If you have ever looked into alternatives to standard, wood fiber paper, you’ve probably come across synthetic paper. However, there is a serious lack of quality information out there on synthetic paper, including what it is, its composition, its benefits, and its many uses. Most consumers are unsure if synthetic paper can offer the same printing solutions as regular paper and, as a result, they opt for wood fiber paper. Unfortunately, wood fiber paper is actually inferior in a number of ways, to say nothing of its negative impact on the planet as a whole.

So, in today’s synthetic paper guide, we are going to teach you everything you need to know about synthetic paper. This should help you make a decision if you’re considering purchasing synthetic paper in the future!

What Is Synthetic Paper?

Synthetic paper is made of polypropylene or polyethylene synthetic resin. In this way, synthetic paper’s composition resembles plastic more than it does paper. However, this doesn’t mean that synthetic paper looks or feels plastic. In fact, it is specifically designed to mimic the same physical qualities as paper, making most types of synthetic paper virtually indistinguishable from their wood fiber-based counterparts.

In addition to the fact that synthetic paper does not require trees or wood in its production, it is also made to be extremely durable. While you may not be able to tell the difference between synthetic paper and wood fiber paper at first glance, you can tell the difference when you start to work with both of them. More specifically, synthetic paper is made durable thanks to multiple layers of polyester film. These layers make it so that it is very difficult, perhaps even impossible, to tear synthetic paper by hand. Additionally, synthetic paper is resistant to water, unlike traditional wood fiber paper that immediately swells and disintegrates when exposed to moisture.

Benefits Of Synthetic Paper

As previously mentioned, synthetic paper is specifically designed to outperform traditional, wood fiber paper in a number of ways. Here, we will look at some of the most important and notable benefits of synthetic paper.

Environmental Sustainability

One of the main issues that people have with wood fiber paper is that it requires the consumption of Earth’s natural resources — specifically trees. In order to produce all the paper that the global population uses, paper manufacturers must decimate forests and jungles around the world. Consequently, the over-production of wood fiber paper is rapidly increasing the impact of global warming and more localized environmental decay. Fortunately, synthetic paper is far superior in this regard. Not only is synthetic paper manufactured without the use of trees, but it also has a much longer life for recycling. Typically, wood fiber paper can only be recycled two or three times (for lower-grade products), as it quickly degrades in quality. Alternatively, synthetic paper is far more durable and can be reused for the same products multiple times.

Durability

Synthetic paper is most notable for being waterproof and tearproof, which makes it an obvious step up from traditional forms of paper. With wood fiber paper, just holding it the wrong way can cause small tears and imperfections. On the other hand, synthetic paper is highly resistant to damage from physical objects, water, and even the sun. This means that you can use fade-resistant synthetic paper for years without it losing its luster. One additional benefit is the fact that you can wash waterproof paper. Having washable paper means that you never have to worry about spilling coffee on an important report right before your big meeting or accidentally ruining your Christmas cards before you can send them out. In short, synthetic paper is strong enough to withstand just about anything!

Versatility

Due to their physical weakness, wood fiber papers are often hidden or somehow protected from the elements for safekeeping. You may choose to keep an important document stored in a filing cabinet or even tucked away in your wallet. Either way, you have to be careful with documents printed on wood fiber paper, especially if you don’t have any kind of digital backup. With synthetic paper, you can take your important documents anywhere. Since they are UV resistant, waterproof, chemical resistant, and washable, there are very few things that could actually damage your documents! This makes synthetic paper far more versatile, as it can withstand a wide range of environments without showing any noticeable degradation.

How To Print With Synthetic Paper

While the process for printing documents with synthetic paper is slightly different, it is not overly complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide on synthetic paper printing:

First, whether you have a laser or an inkjet printer, you should refer to your printer’s manual for any specific instructions or settings related to synthetic paper printing. Test the paper with your equipment to ensure that it is the right size and material for your intended application. Consider having a technician adjust the settings before use (not required, but recommended). Make sure that the sheets of paper have been conditioned to the environment in which they will be printed for at least 24 hours. The best print results generally occur at temperatures between 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F). Print your documents once you have confirmed all of the settings and conditions above (Steps 1 – 5). Consider laminating your synthetic paper prints to extend their print life even further, but make sure that the lamination film is compatible with your paper before applying this technique.

Common Synthetic Paper Uses

Synthetic paper is most often applied in situations where durable prints, tags, or documents are required. More specifically, its water resistance, UV resistance, and chemical resistance make it the ideal choice for a number of different commercial industries. For example, synthetic paper is frequently employed in horticultural environments, including plant nurseries, lumber mills, and similar environments that make use of tags and products for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Synthetic paper is also useful for any printed items that require a long shelf-life. For example, many restaurants use synthetic paper for menus (often in tandem with lamination), so that they can use the same menus for years on end. Additionally, pharmaceutical and food-processing companies also use synthetic paper to create long-lasting tags and documentation for medicine, food, and drink packaging.

However, synthetic paper is not just for commercial use. You can use synthetic paper for a wide range of domestic needs, from identifying tags in your home garden to important documentation that you want to keep safe from damage. Thus, there is virtually no shortage of ways you can use and benefit from synthetic paper!

Signage and Tags

Ready to Buy Synthetic Paper?

As you can see, synthetic paper offers an excellent alternative to traditional wood fiber paper. Not only does it have a much longer shelf life, but it can also be recycled many more times, which can help reduce the strain it puts on both forests and landfills. Additionally, synthetic paper comes with a number of inherent advantages, from water resistance to tear resistance. In short, synthetic paper is a great alternative to traditional wood fiber paper that comes with a mountain of amazing benefits!

Ready to start your next project? Check out our synthetic paper offerings today, and let us know how you put our synthetic paper to good use!

