The thrill of bringing home an award or certificate does not dull as you get older, in fact it may even increase. As a kid, everyone is always a winner, and everyone gets an award for one achievement or another. But as an adult or a person in the workforce for many years, receiving a certificate of appreciation or certificate of achievement means so much more, because you know that you earned it. A college student receiving a diploma for the first time is filled with pride and elation at what they have accomplished in four years. Presenting a certificate of merit to someone who has made significant contributions to their institution is a wonderful way to show them that their work has not gone unnoticed. These awards are kept and displayed for years to come, as a reminder of hard work and achievements.
Choosing the right paper to print your awards and certificates on is the difference between someone keeping and treasuring their awards in beautiful frames, versus throwing them away as something unwanted and cheaply made.
People don’t know how much work and thought goes into preparing awards, from selecting the perfect wording and font to the paper that is used. It is important to choose the right paper and paper weight, as the quality of the paper makes all the difference. When the recipient is proudly standing on stage accepting their award bearing your institution’s seal or logo, make sure they have something they can be proud of.
Choosing The Best Award Certificate Paper
Blank certificate paper is perfect for creating Certificates of Recognition to present to teachers, students, employees, and others that you want to acknowledge. A little goes a long way, and everyone would appreciate a high-quality certificate or award that they can show off with pride. Give them to your coworkers to let them know you value their hard work, present them to your volunteers for showing up and helping out, or your community members for stepping up when it is needed.
The type of certificate you are creating will determine the certificate paper type you will need. Most certificates are printed on 8.5 x 11 size paper, but some other popular sizes are 8.5 x 14, 11 x 17, and 11 x 14. The standard certificate orientation is landscape, but if you have a template that is in portrait be sure to get the right size to fit the template.
Paper weight is another big consideration. Most consumer laser printers can handle up to 80-100 lb paper weight. While 24lb is great for more informal awards and can be produced in large quantities to have on hand, for printing formal certificates and diplomas that have that quality feel, 80lb paper is the right “weight” to go. Most weights work well with both laser and inkjet printers
When it comes to the best color for certificates, most awards, diplomas and certificates are printed on neutral tone color paper or light pastels, which brings the focus to the text. Shades of whites, creams and light browns are most popular, and for added luster and richness choose gold or silver metallic paper.
Parchment Certificate Paper
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Parchment paper is a great choice for certificates and awards and gives off an aged and formal air while being easy to work with. The 24lb printable parchment paper comes in 7 neutral tones and smooth paper finish, with the texture and feel of historical documents that will leave your certificates looking and feeling authentic. You cannot go wrong using parchment paper for certificates, as the unique mottled appearance of the paper will create an important looking award. The paper is easily compatible with laser and inkjet printers, and even typewriters for those who want to go the extra mile for authenticity. Parchment paper also creates a naturally blank background, that is easy to print text and graphics on, that stand out.
Business or educational awards work perfectly with the 24lb weight parchment paper and will work with any template you choose. Parchment paper certificates fit easily into frames or jacket holders for the most formal awards ceremonies. Prepare your many awards and certificates with parchment paper for the best-looking certificates. |
Opposite parchment paper we have a beautiful linen cardstock paper in 80lb weight. The benefit of the heavier weight paper is it works well for more formal achievements like graduation diplomas or executive awards. The soft, cloth-like feel and texture captures the feel of real linen and will have your certificates standing out as elegant and sophisticated. It is an excellent choice when you really want to impress those who deserve recognition.
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| 8.5 x 11 Parchment | 8.5 x 14 Parchment | 11 x 17 Parchment |
Foil Certificate Paper
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Upgrade your awards ceremony with the luster and shine that the gold foil certificate paper adds and celebrate achievements in style. Even the names of the paper are dazzling, in Ice Gold, Lustre, and Gold Leaf metallic paper that will turn your ordinary paper awards into glamorous keepsakes worth taking home and hanging on display.
The heavyweight 80lb cover stock is a sturdy and impressive paper that the recipients of your awards will be proud to receive. They can be framed or displayed on a mantle or shelf and will last for years, as the conveniently acid-free and lignin-free materials will prevent the prestigious awards from turning yellow and brittle over time. The 80lb metallic cardstock is easy to print on and is also compatible with most printers. Starting at 25 sheets per pack up to 3000 sheets, make sure you leave no one out and check your list twice to ensure that everyone is acknowledged properly. |
There are so many ways to give brilliant and beautiful awards, but the metallic foil paper is that extra bit nicer and more exciting to receive. And when giving awards, acknowledgements, or diplomas, don’t you want to go with the best? After all, it is not just the person receiving it who matters, but your reputation as well. Be sure to stand out with the best quality paper and the finest most sophisticated awards.
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| 8.5 x 11 Curious Metallics | 11 x 17 Curious Metallics | 12 x 18 Curious Metallics |
Certificate Paper Weight
When it comes to certificate printing paper weight, no two are created equal. You want to make sure to get the right paper weight for your certificates and to be sure they will work with your printer. There are a few common weights when it comes to paper used for certificates. The 24lb paper like the parchment paper featured above is a lighter weight paper that is perfect for certificates and other achievement awards. 24lb prints very well and has the right substance to withstand being handled, and it stands out nicely. It is also made for easy embossing. It is great to use for things like student awards, employee of the month, star student awards, or other awards and acknowledgments that people will appreciate.
The 80lb paper like the metallic and linen that we discussed is a heavier paper and is better for diplomas and other more prestigious awards that can be framed or stand on their own. Beyond 80lb is 100lb and even higher, and as the weight increases so does the paper thickness. If you choose a paper weight that is too thick it can cause paper jams or damage your printer. The great thing about the 80lb paper thickness is that it will support any raised or embossed text or seals that you apply and will not show through on the other side. It is also a great option for calligraphy that will not bleed on the paper.
The paper weight, size, color, and style that you choose says a lot about the importance of the certificate you are presenting. So choose wisely.