The Stationer’s Complete Guide to Paper Types

Let’s face it: Stationery is only as good as the paper it’s printed on. Choosing the right paper for your project or product is essential. In this business, paper is the very thing that can make or break the quality of your stationery. Choosing the right type of paper for the right project is essential. And making sure you’re choosing high-quality paper is the key to building a fan base that can’t get enough of your stationery.

Paper Basics

At Printswell, we have over 30 different types of paper to choose from, and each has a different capability or functionality, ready to elevate your project or product. That means it’s so important to know what kinds of paper are available and the best types, textures, and colors to use for your stationery.

But before we dive into PrintsWell’s paper types, we need to go over the basics. This will ensure that you have the knowledge you need to make the best orders you possibly can.

Pounds

The pound rating (lb) tells you how much 500 sheets weigh at that paper category’s standard sheet size. Text weight and cover weight papers use different standard sizes, so 100 lb text and 100 lb cover aren’t the same thickness.

Within the same paper weight, a higher pound rating generally means a thicker, more substantial sheet. For example, 100 lb cover is a great choice for greeting cards, while our premium 240 lb cover adds extra thickness and a luxurious feel to invitations.

Weight

When you pick up a piece of stationery that feels substantial in your hand versus a flimsy card, that’s the power of paper stock. When talking about weight, it’s best to think through the lens of text weight and cover weight. For example, text weight is often best for notepads, belly bands, and envelope liners.

Industry standards generally consider anything over 100 lb cover to be a heavyweight cardstock. For comparison, standard copy paper is around 50 lb text, while a typical business card may be printed on 80 lb cover. Cover stock is thicker and sturdier than text weight paper, making it ideal for invitations, greeting cards, social stationery, art prints, and other pieces that need a more substantial feel.

Color

We offer Bright White, Ultra White, and Brilliant White for a crisp, true-white look. For a softer, warmer feel, choose from White, Warm White, Natural, and Soft White.

For something a little bolder, our color stocks include Imperial Blue, New Blue, Ebony, and Mid Green, with the option to print your designs in white ink. Choosing the right paper color can help your design stand out, complement your artwork, or tie into a specific theme.

Texture

We offer Smooth, Cotton, Felt, Linen, Eggshell... and the list goes on. Printing on textured paper can give your designs the right look and elevate the feel. For instance, textured paper is great for wedding invitations because it provides an elegant feel to the paper.

Our Top Favorite Paper Choices and How to Use Them

We love paper. And we know you do too. A high-quality paper can make the buying experience so much better for your customer. But sometimes quality comes with a higher price tag. That’s why we want to share our favorites and how we see most of our stationers using them. You must think about the cost-effectiveness of each item you’re creating as well. We spoke with Caitlin Greene, PrintsWell’s Customer & Product Experience Manager (and our paper master), to get the scoop on all things paper. Here’s her take on our top-selling papers and their best uses.

120 lb Eggshell

“Our #1 best seller! Eggshell papers top the list thanks to their versatility and soft, upscale texture. Available in Ultra White and White, Eggshell is a beautiful choice for wedding invitations, social stationery, and premium gift items. With multiple weights to choose from, including a luxurious 240 lb double-thick option, there’s an Eggshell stock for just about any project.”

The photo shown is 120 lb Eggshell Ultra White.

110 lb Smooth

“Think of our 110 lb Smooth Cover as the baseline premium cardstock and a great starting point for just about any project. As our second most popular cover stock, it’s cost-effective without sacrificing quality. Its semi-smooth finish has just a touch of texture while still printing photos and full-flood color beautifully. From social stationery and gift tags to gift enclosures and more, it’s a versatile, premium paper at a great price point.”

The photo shown is 110 lb Smooth Ultra White. 

110 lb Felt

“Felt is our most heavily textured paper, featuring a rich, watercolor-like finish that artists love. Perfect for showcasing watercolor or other artistic designs with a color flair.”

The photo shown is 110 lb Felt Bright White. 

118 lb Cotton

“Available in Brilliant White and Natural white, Cotton is our most luxurious paper. Made of 100% natural cotton fibers, this paper provides a soft tactile finish. This is one of our higher-end papers, perfect for all things wedding and luxury personalized stationery. Because of the cost, I don’t typically recommend it for stationers designing non-personalized items such as art prints or greeting cards since pricing can be competitive in the wholesale market.”

The photo shown is 118 lb Cotton Natural White. 

70 lb Text

“This paper is in our top 5 for predominantly notepads and envelope liners. Offering a completely smooth finish, this cost-effective stock has dominated the text weight options. Some people do their product packaging with it as well. For example, if you sell tea towels, you might choose 70 lb text weight for your belly band.”

The photo shown is 70 lb Text Brilliant White. 

One of the best things about stationery is that it’s an art form. Paper may be your canvas, and you get to choose which kind makes the beauty of your designs stand out. What works for one stationer may not work for another. Choosing different paper types by weight, colors, and textures gives you plenty of ways to keep quality and pricing at the forefront of your business.

PrintsWell has been in the stationery printing industry for over three decades. We’ve partnered with thousands of stationers and artists all over the country to bring their designs to life. If you’re ready to take the hassle of printing and shipping off your plate, we’d love to work with you! You won’t find our standard of quality and pricing anywhere else! Set up an account today and let’s get to work.