Decoupage is a crafting technique enjoyed by children and adults alike. The art that can be created with the decoupaging technique is so unique and personal, it’s no wonder why people of all ages dapple in it. There is no right or wrong, perfect or straight, when it comes to decoupage. In fact, the messier and more chaotic it is, the more awe inspiring and thought provoking the art becomes.

You may be wondering – can you decoupage with cardstock? The simple answer is yes. The beauty of decoupage is that you can literally use almost any material in existence.

What Is Decoupage?

Before beginning to explain how to decoupage, let’s first review what the meaning of the word actually is. Other than being a hard to pronounce word (pronounced ‘deco-paj’), decoupage is a crafting technique in which you decorate an object with paper cutouts, swatches of material, metallic embellishments, magazine clippings, and other decorative elements. The way in which you get these decorative elements to adhere to the object of your choice is with mod podge glue and a paintbrush.

What Do You Need For Decoupage?

In order to begin your decoupage craft, you must first gather the necessary supplies. Make sure to have an assortment of decorative elements. It can be a pile of magazine clippings, scrapbook paper, wallpaper swatches, or the like. Once you have a variety of materials, you will need mod podge glue. The beauty of mod podge glue is that it acts both as an adhesive and a sealant. The last of the decoupage supplies that you will need are a couple of paint brushes in varying sizes. With these decoupage materials in hand, you are ready to begin crafting.

Best Cardstock For Decoupage

You can decoupage in one of two ways:

Method One: You can use a sheet of cardstock paper and glue your decorative items onto it. This method works well if you are looking to create original signage or decorations to hang on a wall. This method is also great for creating unique personalized cards, whether it be birthday cards, holiday cards, or get-well cards.

Method Two: You can use smaller pieces of cardstock as some of your decorative elements and glue them onto an object of your choice, be it a vase, a plate, or the like.

Both methods provide endless opportunities for creativity, but the type of cardstock for each method should be different. With the first method, when you are gluing decorations onto the cardstock paper, you want a heavyweight cardstock. A thick cardstock paper will withstand whatever decorative elements you are gluing onto it.

However, when it comes to the second method, a heavy cardstock is actually a negative. Since you are gluing smaller pieces of cardstock onto an object, you want a lighter weight cardstock that has some give to it and will therefore adhere nicely to whichever surface you place it on.

How To Decoupage Cardstock

Now that the basics for decoupage have been covered, it’s time to unleash your creativity. Once you’ve got the decoupage method down pat, you can really apply the craft to almost anything.

Let’s use a birthday card as an example. Begin by selecting a heavyweight cardstock paper. As mentioned previously, if the cardstock will act as the base for the decoupage, it needs to have a significant weight. Fold the sheet of paper in half and start to decorate.

In order to begin decorating, make sure you have a variety of decorative elements on hand. Magazine clippings, ribbons, wallpaper swatches, and tissue paper all work wonderfully, but the sky is really the limit when it comes to choosing your styling elements. Clippings of letters in various font shapes, sizes, and colors are an amazing design element to use when wanting to write out words on the front of your card.

Once you have made your decor decisions, it’s time to start painting with mod podge glue. Use a large paintbrush to paint an even layer of glue over the front of the card. Then simply begin placing your decorations wherever you would like. Don’t worry about creating neat lines; the beauty of decoupage is the almost purposefully chaotic appearance of it.

When you are done filling the space, allow everything to dry for at least thirty minutes. Finally, carefully use a large paintbrush to paint another even layer of mod podge glue over your artwork. This will seal everything in place permanently. Allow everything to dry once more. When the front of the birthday card feels dry to the touch, you can open it up and write your birthday wishes inside.

Another great idea for a decoupage craft is decorating your very own candy dish. Begin by choosing a glass or hard plastic shallow dish. Dollar stores are a great place to find pieces like this. Make sure to wash out the dish and wipe it down thoroughly before beginning your project.

Once again, make sure that you have plenty of decorative elements on hand before you begin to paint your dish with a layer of mod podge glue. If you first do the glue and then go collect your styling elements, the glue will already be half dry and won’t be sticky enough.

Flip the dish upside down and paint an even layer of mod podge glue all around the sides and bottom of the dish. Begin decorating. If you would like to stick to the theme of it being a candy bowl, try to incorporate empty candy wrappers into your design. However, the creative liberties you wish to take are entirely up to you.

When you are finished decorating, allow for everything to dry before applying another layer of mod podge glue which will act as a permanent sealant. Allow to dry once more. Then simply collect your favorite candies and fill the dish.

Birthday cards and candy dishes are just two examples of what can be decorated with the decoupage technique. Once you understand the method, which is really quite simple, you can decorate any surface you like. The limits for creativity are really endless and the hours of fun it creates are priceless. So roll up your sleeves and start your decoupage project today.

Sometimes you need a cute little box. Home Depot and Lowes are no help in that department. You don’t need something the size of a moving box and smaller boxes are usually considered specialty items and cost a lot more than a small box ought to cost. The good news is that you can make your very own DIY box out of cardstock paper.

What Cardstock Is Used For Boxes

When making your own cardstock box, it is important to select the correct cardstock weight for the project. Logically, it might make sense to choose a cardstock that is very heavyweight. After all, you want your box to be strong and durable. However, too heavy of a cardstock can be a negative. When paper is very thick, it can break when it is folded.

Therefore, it is generally best to stay away from cardstock with a weight of over one hundred pounds. An eighty-pound weight is usually the best cardstock for making boxes. You can obviously play with the cardstock weight a little bit depending on what you plan to put inside the box. Something very light can even use a sixty-pound cardstock weight and something heavier might need a cardstock weight closer to one hundred pounds.

