When it comes to creating a custom card deck—whether for games, tarot, affirmation use, or professional branding—the type of card stock you choose can make or break the experience. The card stock affects not just how your cards look, but how they feel, how long they last, and how they perform during repeated use.
Many creators focus heavily on design, content, and packaging—yet overlook the foundational element of card quality: the paper itself. If you're hoping to deliver a deck that feels professional, durable, and visually impressive, selecting the right card stock is essential.
Whether you're a designer, small business owner, or hobbyist, this resource will help you choose the perfect card stock for your project—ensuring your deck stands out in quality and performance.
What Is Card Stock?
Card stock, sometimes referred to as cover stock, is a type of thick paper designed to offer durability while still being flexible and printable. It sits between standard printer paper and cardboard in terms of thickness and rigidity, making it ideal for products that require both sturdiness and ease of handling.
Unlike regular copy paper (usually around 75–100 GSM), card stock is significantly heavier and more resilient. It is commonly used for:
- Custom playing cards
- Tarot and oracle decks
- Flashcards and educational cards
- Business cards
- Invitations and greeting cards
- Postcards and promotional materials
Because card stock can hold ink well, resist wear, and maintain its shape even with frequent handling, it has become the go-to material for creators and businesses producing premium printed items that need to stand up to regular use.
In the context of custom card decks, the choice of card stock influences:
- Visual quality – how well the colors, images, and text appear on the surface
- Tactile experience – how the cards feel in hand, whether smooth or textured
- Durability – how well the cards resist bending, tearing, or fading over time
Choosing the right type of card stock not only enhances the user experience but also reinforces the perceived value of your deck—whether it’s a professional product or a personal project.
Next, we’ll explore why the choice of card stock matters so much, especially when it comes to durability, appearance, and functionality.
Why Card Stock Matters for Your Deck
Choosing the right card stock is more than just a technical decision—it directly impacts the quality, usability, and longevity of your card deck. Whether you're designing a deck of playing cards, tarot cards, flashcards, or a promotional giveaway, card stock affects every interaction your audience will have with your product.
Here are the four key reasons why card stock matters:
- Durability
Card decks are meant to be used repeatedly, shuffled, passed around, and handled over time. Low-quality paper can crease, tear, or fade quickly. By contrast, thicker and higher GSM card stock makes your deck more resistant to wear and tear, ensuring it lasts through repeated use.
For example:
- Tarot readers need decks that withstand frequent handling and shuffling.
- Game designers require cards that can survive many rounds of play.
Choosing a sturdy card stock helps maintain the deck’s integrity—even with heavy use.
- Feel
The tactile experience of a card deck plays a significant role in how it's perceived. A flimsy card feels cheap, while a well-weighted card lends a sense of professionalism and quality.
Different finishes also impact feel:
- Smooth finishes glide easily during shuffling.
- Linen textures provide grip and a classic, high-end touch.
If your audience values a luxurious or traditional experience—such as in tarot or collector’s decks—the feel of the card stock becomes a defining feature.
- Appearance
A card’s surface finish and stock weight directly affect how designs appear when printed. Higher-quality card stock can:
- Enhance color vibrancy
- Improve image clarity
- Minimize show-through (especially with double-sided printing)
For visually rich decks—like oracle cards or promotional materials—a smooth, premium stock ensures your artwork and branding look their best.
- Functionality
Different card decks serve different functions. A deck that needs to shuffle smoothly, like poker or trading cards, may benefit from a glossy or linen finish. Meanwhile, affirmation cards meant for daily handling may need a matte finish for ease of reading without glare.
Your card’s function should determine the type of stock you choose. This ensures the cards perform well in their intended environment.
What Weight Is Card Stock?
When selecting card stock for your custom card deck, weight is one of the most important specifications to consider. It determines the thickness, rigidity, and durability of the cards—and ultimately how they feel in the hand.
The most common way to measure card stock weight is in GSM, or grams per square meter. This international standard provides a reliable comparison across different paper types and manufacturers.
What Is GSM?
GSM measures how much a square meter of paper weighs. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the card stock. For example:
- 80 GSM = typical office printer paper
- 250–300 GSM = standard playing cards
- 330–350 GSM = premium or heavy-duty cards
Unlike the "lb" system used primarily in North America (which can be confusing due to variations in paper type), GSM offers a more consistent and global standard.
