Which paper or cardstock is best for my project?

One of the questions we're asked most often is, "Which cardstock should I use?" With so many finishes, weights and styles available, it's no surprise that choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Whether you're die cutting, stamping, embossing or building handmade gift boxes, the cardstock you choose can make a huge difference to the finished result.

Once you understand the basics, you'll be able to choose the perfect card for every technique with confidence.

Understanding Card & Paper Weights

Card and paper are measured in GSM (Grams per Square Metre), which simply refers to the weight and thickness of the paper or card.

Lightweight papers, usually between 80gsm and 120gsm, are ideal for printing, inserts and paper crafts such as quilling. Patterned papers tend to fall between 120gsm and 180gsm, making them perfect for layering and decorative backgrounds. Cardstock designed for die cutting and embossing is often between 220gsm and 300gsm, offering a balance of strength and flexibility. For projects that require structure, such as card blanks, gift boxes and bags, heavier cardstock of 300gsm to 350gsm provides excellent durability and helps your projects hold their shape.

	Weight	Best For
	80–120gsm	Printer paper, inserts, quilling, lightweight layering
	120–180gsm	Patterned papers, decoupage, journalling
	200–250gsm	Die cutting, embossing, layering
	250–300gsm	Card fronts, stamping, premium projects
	300–350gsm+	Card blanks, boxes, gift bags and 3D construction

Understanding Different Card Finishes

As well as weights, there are also a ton of different finishes to take into consideration. These include:

Plain – this is completely smooth and untextured in a variety of colours. This tends to be the type of finish that you’d use in a printer or as a card base

Super smooth – if you want a bleed-free base, this is the finish for you!

Mirror – as the name suggests, this is a shiny, metallic finish that’s ideal for adding a touch of glamour to your projects

Glitter – add a touch of sparkle to your projects with glitter cardstock

Pearl – pearlescent card has a stunning lustre that truly shines in the light

Patterned – we all know how tempting those pads of papers are (hands up, who’s got a super pretty one that they’re never going to use?) and these are ideal for a whole host of projects

Foiled – foiled card or paper usually features a plain base with stunning foiled details or patterns

Kraft – this cardstock has a rough finish and a natural brown colour. It’s made from recycled paper, so it’s a brilliant, environmentally-friendly option

Die Cutting

For most dies, cardstock between 220gsm and 300gsm gives the best results. Intricate dies often cut more cleanly through slightly lighter card, around 220gsm to 250gsm, to allow the delicate pieces to release more easily.

One of the joys of die cutting is that almost every finish works beautifully. Smooth, textured, pearl, mirror, glitter and kraft card all create completely different looks, allowing you to customise your projects to suit any occasion.

Embossing

Embossing works best on cardstock between 220gsm and 280gsm, giving enough strength to hold detailed impressions.

earl cardstock works particularly well because its subtle shimmer enhances every raised detail, while kraft card creates striking rustic textures. Smooth cardstock is another excellent choice, especially if you plan to add ink blending or additional colouring after embossing.

Stamping

Smooth cardstock is essential for crisp, clean stamped images. A weight of around 250gsm to 300gsm provides a sturdy surface that's also perfect for alcohol markers, ink blending and heat embossing.

Matting & Layering

Matting and layering is one of the easiest ways to add depth to your cards. Cardstock between 200gsm and 300gsm works well, and mixing finishes such as mirror, pearl, glitter or textured card creates extra interest.

Découpage

For smooth, realistic layering, lightweight patterned papers between 120gsm and 160gsm are ideal. Thinner papers help build dimension without adding unnecessary bulk. Their flexibility allows each layer to sit neatly on top of the next while maintaining a smooth finish.

Foiling

Whether you're using a hot foiling system or foil transfers, smooth cardstock consistently delivers the cleanest and most professional-looking foiled finish. A weight of 250gsm to 300gsm allows foil to adhere evenly, creating crisp metallic details that really stand out.

Quilling

Quilling requires lightweight paper rather than cardstock. Paper between 120gsm and 160gsm is flexible enough to create tight coils while still holding its shape.

Card Bases, Boxes & Gift Bags

Projects that need structure benefit from heavyweight cardstock between 300gsm and 350gsm. This provides the strength needed for sturdy card blanks, gift boxes and bags that will hold their shape beautifully.

Build a Craft Stash That Covers Every Project

You don't need every type of cardstock to get started. A smooth white card for stamping, a textured card for die cutting, a selection of patterned papers for layering, a few speciality finishes such as mirror or pearl, and a heavyweight card for construction will cover almost every project.

By choosing the right weight and finish for each technique, you'll achieve cleaner cuts, sharper stamping, stronger construction and more professional-looking results every time.