How To Make A Box From Cardstock

In order to make your DIY cardstock box, you must first think about what it is that you plan to put inside. With that knowledge, you can select the correct cardstock weight. You can also choose which color you would like your box to be. Once you have your selected 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock paper in hand, you can begin making your very own unique small box.

1. Place the sheet vertically on the table in front of you.
2. Draw a line the width of a ruler across the top and bottom of your cardstock paper.
3. Then draw a line the width of a ruler once more going down the right hand and left hand sides of the paper. These four lines determine the depth of your box.
4. Fold all four traced lines inwards. Use a scoring tool such as the back of a kitchen knife to ensure a neat and even fold.
5. Then fold the bottom folded section up to the edge of the fold near the top of the page. Once again, use a scoring tool to achieve a good fold.
6. Allow that fold to open up and trace a line across that folded line that you created.
7. Do the same thing at the top of the page – fold the top folded section down to the edge of the fold near the bottom of the page.
8. Allow the folded section to open again and trace another line across that folded line you created.
9. With a pair of scissors, cut into the short lines on the right hand and left hand sides of the paper. There should be a total of 4 short lines on each side.
10. Fold in the six small squares that you have created by cutting into the short lines.
11. Take a glue stick and place glue on each of the six folded-in squares.
12. Fold the bottom of the paper upward and start sticking the box together using the glue flaps as guides on how to assemble the box.
13. Do the same at the top of the paper to create the lid of the box.
14. Use binder clips to hold the glued parts together until they fully dry.

Fourteen steps may seem daunting in order to create one rectangular box, but you will whiz through each step pretty quickly. Once you have the method down pat, it will take you no more than a few minutes, if even, to create your very own cardstock box. If you would like a square box instead of a rectangular one, the above method works in exactly the same way. The only difference is that you would need to begin the project with an 8 x 8 inch sheet of cardstock paper.

How To Make A Gift Box Out Of Cardstock

Now that you know how to assemble your cardstock box, you can make your own small gift box from the comfort of your home. Depending on the theme of the occasion, be it birthday, wedding keepsakes, or graduation, you can decorate your cardstock paper accordingly before beginning the 14 steps.

The back of the cardstock paper is what will be the outside of the box so that is what you should decorate first. However, if you would like to get really creative, you can also decorate the front of the cardstock paper so that the inside of the box looks beautiful as well. Imagine a piece of jewelry sitting inside a decorated space, the visual would be stunning.

How To Make Cupcake Boxes Out Of Cardstock

You can even use your cardstock boxes for party favors. What party favor is more delicious than mini cupcakes? There’s no need to place them inside ugly sandwich bags. You can use the same 14 step method listed above, however, you will have to make adjustments to the initial four folds. Those four folds determine the depth of your single cupcake box and you obviously need a more significant depth for a cupcake. So instead of using the width of a ruler to create those folds, measure 3-inches worth of space for each of those folds. The remaining steps are all the same. When completed, you will have your very own party favor box.

As you can see, once you understand the fourteen steps needed to create your cardstock box, the sky is really the limit in terms of what types of boxes you can create. If you need a larger box, you can use an 8.5 x 14 inch sheet of paper, or even an 11 x 17 inch sheet of paper. If you want the box to be rectangular, you can keep the size of the paper as is. If you would like the box to be square-shaped, you can simply trim it down to create an even square before you begin.

As described above, you can also play with the depth of the box that you create. For shorter depths, you can use the width of a ruler for steps number two and three. If you need more depth, you can adjust the space of those folds accordingly. You can really create just about any size box you need depending on what you would like to place inside.

When it comes to design, the levels of creativity are endless. You can use watercolor or acrylic paints to decorate your cardstock paper before beginning the assembly process. You can use glitter, marker, metallic embellishments, you name it. You can decorate just the outside of the box or you can decorate the inside of the box as well. The personalization options are limitless so let those creative juices start flowing and make your masterpiece of a DIY cardstock box.

An often overlooked but craft workbox essential is adhesive. The search for the best glue quickly turns serious when all the other elements of your cardstock project are planned and perfected.

Whether you are making creative name-tags or handmade greeting cards, the best glue for cardstock projects differs depending on what you wish to do with them. The next most important element to consider is how the project will be used: will it be kept as a memento? From handmade cards to sparkly creations, here is the ultimate glue guide you will need to seal the deal on your cardstock project.

Best Glue For Cardstock Paper and Cards

What is the best glue for card making? If you are mostly doing a lot of papercraft, cardstock to cardstock, then investing in a simple papercraft glue will be the best choice. Any PVA craft glue will do if you are making your own cardstock cards, such as cardstock invitations. Make sure the label says that it is a clear drying glue. For glue that goes on clear and dries that way without running, many crafters prefer Elmer’s Craft Bond Paper Craft Glue Gel. If adding photos, permanent roller tapes are handy for keeping the edges down without awkward leaks or ugly bulk. If you need to remove the adhesive, the composition is very forgiving. One affordable option for a slim adhesive to cover large areas is Zip Dry Glue. You can assemble cardstock invitations in a short time, and if any seeps out, you can rub it away easily without causing damage to the paper. A little smelly, it is similar to Rubber Cement, but it does not cause ripples in the paper.

For gluing large pieces, some crafters prefer a traditional glue paste applied with a brush as the best adhesive. However, you should keep a bone tool nearby to ensure a smooth surface.

You may be surprised to learn glue sticks have staying power when it comes to cardstock cards, but if you are attempting a 3D papercraft project, you will need an adhesive that is a little tackier. The glue stick shape itself can also present difficulty when you have to rely on precise angles and applications.

Best Glue For Cardstock Cake Toppers and Flowers

What if you are working with embellishments, such as bright color cardstock flowers or cardstock cake toppers? Different paper types each present their own challenges for gluing in terms of texture. Using a brush to apply a tacky glue or Mod Podge sealant is a sure way to make sure these more 3D pieces stick, but you must have a careful hand. These glues are strong enough to take on the thickest cardstock and heaviest of trinkets. However, the drying time can also take much longer. When working with embellishments such as cardstock flowers, you are often gluing small pieces. In this instance, glue dots are ideal to add such details as plastics, lace, or jewels.

