction
Best for: Balanced approach between durability and appearance
Considerations: Slight fingerprint visibility

Gloss Finish

Advantages: Vibrant colors, photo-like quality, premium appearance
Best for: Art-focused cards, display purposes, special editions
Considerations: Shows fingerprints easily, can reflect light

Recommended Cardstock Brands

Premium Options

Neenah Cardstock

Weight: 280-330 GSM options available
Finish: Matte, satin, gloss varieties
Pros: Consistent quality, excellent printability, archival quality
Cons: Higher cost, limited availability in some regions
Best for: Professional printing, tournament-quality cards

Mohawk Superfine

Weight: 270-350 GSM options
Finish: Smooth, textured options
Pros: Exceptional feel, premium appearance, excellent ink adhesion
Cons: Expensive, may require printer adjustments
Best for: Special edition cards, presentation sets

Mid-Range Options

Hammermill Color Copy Digital

Weight: 280-350 GSM
Finish: Smooth, matte options
Pros: Good quality-to-price ratio, widely available, reliable feeding
Cons: Not as premium feel as higher-end options
Best for: Regular printing, cost-conscious users

Georgia-Pacific Spectrum

Weight: 271-350 GSM
Finish: Multiple finish options
Pros: Good availability, consistent results, reasonable pricing
Cons: Limited premium options
Best for: Bulk printing, everyday use

Budget-Friendly Options

Office Depot Brand Cardstock

Weight: 250-350 GSM
Finish: Basic matte, gloss
Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, decent quality
Cons: Inconsistent quality, may vary between batches
Best for: Testing, casual play, large quantity needs

Astrobrights Cardstock

Weight: 271 GSM standard
Finish: Various colors and finishes
Pros: Affordable, fun color options, good for themed sets
Cons: Limited weight options, color consistency varies
Best for: Casual printing, special projects

Paper-Specific Printer Compatibility

Inkjet Printer Recommendations

Canon PIXMA series: Excellent with photo paper and heavy cardstock
Epson EcoTank series: Great for matte finishes, cost-effective
HP OfficeJet Pro: Good all-around performance with various papers

Laser Printer Recommendations

Brother HL-L series: Handles heavy cardstock well, consistent results
HP Color LaserJet: Excellent color accuracy, good paper handling
Canon imageCLASS: Reliable feeding, good text quality

Testing and Quality Assessment

Initial Test Protocol

Print single card on new paper type
Check feeding reliability - no jams or misfeeds
Assess print quality - sharp text, even colors
Test durability - resistance to bending and wear
Verify dimensions - accurate card size after cutting
Evaluate feel - weight and texture compared to commercial cards

Quality Metrics

Print Quality

Text clarity: All text should be sharp and readable
Color accuracy: Colors should match digital files
Line sharpness: Borders and fine details should be crisp
Gradient smoothness: No banding in color transitions

Physical Properties

Stiffness: Cards should not bend easily during handling
Surface smoothness: No paper texture interfering with printing
Edge quality: Clean cuts without fraying or delamination
Dimensional stability: Cards maintain size after printing and cutting

Special Considerations

Humidity and Environmental Factors

Store paper flat in original packaging until use
Acclimate to room temperature 24 hours before printing
Avoid high humidity environments during printing and storage
Use desiccant packs in storage containers if needed

Printer Settings by Paper Type

For Matte Cardstock

Paper type: “Cardstock” or “Heavy Paper”
Quality: High or Maximum
Color management: Standard sRGB
Drying time: Extended for inkjet printers

For Gloss Cardstock

Paper type: “Photo Paper” or “Glossy”
Quality: Photo or Maximum
Color management: Enhanced color settings
Handling: Allow extra drying time

Cost Analysis

Per-Card Cost Breakdown

Premium cardstock: $0.15-$0.25 per card
Mid-range cardstock: $0.08-$0.15 per card
Budget cardstock: $0.05-$0.10 per card
Ink/toner costs: $0.10-$0.30 per card (varies by printer)

Money-Saving Tips

Buy in bulk - 500+ sheet packages offer better per-sheet pricing
Test before committing - always try small quantities first
Compare local prices - office supply stores often have sales
Consider online retailers - better selection and pricing

Alternative Solutions

Light Cardstock with Backing

If using 200-250 GSM cardstock:

Print on both sides - front artwork, back design
Use backing material - old trading cards, cardboard, or plastic
Laminate if needed - for extra durability
Sleeve immediately - prevents separation

Professional Printing Services

For large quantities or premium quality:

Local print shops - can handle special papers and finishes
Online services - often more cost-effective for bulk orders
Game printing specialists - experienced with card specifications
Cost comparison - may be cheaper than home printing for large sets

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Feeding Problems

Paper too thick: Try manual feed tray or adjust thickness settings
Curling issues: Adjust humidity, store paper properly
Jams: Reduce batch size, clean paper path

Print Quality Issues

Poor ink adhesion: Wrong paper setting, try different finish
Smudging: Paper too smooth, increase drying time
Color inconsistency: Paper surface variations, try higher-grade stock

Cutting and Handling

Rough edges: Paper quality issue, try sharper cutting tools
Delamination: Poor paper construction, switch brands
Size inconsistency: Paper expansion/contraction, control environment

Community Recommendations

Based on community feedback and testing:

Regional Availability

North America: Neenah, Hammermill widely available
Europe: Fedrigoni, Navigator brands recommended
Asia-Pacific: Local brands often provide better value
Online options: Available worldwide with shipping

Community Testing Results

Regular community testing reveals:

Consistency matters more than premium brands
Proper printer settings crucial regardless of paper
Matte finishes preferred for gameplay
300 GSM sweet spot for feel vs. printability

Join our Discord server to share your cardstock experiences and get recommendations based on your specific printer and location.

Printers