Cardstock Options For Custom Playing Cards: An Order Guide

When it comes to printing playing cards, the choice of cardstock is critical. The feel, durability, and visual appeal of the cards are directly influenced by the type of cardstock you select. Whether you are designing a set of DIY cards for a small project or manufacturing a professional-quality deck, understanding the different types of cardstocks available will help you make an informed decision.

 

In this article, we will explore the various types of cardstock used for custom playing cards, including DIY paper, blue core paper, art paper, black core paper, and PVC material. We'll also compare their common specifications, pros and cons, and help you choose the best option for your project based on your budget and needs.

 

5 Cardstock Options For Custom Playing Cards

 

1. DIY Paper

 

Specifications:  

- Thickness: Generally ranges between 200 to 300 gsm (grams per square meter).

- Surface Finish: Varies, often depending on how the user chooses to coat or laminate the paper.

- Durability: Low.

 

DIY paper refers to standard printer paper or cardstock that can be printed on using a home printer. For casual projects, such as creating custom cards for personal use, this is often the most accessible and cost-effective option. DIY paper is typically available in a wide range of thicknesses and textures.

 

Pros:

- Cost-effective: DIY paper is inexpensive, making it suitable for short-term or one-off projects.

- Ease of Access: Readily available at any office supply store or online.

- Customizable: You can print, cut, and finish the cards yourself, giving complete control over the design.

 

Cons:

- Durability: DIY paper is the least durable option. Without proper lamination, cards will wear out quickly, especially with frequent use.

- Professional Look: Even with high-quality printing, DIY paper lacks the premium feel and appearance of professionally printed cards.

 

Ideal for:  

Personal projects, prototypes, or casual game nights where the cards will not be used repeatedly.

 

 

2. Blue Core Paper

 

Specifications:  

- Thickness: Typically around 280-300 gsm.

- Surface Finish: Smooth, often with a light gloss.

- Durability: Medium to high.

 

Blue core paper is a common material used in the production of playing cards. The "blue core" refers to the layer of blue-dyed paper sandwiched between two white paper layers, which helps prevent light from passing through the card, thus maintaining privacy in games. This paper is widely used in commercial playing card production, especially for poker and bridge cards.

 

Pros:

- Good Durability: Blue core cards are resistant to bending and fraying, making them suitable for repeated use.

- Opaque: The blue core blocks light, ensuring that card faces remain hidden during gameplay.

- Smooth Finish: Provides a good shuffling experience, with cards that slide easily over one another.

 

Cons:

- Limited Design Options: Blue core paper is primarily designed for durability, so it may lack some of the more aesthetic or tactile qualities available in other types of cardstock.

- Moderate Price: While not overly expensive, blue core paper is pricier than DIY and art paper options, especially for larger print runs.

 

Ideal for:  

Casual gamers or small-run card game projects that require a balance of affordability and durability.

 

 

3. Art Paper

 

Specifications:  

- Thickness: Ranges between 250 to 350 gsm.

- Surface Finish: Varies, but often with a matte or semi-gloss finish.

- Durability: Medium.

 

Art paper is favored for its printability and rich colors. It offers a smooth surface ideal for high-quality, detailed designs, making it a popular choice for visually striking cards, such as tarot decks or custom artistic playing cards.

 

Pros:

- High-Quality Print Surface: The smooth finish allows for vibrant, detailed artwork and clear text.

- Customizable Finish: Can be coated with either gloss or matte varnishes, giving additional customization options for the look and feel of the cards.

- Affordable: Art paper is more affordable than some of the more specialized cardstocks, like blue core, black core paper or PVC.

 

Cons:

- Durability: Art paper is not as durable as blue or black core paper, especially if uncoated. Frequent shuffling and handling can wear down the cards over time.

- Lack of Opaqueness: Art paper does not typically block light as effectively as blue or black core paper, which might be an issue for card games where the transparency of cards could affect gameplay.

 

Ideal for:  

Art-heavy card decks like tarot or oracle cards, or custom decks for special occasions.

 

 

4. Black Core Paper

 

Specifications:  

- Thickness: 290 to 330 gsm.

- Surface Finish: Smooth or linen, with a professional-grade coating.

- Durability: High.

 

Black core paper is similar to blue core paper but features a black inner layer. This black core is particularly effective at blocking light, ensuring that no card faces are visible through the back, even in bright lighting conditions. It is one of the most premium options available for professional-grade playing cards.

 

Pros:

- Excellent Durability: Black core paper is known for its long-lasting durability, withstanding frequent use without bending or fraying.

- Opaque: The black core layer offers complete opacity, preventing light from penetrating the card, which is crucial for card games like poker.

- Professional Look and Feel: Black core paper is often used in high-end card games, lending a premium feel to the cards.

 

Cons:

- Higher Cost: Black core paper is one of the most expensive cardstock options due to its superior quality.

- Limited Availability: It may not be as readily available for DIY or small-batch projects as other types of cardstock.

 

Ideal for:  

High-end card games, professional poker decks, or any project where premium quality is essential.

 

 

5. PVC Material

 

Specifications:  

- Thickness: usually 0.3 mm.

- Surface Finish: Smooth and slightly glossy, often with a waterproof coating.

- Durability: Extremely high.

 

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material is a plastic-based option that stands out for its durability and resistance to water. This makes PVC an excellent choice for cards that will see heavy use or need to withstand environmental elements, such as in outdoor or travel settings. PVC cards are flexible, resilient, and easy to shuffle.

 

Pros:

- Durability: PVC cards are virtually indestructible, making them ideal for long-term use.

- Waterproof: Perfect for outdoor use or environments where cards might get wet.

- Premium Look: PVC cards have a slick, glossy finish that gives them a modern, high-quality appearance.

 

Cons:

- High Cost: PVC is the most expensive option on this list, making it less accessible for budget-conscious projects.

- Rigid Texture: Some players may find PVC cards too stiff or difficult to shuffle compared to paper-based options.

 

Ideal for:  

Travel games, professional decks intended for heavy use, or environments where water resistance is important.

 

 

How To Choose The Right Cardstock For Your Project

 

Choosing the right cardstock depends on your budget, the intended use of the cards, and the aesthetic or tactile experience you want to achieve.

 

- Budget: If you're working with a tight budget, DIY paper or art paper is the most affordable choice. DIY paper is great for personal projects, while art paper offers a professional look without breaking the bank.

- Durability: For cards that will see heavy use, such as in professional card games, blue core, black core, or PVC are your best options. Black core paper provides a premium experience, while PVC offers unbeatable durability.

- Design and Aesthetics: If your project requires vibrant colors and intricate designs, art paper or black core paper will be your go-to options. Art paper delivers on print quality, while black core paper provides the best of both worlds—visual appeal and durability.

- Special Use Cases: For outdoor or travel games, PVC material is ideal due to its water resistance and toughness.

 

In conclusion, the right cardstock for your playing cards will depend on balancing your priorities of cost, durability, and appearance. Still not sure which paper to use? Try Acelion's custom samples - even orders of 1 deck are available!