Best Glue For Cardstock To Wood

One challenge of applying cardstock to wood is ensuring that air bubbles do not form underneath the paper. Stick with a PVA, tacky glue over watery glue. While wood glue can work, it is more prone to wrinkling than tacky glue. However, its paste-like texture is more similar to tacky glue than hot glue or super glue which will definitely cause wrinkles. For a cleaner finish, use a wood sealant to smooth out the surface of the wood. Before you begin, sand down the wood until smooth, and then apply a polyurethane wood sealant until dry. It’s not necessary, but it is an excellent preventative measure so materials don’t go to waste. When you want the paper to perfectly adhere to wood, pour a consistent, thick line of tacky glue. Do not doodle with the glue, as you will use a foam brush to ensure an even application all the way to the edges. You can purchase tacky glue in white or clear varieties.

Once you have applied the glue, line up the paper’s edge at an angle with the wood. Start with one corner and smooth it out across the wood’s surface slowly to avoid air bubbles.

Best Glue For Glitter Cardstock

Getting glue to stick to shiny glitter cardstock paper can prove difficult to stick as its surface is not smooth at all. Fortunately, one simple hack makes glue stick right to glitter cardstock. Rub the cardstock with a bone tool or lightly with sandpaper to knock off the excess glitter. Then, apply a multipurpose glue such as Beacon 3-in-1 or a permanent adhesive like Xyron. For detail work, a glue pen will provide more control over the amount of glue you are placing down as well as precision. Keep in mind that too much liquid glue applied will curl the paper, so in this instance, you should avoid tacky glue.

Another glue to consider is silicon glue, which is sturdy and clear. A pliable, clear liquid glue is the best choice to make such an uneven surface as glitter cardstock paper stay down.

“Glue” Tape Is the Back-Up Plan You Need

In a pinch, you can also rely on double-sided tape for thinner glitter cardstock. When working with cardstock on cardstock, a slim application is best.

Consider a tape glider or tape runner, which comes in both general-purpose and archival bond purpose. Different brands of roll-on glue tape give you the permanent adhesive stick you need without the mess, but when it comes to heavier elements, liquid glue is still the best go-to.

Closing Thoughts

While it seems that gluing various pieces together is pretty straightforward, the task can get tricky quickly. Always check the label on the glue bottle to ensure that the surfaces and materials involved are correct.

Even then, there are additional considerations to take into account. What are you making? Is it temporary or meant to be a keepsake? You will want to ensure that the adhesive will not discolor or break down over time. While liquid glue takes longer to dry, it provides more assurance of permanence. If the project is temporary and fun, then you may feel less worried about such properties.

Choosing the best glue for cardstock projects comes down to asking yourself a few simple questions. Will you glue a 3D or flat object, a small area or a large area? Will the project be kept as a memento or thrown away after a brief period? Will the glue need to try hard or tacky? In the end, selecting the correct adhesive for your craft project is just as important as picking the right paper.

There is just something about glitter that makes everything more exciting. It provides a sparkly pop that no amount of paint or markers could ever achieve. Besides for the unique color effect that glitter can accomplish, it also allows you to create dimension in otherwise one-dimensional crafting projects. For such a simple art supply, glitter is truly special.

You might think that using glitter is as simple as opening the glitter container and shaking it to your heart’s content. However, if you want to avoid the dreaded glitter flaking off and falling everywhere, along with picking flecks of glitter from every surface for the next six months, here are some important tips on how to make DIY glitter cardstock.

How To Make Glitter Stick To Paper

It may seem self-explanatory when you think about how to make glitter stick to paper, after all even preschoolers do it. Yet we have all dealt with one too many glitter projects wreaking havoc all over the house. The pieces of glitter linger for months and are so difficult to clean up. The trick is all about choosing the right adhesive. Without the right binding agent, those little pieces of glitter will end up literally everywhere. Surprisingly, the best glue for glitter is either simple white Elmer’s glue or Mod Podge glue. Both will act as optimal adhesive agents for the glitter to adhere to. In order to distribute glitter over cardstock paper, it is important to layer an even amount of glue on the paper first. The best way to do this is by using a paintbrush to spread the glue evenly across your entire cardstock paper. If the glue is not spread evenly, you will end up with clumps of glitter in certain areas and bare patches in others. The extra few seconds that it takes to carefully create an even layer of glue will be well worth your time.

How To Seal Glitter On Cardstock

Once you have evenly dispensed your glue and poured the glitter in an even layer on top of it, you are at the most crucial stage in your DIY glitter cardstock project. You need to keep the glitter on the paper without it falling off like tiny sparkly snowflakes threatening to overtake your space. Before tackling this step, it is vitally important to make sure that your initial layer of glue beneath the glitter has completely dried. This usually takes up to four hours. Once your cardstock paper is dry, gently brush off any excess glitter and make sure the glitter coating is to your liking. Now you are ready to seal all of that glittery goodness. There are two primary methods you can use to seal your glitter. The first method requires you to use a Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray. Carefully spray an even coat over your cardstock paper and allow it to dry. If you are already in the middle of your glitter project and realize you don’t have the Mod Podge glue spray at home, there is another sealing method you can use which requires a very commonly found household item. Believe it or not, hair spray acts as a good sealant and will work to seal in your glitter and prevent unwanted shedding.

Glitter Cardstock Project Ideas

Now that you have mastered the craft of DIY glitter cardstock, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can create. Glitter cardstock can be used for so many crafting projects. Want your holiday ornaments to have some more pizazz? Take sheets of green cardstock paper and trace Christmas trees. Cut them out and place them on the side. Then take red cardstock paper and trace circles and cut them out as well.