GSM vs. Thickness (mm)
While GSM measures weight, it also correlates closely with thickness. Here's a rough guide:
| GSM Range | Thickness (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 101–150 GSM | 0.12–0.18 mm | Flashcards, inserts |
| 200–250 GSM | 0.20–0.26 mm | Lightweight cards |
| 250–300 GSM | 0.26–0.30 mm | Standard playing cards, promotional cards |
| 300–350 GSM | 0.30–0.35 mm | Premium tarot, game decks |
| 350+ GSM | 0.35 mm and above | Heavy-duty game cards, thick board game pieces |
Keep in mind that finish and core type (blue core, black core, etc.) can also impact the final thickness and feel of the card.
Why Card Stock Weight Matters
- Heavier weights (300+ GSM) ensure durability and a premium feel—ideal for tarot, oracle, or trading card games.
- Mid-range weights (250–300 GSM) balance cost and quality—great for playing cards or affirmation decks.
- Lower weights are best for inserts, rule books, or non-primary components.
By understanding GSM, you're better equipped to choose the right stock for your custom deck's purpose and audience.
Up next, we’ll explore the types of card stock available at QPMN and how each one can support your creative vision.
Types of Card Stock at QPMN
At QPMN, we offer a curated selection of professional-grade card stocks, each designed to meet specific needs in custom card deck production. Whether you’re creating a deck for gaming, education, spirituality, or promotion, the card stock you choose plays a central role in the final product’s look, feel, and durability.
Here’s a breakdown of the card stocks available through QPMN, along with their technical specs and best-use recommendations:
- Classic Smooth (CS27)
- GSM: 270
- Finish: Smooth
- Core: Blue Core
- Feel: Light and flexible
- Best For: Budget-friendly playing cards, educational decks, lightweight promotional cards
Offers a clean print surface and soft feel, ideal for short-run or lightweight decks with moderate handling.
- Premium Smooth (PS30)
- GSM: 300
- Finish: Smooth
- Core: Black Core
- Feel: Balanced weight, professional finish
- Best For: Tarot decks, affirmation decks, high-quality playing cards
Slightly thicker and more opaque than CS27, this stock is perfect for creators who want a more premium feel without the texture of linen.
- Deluxe Smooth (DS33)
- GSM: 330
- Finish: Smooth, ultra-premium
- Core: Black Core
- Feel: Thick, luxurious
- Best For: Collector’s editions, luxury tarot, gift-worthy decks
A high-end option for creators looking to deliver a standout, tactile experience. Supports rich color saturation and crisp detail.
- Regular Linen (RL28)
- GSM: 280
- Finish: Linen texture
- Core: Blue Core
- Feel: Light with grip
- Best For: Traditional playing cards, card games
Provides a classic card game texture. Linen finish improves shuffle-ability while resisting fingerprints and glare.
- Gaming Linen (GL29)
- GSM: 290
- Finish: Linen texture
- Core: Black Core
- Feel: Balanced grip and weight
- Best For: Game decks, strategy games, themed card sets
This card stock is optimized for game mechanics—easy to shuffle, durable, and visually sharp.
- Casino Linen (CL31)
- GSM: 310
- Finish: Linen texture
- Core: Black Core
- Feel: Thick and highly durable
- Best For: High-use playing cards, casino-style decks
Designed to replicate the feel of professional casino cards. Great for decks that will be handled frequently and need to hold up over time.
- Sturdy Layers (SL35)
- GSM: 350
- Finish: Smooth
- Core: Triple-layer core
- Feel: Ultra-durable and rigid
- Best For: Board game components, thick character or reference cards
This is the most rigid paper-based stock offered. Excellent for cards that must remain flat and firm under heavy use.
- Eco-Friendly (EF27)
- GSM: 270
- Finish: Matte smooth
- Core: Recycled fiber-based
- Feel: Lightweight, natural
- Best For: Sustainable brands, eco-conscious projects
Made with responsibly sourced materials. Ideal for projects that prioritize environmental impact without compromising print quality.
- Waterproof Plastic (WP10)
- Material: 100% PVC Plastic
- Thickness: Approx. 0.3 mm
- Finish: Smooth, water-resistant
- Feel: Durable, flexible
- Best For: Outdoor decks, food-safe cards, spill-prone environments
This non-paper card stock is fully waterproof, tear-resistant, and designed to last. Perfect for kids' products, health/wellness decks, or outdoor-focused projects.
Blue Core vs. Black Core: What’s the Difference in Card Stock?
When selecting premium card stock for your custom deck—whether it’s for gameplay, tarot, or education—you’ll often come across the terms blue core and black core. These refer to the opaque layer sandwiched between two paper sheets, and they play a crucial role in durability, opacity, and feel.
Let’s break down the key differences so you can make the best choice for your project.
What Is Core Stock?
