Trading cards have been a beloved collectible for decades, whether for sports, games, or entertainment. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes these cards feel sturdy in your hands, resist bending, and keep their vibrant designs intact? The answer lies largely in the paper they are printed on. As a professional custom card printing manufacturer, we’ve spent years working with different types of cardstock, and in this article, I’ll guide you through the most common paper types, their features, and how to choose the right paper for your cards.
An Overview of Common Paper Types for Trading Cards
En général, trading cards are made from different types of cardstocks. Common types include:
- Standard Cardstock: The most widely used, affordable, and versatile option.
- Black Core Cardstock: Features a black inner core for added opacity and durability.
- Prime / Thick Cardstock: Thicker and more rigid, often used for high-end or collector’s cards.
- PVC / Plastic Cardstock: Synthetic material for water resistance and extra durability.
- Coated Cardstock (Glossy / Matte): Surface coatings enhance visual appeal and protection.
- Specialty and Eco-Friendly Papers: Recycled or textured papers for unique branding.
Each type has its own advantages and limitations. Let’s break them down.
Standard Cardstock
Standard cardstock is a type of paperboard commonly used for trading cards. It is made from high-quality wood pulp and has a single-layer or lightly layered structure that provides moderate stiffness. The surface is smooth and uniform, which allows consistent ink adhesion and clear image reproduction. This cardstock is flexible enough for repeated handling while retaining its shape, making it suitable for general-purpose decks and promotional card sets.
Thickness: 14–16 pt
Weight: 250–300 gsm
Applications: Entry-level trading card games (TCG), general collectible cards, sports cards for casual play
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth surface ensures clear printing | Less resistant to bending and edge wear |
| Widely available | Lower durability than thicker or specialty papers |
| Flexible for standard handling | Limited options for advanced finishes |
Black Core Cardstock
Black core cardstock is a type of multi-layered paperboard that features a solid black inner layer placed between two printable outer sheets. It is typically made from high-grade wood pulp sheets that are bonded under pressure. The black core adds opacity, preventing light from passing through, and increases card rigidity. Its surface supports standard offset or digital printing methods, producing sharp, vibrant images while maintaining structural stability.
Thickness: 14–16 pt
Weight: 300–330 gsm
Applications: Competitive trading card games (TCG), tournament decks, professional collectible card sets
| Pros | Cons |
| High opacity prevents see-through | Higher production cost than standard cardstock |
| Increased rigidity and strength | Slightly heavier than standard cardstock |
| Maintains straight edges | Limited finish options compared to coated cardstock |
| Suitable for competitive play | Reduced flexibility for shuffling |
Prime / Thick Cardstock
Premium or thick cardstock is a type of heavy paperboard designed for high-quality trading cards. It is made from multiple layers of wood pulp pressed together to achieve greater rigidity and thickness. The surface is smooth or lightly textured to support detailed printing and enhanced color reproduction.
Thickness: 16–18 pt
Weight: 350–400 gsm
Applications: Limited edition collectible cards, high-end trading card games (TCG), display or showcase collector cards
| Pros | Cons |
| High rigidity and thickness | Higher material and production cost |
| Supports detailed printing | Less flexible for shuffling or frequent gameplay |
| Durable and long-lasting | May require specialized cutting equipment |
| Suitable for premium and display cards | Heavier shipping weight |
PVC / Plastic Cardstock
PVC cardstock is a type of synthetic card material made from polyvinyl chloride. It is fully waterproof and resistant to tearing, bending, and environmental stress. The surface is smooth and suitable for thermal, UV, or offset printing methods. PVC cards retain shape and durability even under heavy handling, making them ideal for long-lasting or frequently used trading cards.