Once you have your cutouts prepared, it’s time to use your newfound glitter knowledge. After evenly spreading the glue with a paintbrush, you can shake green glitter over the trees and red glitter over the circle ornaments. Once dried, use Mod Podge spray or hairspray to seal in the glitter. With minimal effort, you have taken ordinary ornaments and added dimension and festivity to them.

Holiday ornaments are not the only things that you can use glitter cardstock for. Cake toppers are another great idea. Instead of wasting money on overpriced readymade ones, you can add your own personalized touch to the birthday cake of your loved one. Whether you want to use their age, their name, or a fun inside joke, you can trace and cut out whatever cake topper idea you desire. After spreading the glue evenly, you can use glitter in their favorite color to add that magical sparkle effect. The icing on the cake, quite literally, is that now that you know how to seal the glitter, you will not have to worry about unwanted glitter frosting.

Glitter cardstock is also used for invitations. Whether it’s a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a graduation party, glitter invitations will definitely make it to a prominent place on the fridge of each and every one of its recipients. As if handmade invitations do not already convey a beautiful & personalized touch, glitter enhances the look even more to create something truly unique and special.

You can also sublimate glitter cardstock. Sublimation is the transferring of any custom picture, print or design onto something else. When you walk through a mall in any random town or city, you can usually find at least one kiosk offering to put any custom design or picture onto a t-shirt, mug, or notebook.

The good news is that you can use glitter cardstock for sublimation as well. You can choose any photo or design that you love and sublimate it onto glitter cardstock. The personalization choices are entirely up to you. You can have a solid color glitter cardstock or you can mix different colors of glitter to create a stunningly unique backdrop for whatever art you choose to sublimate.

As is evident from the aforementioned examples, there are endless opportunities when it comes to crafting with DIY glitter cardstock. It can instantly transform any project by adding dimension and color that only glitter can achieve. No matter which craft you decide to make, instead of using simple cardstock paper, elevate your game and use glitter cardstock instead.

More importantly, now that you know the right technique for DIY glitter cardstock, there is no need to worry about the dreaded mess that has eternally been unfairly associated with glitter. As long as you use Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray or hairspray to seal your glitter, it will no longer be necessary to rummage for flecks of glitter on your hands and knees as you desperately attempt to clean up. So, whip out your glitter canisters and manifest those childhood glitter dreams.

Cardstock paper can be a blank canvas for millions of projects. They can be used to create birthday cards, holiday ornaments, decorative signs, and so much more. The sky is really the limit when it comes to what you can achieve with cardstock paper. Whatever the creative within you decides, decorating the cardstock is generally a crucial step in any cardstock project.

While crayons and markers are both valuable coloring tools, sometimes it’s just more fun to whip out the paints and brushes. There is something therapeutic about the stroke of a paintbrush that just awakens the artist hiding in each of us. Painting allows for bursts of creative expression that ordinary coloring just cannot achieve.

Can You Paint On Cardstock?

Before painting, the important question to ask is whether cardstock paper works as a good canvas for paint. The good news is that you can most definitely paint cardstock. Since it is significantly thicker than ordinary paper, it can withstand the weight of paint without losing its integrity. In this painting cardstock guide, we will discuss whether there is a best paint for cardstock and which painting techniques work best for different types of cardstock paper.

Acrylic Painting On Cardstock

One of the more popular paint types is acrylic paint. Acrylic paints tend to be more pigmented than watercolor paints and allow for endless possibilities when it comes to painting. A primary concern when it comes to cardstock painting is whether the paper can withstand the paint. No one wants to spend hours on a painting only to have the paper warp as it dries.

In order to prevent the dreaded warping, it is important to use a dry brush when painting with acrylic paints on cardstock paper. This means that your brush head needs to be checked prior to painting and the bristles must be completely dry. If you are switching paint colors during painting and wash your brush, make sure to dry the bristles completely before continuing to paint.

Not all cardstock papers are created equal. When it comes to selecting cardstock for painting, it is best to choose a thicker cardstock. The thicker the cardstock, the better it can withstand the amount of paint on its surface. Depending on your painting project, you can decide which cardstock thickness works best. If your plan is to paint a few small decorations, a midweight cardstock will be more than adequate. If you want to paint the entire paper, a heavyweight cardstock would be ideal.

Besides for the actual weight of the cardstock, it is important to note that the best paper for acrylic paint will not be one hundred percent smooth. Texture allows the paint to absorb better. For this reason, make sure to stay away from any glossy finishes. To achieve optimal results, use acrylic paint on mid-weight to heavyweight cardstock that has a slightly textured feel to it.

Watercolor Painting On Cardstock

Acrylic paints and watercolor paints could not be more different. One is not better than the other. It really just comes down to personal preference. Watercolor paints can create masterpieces of subtle calming colors that no other paint can really achieve. If watercolor is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that watercolor paints can be used on cardstock paper. However, because the paint is different, the same rules do not apply.

When it comes to watercolor painting, it is impossible to use the dry brush painting method that is recommended when painting with acrylic paint. Watercolor paints require a wet brush. For this reason, it is extremely important to use a heavyweight cardstock paper. When selecting cardstock for watercolor painting, you should ideally choose a cardstock with a weight of 130 pounds. The weight of the paper will allow it to withstand the water without warping.

Once you have selected your heavyweight cardstock paper, you can use your watercolors to begin painting. If you plan to use a lot of paint in overlapping layers, it is recommended to allow each part to dry before continuing. Even heavyweight cardstock can’t withstand too much water. It’s advisable to pay attention to the amount of watercolor paint on cardstock; use your judgement on drying times and what the paper can withstand.