Core stock is a multi-ply paperboard designed to prevent light from passing through the card. The core layer is typically dyed blue or black and is sandwiched between two white outer printing layers.
This core layer improves:
- Opacity (no see-through)
- Rigidity (cards feel more solid)
- Durability (resists bending and wear)
Blue Core Card Stock
Blue core card stock is the industry standard for economical, mass-produced playing cards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Light blue center layer |
| Opacity | Moderate — reduces show-through |
| Thickness | Typically lighter (270–290 GSM) |
| Cost | More affordable |
| Best For | Casual decks, promotional cards, prototypes |
Pros:
- More budget-friendly
- Good for short-run or low-cost decks
Cons:
- Can allow some see-through in bright light
- Slightly less durable than black core
Black Core Card Stock
Black core card stock is a premium-quality material used in professional-grade decks.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Color | Solid black center layer |
| Opacity | Excellent — completely blocks light |
| Thickness | Slightly thicker and denser (300–330 GSM) |
| Cost | Premium pricing |
| Best For | Tarot decks, casino-quality playing cards, retail-ready products |
Pros:
- No show-through, even in bright light
- Feels more substantial and professional
- Ideal for dark designs or double-sided printing
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- May be too rigid for some home printers
How to Print on Card Stock at Home or Professionally
Once you’ve selected the perfect card stock for your custom deck, the next step is deciding how to print it. You have two main options:
- Printing at home, which offers flexibility and control for small batches or prototypes
- Using a professional printer, ideal for higher quality and larger production runs
Each method has its benefits and limitations. Here’s what you need to know.
Printing on Card Stock at Home
Printing at home can be a cost-effective way to create prototypes, samples, or low-volume card decks. However, not all printers are designed to handle thicker paper. Here are a few things to consider:
- Printer Compatibility
- Use an inkjet or laser printer that supports heavy media (check your printer’s specs for max GSM).
- Look for models with a rear feed tray—these handle thick paper better than front-loading trays.
- Settings to Adjust
- Set the paper type to "Cardstock", "Heavy Paper", or "Specialty Media" in your printer settings.
- Use high print quality or “best” mode for sharper detail.
- If printing double-sided, allow drying time between sides to avoid smudging.
- Cutting and Finishing
- Use a guillotine cutter or rotary trimmer for precise edges.
- Consider laminating or applying a spray fixative to enhance durability.
- You may want to round the corners with a dedicated corner cutter for a professional finish.
- Limitations
- Most home printers max out at ~270–300 GSM.
- Color consistency and registration may vary.
- Best for DIY decks, personal use, or rough drafts before professional printing.
Printing on Card Stock Professionally
For high-quality results, especially for commercial decks, professional printing is the way to go. A print-on-demand (POD) service like QPMN can handle:
- Thicker card stocks (300–350+ GSM)
- Custom finishes like matte lamination, gloss UV, foil, and embossing
- Precision cutting and corner rounding
- Full-color CMYK printing on both sides
- Packaging options like tuck boxes, magnetic boxes, and shrink wrapping
Benefits of Professional Printing:
- Consistent quality across all cards
- Access to specialty card stocks and finishes
- Time-saving—no need to manually cut or assemble
- Scalable for small or large batches
At QPMN, you can upload your design files, choose your card stock, and receive professionally printed, retail-ready card decks—with no minimum order quantity required.
Troubleshooting Tips for Printing Card Stock
Whether printing at home or through a third party, keep these common issues in mind:
- Paper jams: Use manual feed trays and avoid overloading paper.
- Ink smearing: Allow extra drying time and use appropriate ink types.
- Color shifts: Calibrate your monitor and use CMYK-safe colors for print accuracy.
- Misalignment: Use print templates and test sheets before printing your full run.
If you’re unsure whether to print yourself or outsource, consider printing a few test pages at home first. Once you’re happy with the design and layout, you can confidently move to professional printing for the final product.
How Thick Is Card Stock?
When choosing card stock for your custom deck, it's important to understand not just the weight (GSM) but also the physical thickness of the paper. While GSM measures how heavy a paper is, thickness (usually in millimeters or points) tells you how the card will feel in your hand.
Let’s break down how thickness works and how it relates to GSM.
GSM vs. Thickness: What’s the Difference?
- GSM (grams per square meter): Measures weight, not thickness. Two papers with the same GSM could have different thicknesses due to their density or composition.
- Thickness (mm): Measures how thick the card is from one side to the other. Heavier GSMs generally mean thicker cards, but the material (e.g., plastic vs. paper core) also plays a role.