Thickness: 305–350 microns (approximately 12–14 pt equivalent)
Weight: 310–350 gsm
Applications: Outdoor or travel-friendly trading cards, frequently handled collectible cards
| Pros | Cons |
| Water-resistant and tear-proof | Higher production cost than paper cardstocks |
| Strong and long-lasting | Requires specialized printing techniques |
| Maintains shape under heavy use | Limited recycling options |
| Smooth surface for vibrant printing | Heavier than standard paper cards |
Coated Cardstock (Glossy / Matte)
Coated cardstock is a paperboard that has a surface layer applied to enhance printing quality and durability. Glossy coatings produce a reflective, shiny finish that makes colors appear vibrant, while matte coatings offer a smooth, non-reflective surface that reduces glare. The coating protects the card from minor scratches, moisture, and fingerprints, and is compatible with both digital and offset printing processes.
Thickness: 14–16 pt
Weight: 250–320 gsm
Applications: Collector cards with detailed artwork, photography-themed trading cards, premium game cards requiring visual appeal
| Pros | Cons |
| Enhanced color reproduction | Coating can increase production cost |
| Surface protection against wear | Glossy coatings may show fingerprints |
| Smooth or reflective finish | Limited texture options for tactile design |
| Compatible with various printing methods | Slightly less rigid than multi-layered cardstock |
Specialty and Eco-Friendly Papers
Specialty and eco-friendly papers include recycled, FSC-certified, or textured cardstocks designed to provide unique visual and tactile experiences. They are made from post-consumer fibers or sustainably sourced wood pulp, sometimes with linen, canvas, or felt textures. These papers balance environmental considerations with functional performance, offering a distinctive feel for collectors and brands emphasizing sustainability.
Thickness: 14–16 pt (varies by type)
Weight: 250–350 gsm
Applications: Environmentally-conscious collectible cards, limited edition TCG sets, branding-focused promotional trading cards
| Pros | Cons |
| Environmentally friendly and sustainable | Higher cost compared to standard paper |
| Unique textures enhance tactile experience | Limited availability of some specialty types |
| Suitable for branding and niche markets | May require specific printing adjustments |
| Supports responsible sourcing initiatives | Less standardization in thickness and weight |
Tips for Choosing the Right Paper for Your Trading Cards
Choosing the right paper for your trading cards is essential to ensure durability, visual appeal, and the appropriate feel for the intended card type. Here are the key points to consider:
Card Type and Usage: Different trading card types have different requirements. Competitive TCG decks benefit from black core or coated cardstocks for rigidity and opacity, while collector or limited edition cards often use premium or thick cardstock for a substantial feel. Membership or travel cards may require PVC for durability and water resistance.
Thickness and Weight: Card thickness (pt) and weight (gsm) determine rigidity and tactile sensation. Thicker cards (16–18 pt, 350–400 gsm) are more durable and suitable for high-end collectibles. Standard or coated cardstock (14–16 pt, 250–320 gsm) provides flexibility for casual gameplay and general trading card use.
Surface Finish: The surface finish affects both appearance and handling. Glossy coatings enhance colors and make artwork pop, while matte coatings reduce glare and provide a smooth tactile experience. Specialty textures or eco-friendly finishes can add unique branding value or collector appeal.
Printing Compatibility: Ensure the chosen paper works well with your printing method. Coated and premium papers perform well with both offset and digital printing, while PVC cards require specialized inks or UV/thermal printing techniques.
Budget and Production Volume: Balance the desired quality with production costs. Prime, noyau noir, or PVC cardstocks are more expensive but provide longer-lasting results and higher perceived value. Standard cardstocks are cost-effective for large runs without sacrificing basic performance.
Brand Image and Market Position: The choice of paper can reflect brand values. Eco-friendly or specialty papers communicate sustainability and attract environmentally-conscious collectors. Premium finishes signal quality and attention to detail, which can enhance brand reputation.
Contactez-nous
At Xin Yi Printing, we specialize in custom card printing for trading cards, cartes flash, and card decks, affirmation cards and so on. We work with a wide range of cardstock options, coatings, and finishes to match your project goals.
Contact us today to discuss your custom card project. Our expertise ensures your cards look professional, feel premium, and stand the test of time.