Spray Painting Cardstock

There is something about spray paint that just screams fun. Graffiti is generally the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning spray paint. While there is an entire culture of street art dedicated to spray painting graffiti, spray paint can be used in so many other ways. It’s such an alternative painting method since it doesn’t abide by the typical painting method of using a paintbrush. Spray paint can allow you to easily change the color of an entire paper. It can also be used to create tie-dye effects as well as many other unique designs.

When selecting cardstock paper for painting, it is important to choose a heavyweight cardstock that can withstand the amount of paint you plan to use. If your plan is to spray paint a few small stencils, a medium to heavyweight cardstock will be perfect. If you want to spray paint more than a third of the paper, it is recommended to use a true heavyweight cardstock.

Painting with spray paints differs greatly than painting with acrylics. Whereas rough slightly textured paper is the best option for acrylics, a smooth glossy finish is the ideal choice when spray painting. The reason for this is that when it comes to acrylics, you want the paper to absorb the paint so a texture that is not completely smooth will achieve that. In contrast, when it comes to spray painting, you don’t want the paper to absorb the paint. You want the paint to sit on top of the paper and dry there.

Once you have selected your heavyweight glossy cardstock paper, you can begin the spray painting project of your dreams. Get creative and use painters tape to create unique cut-out looking designs. When spray painting, since the paint sits on top of the paper and doesn’t absorb into it, it is important to allow each layer of paint to dry before continuing to spray additional paint. Also, don’t worry if the spray paint doesn’t look one hundred percent even, the slight differences in texture are what makes the spray painting method so unique.

When you spray paint cardstock, it is important to be in a well-ventilated room. The fumes can get a little heady and proper ventilation is very important. Open a few windows before you begin and allow them to stay open for at least an hour or two once you have finished in order to allow all of the fumes to escape.

As long as you remember these basic tips when it comes to painting cardstock, you can really take as many creative liberties as you like when creating your masterpiece. Whether you’d like to awaken the street artist within you or whether you prefer an idyllic Van-Gogh style painting, the sky is really the limit when it comes to painting. Simply roll up your sleeves, include the whole family, and paint away!

Folding a sheet of paper may sound like an easy thing to do, but cardstock is thicker than regular paper and there’s nothing worse than a messy fold. In order to fold cardstock neatly, it needs to be scored. This ensures a smooth hinge-like fold that looks like high-end greeting cards purchased at stores. There are many different methods with which to score cardstock. Each method will be explained below.

Score Cardstock With Your Cricut

A cricut is a cutting machine that is able to cut many different types of materials. In addition to cutting, it is also able to score. The cricut machine can use one of two different attachments to score cardstock – the scoring stylus or the scoring wheel.

Both tools will allow you to score cardstock for folding. The main difference between them is that the scoring wheel gives you two different tips. One is for lighter materials, i.e., regular paper and cardstock, and the second one is for even thicker paper, like posterboard. The scoring wheel also allows for adjustable pressure, so it is a much more powerful tool.

On the other hand, the scoring stylus will provide more precise scoring lines because it draws lines in single strokes. The scoring wheel is driven by an adaptive tool system and therefore will have some overlapping in the lines. This holds true for regular paper and mid-weight cardstock. However, once you start working with thicker cardstock, the scoring wheel will provide smoother scoring lines because it is more powerful. Once you have decided which attachment to use with your cricut machine, you can use the Cricut Design Space. This is an app which allows you to control the machine and wirelessly score your cardstock. Once you upload your file to Cricut Design Space, you will have to adjust the layer setting which controls cutting and scoring. By default, it is set to cut, so you want to make sure to change that before beginning your project. To do so, you need to first select the layers tab. There, you can identify the scoring thumbnail easily – it is the one with no color and very thin lines. It will say “Cut” since that is the default setting.

Once you have selected the thumbnail icon of the layer you’d like to score, simply go to the Linetype Menu at the top of the screen and switch it from “Cut” to Score”. That’s it. Now you’re ready to score your paper and you just have to click the “Make It” button to start the actual scoring process.

Score Cardstock With a Bone Folder

Bone folders are another method with which to score cardstock. A bone folder tool is a traditional book-binding instrument that is rounded at one end and pointed at the other end. It is sometimes made of real bone and is an ideal tool for scoring paper and smoothing edges. To use it as a paper creaser tool, simply take a ruler and place it on the cardstock you would like to score. Run the pointed tip of the bone scorer along the edge of the ruler, pressing down as firmly as you can as you go down the length of the ruler. When finished, simply remove the ruler and your cardstock is ready to be folded. Since the bone folder is a handheld tool, it is best for smaller projects. If you need to score hundreds of cardstock papers, it can put a lot of strain on your hand when using a manual scoring tool for that long. For bigger projects, the cricut method would probably be your best bet. If you need to make a few thank you cards, the bone folder would probably be the quicker method since you don’t need to pull out the machine and adjust all the settings.

Score Cardstock Without a Cricut Or Bone Folder

What if you want to score cardstock but don’t have a cricut machine or a bone folder at home? There’s no need to worry. There are basic household utensils you can use to score cardstock. They will create a nice scoring line without the need for a cardstock scoring tool. Simply open your cutlery drawer and take out your butter knife.

With this method, like with the bone folder, you will need a ruler to hold a straight line as you score the cardstock. Using the smooth edge of the knife (and never the sharp side), press down firmly as you move along the length of the ruler and down the paper. The more pressure you exert, the deeper the score will be.

If your butter knife disappeared in one too many dishwasher cycles, there is another common household item you can use instead. Use the tip of a wooden skewer and with a ruler, do the exact same thing as you would with the butter knife. However, make sure not to press too firmly. The wooden skewer can potentially damage the cardstock if you apply too much pressure. There are even more DIY methods to score cardstock. You can use a large heavy-duty toothpick, a knitting needle, or a letter opener. There are a multitude of basic at-home items which can be used alongside a ruler in order to score paper. However, from all the household tools mentioned above, the most popular yet precise tool amongst users has been the butter knife.