Approximate GSM to Thickness Guide
Here’s a general reference chart to help you visualize GSM-to-thickness conversions:
| GSM | Approx. Thickness (mm) | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | ~0.20 mm | Postcards, flyers |
| 250 | ~0.26 mm | Thin playing cards, flashcards |
| 270 | ~0.28 mm | Entry-level card decks |
| 300 | ~0.30 mm | Standard tarot or game decks |
| 330 | ~0.32 mm | Premium card decks |
| 350 | ~0.35 mm | Rigid cards, board game components |
| 400+ | ~0.40 mm+ | Extra-thick or laminated cards |
| Plastic | ~0.30–0.36 mm | Waterproof, flexible decks |
Factors That Affect Thickness
- Core Type: Black core card stock is often denser and more opaque than blue core.
- Finish: Laminating adds an extra 0.01–0.04 mm of thickness per side.
- Material: Plastic cards are thinner but stronger than paper-based stocks at the same GSM.
Choosing Durable and Sustainable Card Stock Options
When creating a custom card deck, durability and sustainability are two key factors that can significantly impact not only the user experience, but also how your deck aligns with your brand values. Whether you're creating a game that will be handled daily or a spiritual deck for an eco-conscious audience, choosing the right card stock can make all the difference.
🛡️ When to Choose Extra-Durable Card Stock
Choose extra-durable stock when your cards will be:
- Frequently shuffled or handled (e.g., playing cards, game decks)
- Used in public settings (e.g., therapy sessions, classrooms)
- Exposed to moisture, sunlight, or outdoor environments
Recommended Durable Options:
| Card Stock | GSM | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CL31 (Casino Linen) | 310 | Textured, professional-grade | Frequent-use decks, poker decks |
| DS33 (Deluxe Smooth) | 330 | Ultra-thick, smooth finish | Collector decks, luxury editions |
| SL35 (Sturdy Layers) | 350 | Triple-layer, highly rigid | Reference cards, board game components |
Waterproof Cards (e.g., WP10)
For the ultimate in durability, consider WP10, our plastic, waterproof card stock:
- Material: 100% PVC plastic
- Thickness: ~0.3 mm
- Finish: Smooth, wipeable
- Features: Tear-resistant, spill-proof, long-lasting
Perfect for:
- Outdoor decks (e.g., camping games, nature cards)
- Food-safe or kitchen use (e.g., recipe cards)
- Wellness, kids’, and educational decks
Eco-Conscious Options (e.g., EF27)
If your brand prioritizes sustainability, you’ll love EF27, our eco-friendly card stock:
- GSM: 270
- Finish: Matte smooth
- Material: Recycled fibers
- Feel: Lightweight, natural texture
Why choose EF27?
- Made from responsibly sourced and recycled materials
- Printed using low-VOC inks
- Fully recyclable (when unlaminated)
Ideal for:
- Wellness and mindfulness decks
- Earth-conscious brands
- Educational and nonprofit projects
Conclusion: Choose the Best Card Stock for Your Deck
Your choice of card stock will impact several key factors of your custom card deck. The options covered in this blog will cover almost all your requirements and enable you to select the best card stock for your project.
Whether you're designing game cards, tarot decks, or promotional materials, there's a card stock option that fits your needs.
For more information on custom card stock options or to request samples, consider ordering a sample or contact us directly. We’re here to help you create stunning, durable decks that stand the test of time!
FAQ
- Playing cards typically have a thickness ranging from 0.17mm to 0.24mm. A full deck of 52 cards is usually between 8.5mm and 12.48mm thick.
- In terms of GSM it is roughly around 250gsm to 350gsm.
- Playing cards are often printed on card stock with a blue or black core to prevent transparency. Common weights include 280gsm for blue core and 310gsm to 330gsm for black core.
- Printing custom playing cards can be done at home with the right tools and equipment. You can check out my other blog How to Print Your Own Playing Cards.
- An alternative option is to use professional companies to print your cards. QPMN is a print on demand solution provider, and you can also order samples to test your cards at just one unit.
The best card stock for playing cards is typically:
- CL31 (Casino Linen) – 310 GSM with a linen finish
- DS33 (Deluxe Smooth) – 330 GSM with a smooth, premium feel
- Black core is preferred to prevent show-through and boost durability
These options offer the perfect balance between flexibility, opacity, and shuffle-ability, making them ideal for frequent use.
No, standard card stock is not compatible with sublimation printing. Sublimation requires:
- Polyester-coated materials
- High heat (350–400°F)
- Special sublimation inks
Instead, use professional CMYK printing on card stock, or choose polyester-based plastic cards if you need sublimation compatibility.
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