Whether you want to make a postcard, a business card, or embark on an art project, chances are – you’re going to use some cardstock paper in the process. In this article, we’ll discuss cardstock vs construction Paper.
Now, while using cardstock paper isn’t exactly nuclear science. And pretty much everyone can make something with it using a pair of scissors. There’s also the fact that not every type of cardstock is suitable for every purpose.
For art projects, for example, construction paper (a subtype of cardstock paper) would represent a much better overall solution.
In this article, we will talk about these two types of heavy-duty paper and what purposes they can use for. There are many important differences between cardstock vs construction Paper, so we will explain these in more detail in the passages below.
Without further ado, here’s the deal.
Cardstock vs Construction Paper
What is Construction Paper Used For?
Construction paper, for example, is typically well suit for art projects. It’s routinely use in schools where kids can use color sheets of this type of paper to create all sorts of visual art.
What Is Cardstock Paper Used For?
On the other hand, Cardstock paper is slightly different from construction paper – most importantly, when it comes to its thickness and quality. It’s usually use to make objects that will be more durable than ordinary paper but still lightweight and fairly small.
For example, some common items made out of cardstock paper would include business cards, playing cards, catalog covers, and many others. Also, since the stock surface of cardstock paper is smooth, by further processing it. It can add texture or make it appear glossy or metallic.
Differences Between Two Types of Paper
Weight
One of the more notable differences between cardstock paper and construction paper would be their weight.
The thing is, construction paper is typically considerably lighter than cardstock paper. Also, construction paper doesn’t have much variation in different versions of it, as almost all of them tend to be of the same weight.
On the other hand, cardstock paper is heavier than construction paper. Which makes it suitable for making invitations to parties, business cards, and a variety of other items.
Interestingly, cardstock paper comes in several different weight categories. Which gives this type of paper much more variety than the construction one has.
Finish
In terms of finishes, cardstock typically has way more options than construction paper.
Mostly thanks to its thickness, cardstock paper can come in a wide variety of finishes. While construction paper is limiting to typically a smooth finish or no finish at all.
Here are some finishes that you can encounter with cardstock paper:
- Uncoated – Just as is the case with the construction paper, cardstock paper can also uncoat. The surface of an uncoat cardstock paper is not that smooth. But it is nevertheless thick and durable enough to print stuff on it. Without risking the print getting destroy soon afterward.
- Gloss – Adding a glossy finish to your cardstock paper will give it a special shiny surface. That will both protect and enhance the image or text below it, so to speak. Glossy surfaces are smooth to the touch, too. So using a glossy surface for catalog covers can be a great idea.
- High-Gloss UV – … represents a cardstock finish that gives the paper a special kind of gloss that can accentuate the colors and make them even more bright.
- Matte – Typically used by luxury brands in their catalogs. Matte finish gives cardstock paper smooth finish that both looks good and feels good under your fingertips while holding it.
Quality
When it comes to construction paper. One of the most important things to consider would be that it’s not make to use for any special purposes. Other than art projects and similar small house crafts.
The name itself of construction paper indicates that it’s a sort of paper use for common purposes rather than a high-quality surface for more expensive projects.
Hence, construction paper is more likely to be rougher than cardstock paper. Also, it might contain acid (which is typically use in the making of this paper), and it’s way more likely to bleed off its color once you print something on it.
The cardstock is also fairly heavier and less porous than the construction paper, making it more long-lasting and more durable.
Porousness
Since construction paper is typically much thinner than cardstock paper. It’s no wonder that this quality also makes it quite a bit more porous too.
The thing about this porousness would that – if you print something on a piece of paper that is fairly porous. This piece of paper is far more likely to let out this color after a while since the surface it’s print on can’t retain it that well.
Generally speaking, as long as you want to print something on these special kinds of paper. You’re much better off doing so using cardstock paper.
On the other hand, construction paper can use for smaller-scale art projects, and while you can draw on it or paint on it. You need to be aware that the paint may start peeling off soon enough. (Of course, this all depends on what sort of paint you’re using at the moment.)
Durability
In terms of durability, cardstock paper is way tougher than construction paper, and it can last for much longer.
For example, and as we said before if you want to print out credit cards, playing cards. For some other types of cards or catalog covers, choosing cardstock over construction paper would always be the better option. Precisely because of the excellent quality properties of the cardstock paper.
Now, construction paper, on the other hand, can be useful for smaller-scale projects or projects that don’t require a paper of high quality or toughness.
Cost
Let’s consider all of the cardstock and construction paper’s parameters and features as one of its most important subcategories. It doesn’t surprise that cardstock is typically considerably more expensive than construction paper.
Its thickness, durability, overall quality, and the different finishes that you can get contribute to the fact that cardstock costs more than construction paper.
Of course, since you pay more for it at the start, you can also count on it lasting longer, and that you will be able to make high-quality goods using it. At the same time, if all you need is a bit of colored paper that’s not as thin as regular paper but still not as thick as cardstock, you can opt for construction paper. You get to choose between various colors, and you can get quite a large quantity of them for a relatively low amount of money.
Final Words
All in all, whether you’re a teacher or a parent who wants to get their kids some color paper to make fun projects with (or perhaps you want to use it yourself), or you need to print a bunch of business cards, using either cardstock vs construction Paper can a great option at a reasonable cost. We hope this article helped you learn more about these two useful types of paper, and we wish you all the best in your printing ventures.