Which Way To Fold Scored Cardstock

Now that you have scored your cardstock, it is time to fold it. You might think that the actual folding is self-explanatory, especially once the scored line is already there, but that is not the case. You want to make sure to fold it correctly in order to ensure the smooth clean finished look you desire.

A score line creates two distinct sides on a piece of cardstock paper. One side of the cardstock will have an indentation, while the other side will have a raised line. So which direction should you fold the paper – into the indentation or into the raised side? When you score cardstock, you are essentially stretching the fibers of the paper. Therefore, you want to fold away from the score line. In other terms, you should be folding the cardstock into the raised side and the indentation of the scored line should be on the outside of the card. An easy trick to remember this is that the mountain should be in the middle.

What happens if you do it the opposite way? Since the fibers of the cardstock are stretched when scored, if you fold into the score line, you are going against the stretch and can cause cracking in the paper. That’s the last thing you want after putting in all that effort to score your cardstock, so it’s important to remember the correct way to fold it. Now that you know how to score cardstock and how to fold it, you can get working on your crafting projects like a true Pinterest-worthy professional.

Now more than ever, it is important to celebrate the happy occasions. Whether it is a birthday, a graduation, Valentine’s day, a job promotion, or just a really productive day, there is reason to acknowledge the event and applaud the occasion. What better way to do so than with something personal and heartfelt? A handmade card shows just the right amount of personal touch; and if you take a bit of extra time and age the paper first, you will create something so unique and special.

But special occasions are not the only reason you may want to artificially age paper. You may want to make paper look old for an arts and crafts project in history class. You may want to show your kids what something from the olden days would look like. You may even want to create old fashioned invitations for a themed party. Whatever the reason may be, ageing paper can be a very cool technique to use and can come in handy more often than you would think.

There are many techniques that can be used to make weathered paper. Before you begin, choose the type of paper you would like to use. You can stress cardstock and you can age regular printer paper too. Keep in mind that the thicker the paper, the longer it will take to stain. That is not a bad thing; thicker paper is more durable and will withstand a stronger staining and not be as delicate. The look you want for your end result is entirely up to you.

Once you have chosen your paper, you need to write, print, or decorate it with whatever you plan for it to say. After staining, the paper is uneven and does not withstand writing or coloring that well, so it is best to do all of that first and leave the aging for the last step. After you have chosen your paper and decorated it, you are ready to begin the ageing process. There are many techniques you can utilize. If you really want to lean into the old-fashioned look, begin by carefully crumbling up your paper and then opening it back up. This will add to the distressed look.

Aging Paper With Tea

Tea is not just for rainy afternoons in London. You can make aged paper with tea. Place a sheet of paper onto a baking sheet or any type of tray that has a rim to prevent spillage. Boil up a small pot of water and fill a mug with the boiled water. The amount of tea bags you need will depend on how many papers you would like to stain. Generally, one tea bag is good for one paper, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the paper.

The more you let the tea bags steep, the darker your tea will be, so don’t rush the tea making process. Once you have your tea prepared, you can either use a sponge brush or the tea bag itself to begin the staining process. When using a sponge brush, simply dip the brush into the tea and start painting the paper. Don’t worry about painting evenly. Pages never age evenly so an uneven look will just add to its authenticity. If you are using a tea bag, simply dab the tea bag over the paper until you see the desired amount of color transfer onto it. Once you are done coloring the paper, it is important to put weights along the edges of the paper to hold it down while it dries. If there is nothing holding the paper down, it will crumble and warp as it dries. Another easy method to prevent warping is to place a few sheets of paper towel over the wet paper and then a book or two on top of the paper towel. That will provide plenty of weight, ensuring the paper dries and maintains its integrity.

Aging Paper With Coffee

Not all of us are tea drinkers, so what if you don’t have tea bags in the house? Not to worry, you don’t need to run to the grocery store. You can also artificially age paper with another common household item – coffee grounds. To age paper with coffee, begin by brewing the coffee. Again, remember to allow the coffee to brew so that it is strong. The stronger the coffee, the darker the stain will be. The actual staining process can be done in a few different ways.

Once you have your paper prepared on a rimmed baking tray, you can use a paint brush to stain the paper just like you would do with the tea. Alternatively, you can mimic the tea bag technique by placing coffee grounds onto the center of a paper towel sheet. Twist the paper towel around the coffee and use a rubber band or twist tie to hold it in place. Then simply dip the self-made coffee pouch into boiling water and dab it onto your paper to begin staining. If you would like an even darker stain, simply pour the coffee over the entire paper until the paper becomes completely submerged in the coffee. Let it soak for about five minutes and then very carefully, lift the paper by its edges and place it onto a surface to dry. For faster drying, you can either use a blow dryer or put the paper in the oven for five minutes at 200 degrees. You can use this fast-drying technique for the tea aging process as well.

Aging Paper With Vinegar

If you have time to prepare, you can age paper naturally with vinegar. All you need to do is pour some vinegar into a jar and add steel wool to it. Make sure not to close the lid too tightly – the chemical reaction that occurs needs room to breathe and you don’t want any explosions. Allow the jar to sit for a few days, or until the steel wool fully dissolves. Then simply soak the paper with the solution to achieve your desired stain effect. This method is also the fastest drying one.

