Most of us are experts at printing 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper at home or at the office, but many of us have limited experience printing card stock paper in other sizes. If you're running into trouble printing smaller paper and custom card sizes, you may find the answer you need in one or more of the Top 10 Most Overlooked Printing Suggestions.
In your paper specifications, what does Finished Size mean?
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We received a great question from Lucille who wants clarification on our Finished Size specification. She asks,
When you say "Finished Size" 5/1/2 x 8 1/2, it means that it’s folded to that size but it’s actually 8 1/2 x 11, right?
She's absolutely right. In the case of a folding item like a Program, Pocket Fold, or other blank folding card, the finished size is the final size of the item which it is folded closed. Watch our video to learn about why both the finished size and the overall paper size can be important specifications.
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Thick Cardstock for Greeting Cards
I need a few recommendations on a thick type of card stock for printing greeting cards on an inkjet printer. I currently use Matte paper weighting 60lb but I get complaints from customers saying that this is too thin. I believe the standard paper weight is 15pt (correct me if I'm wrong). Is there a particular product you carry that may be a closer match to what most greeting cards are printed on? I know that inkjet printers can only handle so much thickness but I'll also willing to consider buying a laser printer if that would open up some other options.
- by Sandra B.
The thickness or weight of paper can be explained differently depending on the paper type or basis weight. I am not certain if your current cards are made from 60lb index or card stock? That said, and understanding that you want a heavier card weight that is appropriate for greeting cards I will direct you to papers we think are suitable. For a matte finish card stock we would recommend the LCI Brand blank cards which will range in weight from 65lb / 176gsm to 120lb / 325gsm card stock. Our recommendation would be the 100lb or 270gsm weight which is suitable for most home inkjet or laser printers. To best decide, order samples of each of the weights and test through your printer.
- by LCI Paper
What is the meaning of debossed & embossed?
In several of our item descriptions, you will notice the words debossed and embossed. For example, many of our cards feature embossed designs and borders, or debossed panels. Where the words debossed and embossed are so similar, many people find themselves confused by their meanings, and may wonder exactly what their invitation cards will look and feel like.
What does embossed mean?
Stated simply, embossed means that the card features a design, pattern, or border that is slightly raised. Essentially, when you run your hand over a card with an embossed design, it will not feel flat to the touch, as the raised design will be apparent.
What does debossed mean?
Conversely, a debossed design is one that sits slightly lower than the rest of the card. Cards with debossment do not feel flat to the touch either, as you are able to feel the dip of the design into the card. For example, all of the blank panel cards we carry feature a debossed panel that sits slightly lower in the center of the card. The debossed panel creates a subtle, elegant frame for your invitation wording.
What is a paper score?
Simply put a paper score is a crease in the paper. Throughout our site you will read that our blank cards are scored or pre-scored. This means we have professionally added a crease to the paper which ultimately makes folding your cards easy.
From hand scoring to machine scoring there are different methods to creating a score line in the paper. The method usually has to do with the use or type of paper being scored as well as the available equipment.
Learning how to properly fold pre-scored blank cards and greeting cards can make all the difference in the world. We invite you to watch our video on how to properly fold pre-scored cards
Do folded blank cards come pre-scored?
Yes all of our folded blank cards are pre-scored. Blank cards are delivered flat, and open for printing and pre-scored for easy folding afterwards.
