Paper Stock Guide
Paper Stock Guide: Text, Cover and Cardstock
Not sure what "100# gloss" or "16 pt" means? Here is a plain-English guide to the papers and cardstocks we print on, what each one is best for, and which stock comes with each of our products.
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Quick answer: Text paper (measured in pounds, like 70# or 100#) is thinner and flexible, best for flyers and letterhead. Cover stock and cardstock (measured in pounds or points, like 14 pt or 16 pt) is thicker and stiffer, best for business cards, invite cards and connect cards. For anything people will write on, choose an uncoated stock.
Paper vs. Cardstock
The two main types of stock, and how each one is measured.
Text paper (pounds, #)
Also called book or text stock. It's made for flyers, letterhead and brochure pages. Its weight in pounds comes from how much 500 full-size sheets weigh, so a higher number means a heavier, thicker sheet. Example: 100# text is noticeably thicker than 70# text.
Cover stock and cardstock (pounds or points, pt)
Thicker and stiffer than text paper, made for cards that get handed out and held. Points measure actual thickness: one point is one thousandth of an inch, so 14 pt is 0.014" thick. A higher number means a thicker, sturdier card.
The Stocks We Offer
Available options vary by product. You'll see the choices for each item right on its product page.
| Stock | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 70# Uncoated Text | Smooth, natural paper you can write on | Letterhead, flyers and handouts people write on |
| 100# Gloss Text | Thicker paper with a shiny finish | Flyers and handouts with bright photos and color |
| 80# Gloss Cover | Light cardstock with a shiny finish | Sturdier flyers that get handled a lot |
| 100# Uncoated Cardstock | Natural, writable card | Business cards and appointment cards |
| 12 pt Gloss Cardstock | Shiny, vivid color | Business cards and invite cards with photos |
| 14 pt Uncoated Cardstock | Thick, natural, easy to write on | Business cards, appointment cards and invite cards |
| 14 pt Satin Cardstock | Smooth with a soft, low-glare sheen | Business cards and invite cards |
| 16 pt Uncoated Cardstock | Our sturdiest writable card | Connect cards and invite cards |
Coated or Uncoated?
The finish changes how your colors look and whether people can write on the card.
Uncoated
A natural, matte feel. Pens and pencils write easily without smudging. The best choice for connect cards, appointment cards, letterhead and anything guests fill out.
Gloss
A shiny coating that makes photos and bright colors pop. Great for flyers and photo-heavy cards. Ballpoint pens can smudge on gloss.
Satin
In between gloss and uncoated: smooth to the touch with less glare, so colors look rich without a high shine.
Which Stock Comes With Each Product?
A quick guide to our most popular church and business items.
| Product | Stock options |
|---|---|
| Connect Cards | 16 pt uncoated cardstock, so guests can write on them easily |
| Square Invite Cards | 12 pt gloss, 14 pt uncoated, 14 pt satin or 16 pt uncoated cardstock |
| Church Flyers and Business Flyers | 70# uncoated text, 100# gloss text or 80# gloss cover |
| Business Cards | 100# uncoated, 12 pt gloss, 14 pt uncoated or 14 pt satin cardstock |
| Appointment Cards | 100# uncoated or 14 pt uncoated cardstock |
| Letterhead | 70# uncoated text |
Need something tougher than paper? Our volunteer name badges are printed on rigid 30 mil PVC plastic, and our handheld greeter signs are 3mm PVC, both made to last week after week.
Paper Stock FAQs
What's the difference between # (pounds) and pt (points)?
Pounds describe how much 500 full-size sheets of a paper weigh, so they're best for comparing papers of the same type. Points measure the actual thickness of a single sheet: 14 pt is 0.014 inches thick. For either one, a higher number means a thicker sheet.
What's the best stock for connect cards?
An uncoated cardstock, so guests can fill them out with any pen without smudging. That's why our connect cards are printed on 16 pt uncoated cardstock.
Can people write on gloss cards?
Pencils and permanent markers work, but ballpoint pens can smudge on a gloss coating. If people will write on the card, choose uncoated.
What's the most popular business card stock?
14 pt cardstock. Choose uncoated for a natural feel you can write on, or satin for a smooth, polished look.
Not sure which stock to pick?
Call us at 219.595.0902. Tell us how the piece will be used and we'll recommend the right paper.
Still Deciding on Paper?
Talk to a real person in Highland, Indiana. Call 219.595.0902 or email info@flyoverprint.com. Getting your files ready? See our Artwork Guidelines.
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