Aging Paper With Lemon Juice

One last method you can use to stain your paper is with another very common household item – lemon juice. Begin by carefully tearing off the edges of your paper and then brushing lemon juice in broad strokes over the entire paper. Use just a touch of water to wet the torn edges of the paper. Very carefully, hold the paper over an exposed heat source and it will begin to brown. The longer you expose the paper to the flame, the darker it will become. The wet edges will prevent the paper from burning too much. As you can see from the techniques listed above, there is no best way to age paper or cardstock. There are various methods, both artificial and natural, and it really is entirely up to you which one you prefer. Each technique creates a slightly different end result, so if you really want to have fun, you can experiment with all four and choose your favorite.

There are many reasons why you might want to harden paper or cardstock. Maybe you enjoy making your own board games and pieces and need a way to make the cards hard. Or perhaps you’re into cosplay (that’s costume play for you novices) and want to make a really cool paper helmet but need it to be hard enough to rough around in. You might be really into arts n crafts and making your own hard paper canvas for spray paint art, or crafting beautiful paper beads which have been around for centuries. Whether you need to make paper hard for anime paper figurines or action figures and papercraft or you are creating an intricate 3D diorama, you’ll need paper that is really hard, strong like plastic.

Here we will discuss a few tried and true methods on how to stiffen paper and achieve the results you are looking for.

Using Decoupage Glue

One of the staples in any crafter’s basket is Mod Podge, a type of decoupage glue. Decoupage glue or paste is a good option and can work for some of the projects you need. Here is one way to use decoupage to harden your paper. Take a cardstock paper. Use push pins at each corner to secure it down to a hard surface, like a cork board. You will first want to spray the paper with heavy spray starch, the kind you use for laundry. This way it will be extra hard. After spraying the heavy spray starch, wait 30 minutes then turn the paper over and spray it on the other side. Wait another 30 minutes and then apply the decoupage to one side of the paper. You can apply it with a brush or sponge. Let it dry for 1 hour, then turn it over and apply the decoupage to the other side. Let it dry for another hour, and then compress between two heavy objects or bucks like cookbooks for 24 hours to make sure it doesn’t wrinkle. Now your cardstock is hard and glossy, and ready to use for your craft.

Using Acrylic Varnish A great way to harden cardstock or paper that has already been formed into a paper craft is with acrylic varnish. The best medium to use is spray varnish, which is quick-drying and waterproof and will protect your craft. It will also help to get into any hard-to-reach spaces which liquid varnish could not get to. Buy the acrylic varnish of your choice and follow the instructions on the bottle. The best way to do it is to spray your craft with a few coats and then let dry for 30 minutes. If you need to spray it again go ahead and do so liberally. The great thing about spray acrylic varnish is it will not make your craft ink run whereas other liquid methods might cause the ink to run.

Spray Starch Stiffening paper with spray starch is a good idea because it is an item that you probably already have in your house if you use starch in your laundry. You can use liquid starch using a paint brush or sponge or you can use a spray version if you have that on hand. To stiffen cardstock with spray starch simply coat the paper on one side then flip it over and do the other side. The thing about spray starch is it only gives a light to medium hardness which is good for crafts that don’t need to be so stiff.

Minwax Wood Hardener Minwax wood hardener is a spray used to reinforce rotting wood. You can use this to make paper really hard like wood or plastic. But be warned, this product needs to be used in a well ventilated area and with a mask as it is dangerous to breathe in. You can also use other types of wood hardeners or glue. Just brush it onto the paper and let it dry.

Fibreglass Resin A great way to get the look and hardness of plastic is by using fiberglass resin. Considering that fiberglass resin is used in the manufacturing of cars, boats and even shower stalls it should tell you how hard this substance really is. You can find this product online, and all it takes is a few coats of the resin to harden the paper considerably. The good thing about it is that it is easily brushable and slow drying so you can apply a few coats at once. It will make the paper as hard as plastic.

PVA Primer PVA primer is used to seal holes in drywell and protect it from moisture. Using a PVA primer is a great way to harden paper. If you are using the liquid version, thin it out first with some water, otherwise you can use it in spray form. It gives the paper a protective shield and makes it extremely hard. Don’t use too many coats otherwise the paper will be wet and wrinkly.

Textile Hardener Powertex is a brand of textile hardener that is used to stiffen materials used in sculpting, such as paper, fabric, cardboard, leather, and fiberglass. Simply coat the paper or papercraft in Powertex and let it dry. Do note that Powertex comes in a black/brown color which may not work for what you are doing. There is a clear version which is not weatherproof.

Wood Glue Wood glue is something you may already have in your tool chest. Dilute the glue with water and apply to paper or cardstock. You can create the shape or design that you want while the paper is still wet, then let it set and dry. Once it is dry you can apply a few more coats to make it extra hard.

Regular School Glue The best thing about school glue is that it is something almost everyone already has in their home. You’ll want to create a mixture that is part glue and part water. For stiffer paper use more glue and less water, and for more pliable paper use less glue and more water. You can use a paintbrush to apply as many coats as you need, and more once it dries if it is not stiff enough.

Glutinous Wheat Paste Similar to glue, you can make your own homemade gluten paste. You’ll need 2 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of flour, a pinch of salt, a saucepan, wire whisk and a craft brush. Bring the water to a boil in the saucepan on the stove and add the salt. Bring down to medium heat and add the flour a little at a time whisking well. Once all the flour is added you’ll begin to see a gel like substance forming. Remove from heat and let cool. It should be thick like pudding. Once cool, if it’s too thick add water, otherwise you can shape your paper into whatever you like and then apply the paste. The paper will be too hard to work with after the paste has dried. Let dry 2-4 hours and apply more coats as needed.

Most of the items listed here can be found in your local hardware or craft store if you don’t already have them in your house, and of course can be purchased online as well. And for the best quality paper and cardstock for all your crafting needs, look no further than our selection right here on Fine Card Stock website.

Happy crafting!

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

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.

8.5 x 11 Parchment	8.5 x 14 Parchment	11 x 17 Parchment

 

Foil Certificate Paper

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.

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.