Address
304 North Cardinal
St. Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone (China): +86 150 6806 2798
Factory Address: No. 169, Shiyu Road, Yiwu City, Zhejiang Province, China
Paper Weight & Stock Guide
With over 15 years of experience in offset printing, Kore Create Inc offers a comprehensive selection of paper types and weights for every custom project. Whether you are printing books, catalogs, tarot cards, or packaging, choosing the right stock is crucial for a professional finish. Below is a guide to our most popular paper options and a conversion chart to help you navigate global standards.
1. Cover Paper Options
Hardcover (Case Bound):
Standard: 157gsm glossy or matte art paper wrapped over a rigid gray board (available in 2mm, 2.5mm, or 3mm thickness).
Premium Options: Linen, cloth, PU leather, or Kraft paper wrapped over gray board for a distinct, high-end finish.
Softcover (Paperback):
Standard: 200gsm, 250gsm, 300gsm, or 350gsm Art Paper (Glossy or Matte finish). 250gsm and 300gsm are the most popular choices for durability.
2. Interior (Inner) Paper Options
Art Paper (Coated): Available in Glossy (shiny) or Matte (non-glare).
Best For: Photo books, magazines, catalogs, children’s books, and any project requiring vibrant color reproduction.
Popular Weights: 80gsm, 105gsm, 128gsm, 157gsm, 200gsm.
Offset Paper (Uncoated): A wood-free paper with a natural texture.
Best For: Novels, textbooks, notebooks, memoirs, and text-heavy black & white books. Excellent for writing on.
Popular Weights: 80gsm, 100gsm, 120gsm, 140gsm, 160gsm, 180gsm.
Specialty Paper: Includes textured paper, linen finish, parchment, tracing paper, waterproof synthetic paper, etc.
Best For: Endpapers, dust jackets, inserts, or tabbed pages to add a unique tactile experience.
Board books are designed for durability and safety. At Kore Create Inc, we specialize in two primary structural styles using high-quality C1S (Coated One Side) cardstock to ensure thick, sturdy pages.
Self-Cover Board Book:
Structure: The cover is flush with the interior pages, made from the same material.
Material Recommendation: We typically mount two sheets of 250gsm, 300gsm, or 350gsm C1S paper together. This creates a rigid page that is printable on both sides while maintaining a seamless look.
Hardcover Case Board Book:
Structure: Features a premium hard case (larger than the inner block) enclosing the thick board pages.
Cover Material: 157gsm glossy or matte art paper wrapped around a 2mm – 3mm gray board for a classic hardcover feel.
Interior Pages: Made by mounting 250gsm, 300gsm, or 350gsm C1S paper to create the rigid spreads.
Packaging Material
Art Paper (Glossy/Matte): 157gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm. (Best for high-quality color printing).
C1S Paper (Coated One Side): 210gsm, 250gsm. (Stiff and durable).
Kraft Paper (Brown/White): 120gsm, 150gsm, 180gsm, 250gsm. (Eco-friendly choice).
Textured / Specialty Paper: 120gsm, 150gsm, 160gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm. (For a unique tactile feel).
Folding Cartons (Single Layer):
Kraft Paper: 250gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm, 400gsm.
Duplex Board: 250gsm C1S mounted on Brown Kraft or White/Black back.
Rigid Gift Boxes (Hardcover):
Structure: Premium wrapping paper mounted onto a sturdy 1.5mm, 2mm, or 2.5mm Gray Board.
Wrapping Options:
157gsm Art Paper (Printed).
120gsm Brown/Black Kraft Paper.
120gsm Colored or Textured Specialty Paper.
Flashcards (Educational & Kids):
Standard: 250gsm, 300gsm, or 350gsm Glossy/Matte Art Paper.
Write-on Friendly: 300gsm or 350gsm C1S (Coated One Side) Paper.
Playing Cards (Poker & Casino):
Standard: 300gsm or 350gsm Glossy/Matte Art Paper.
Professional Grade: 280gsm or 310gsm Blue Core Paper (prevents light shine-through).
Economy Grade: 280gsm Gray Core Paper.
Tarot & Oracle Cards:
Premium: 310gsm Black Core Paper (The highest opacity and snap for shuffling).
Standard: 300gsm or 350gsm Glossy/Matte Art Paper.
Rigid: 300gsm or 350gsm C1S Paper (stiffer feel).
Tabletop Game Cards:
Materials: 250gsm – 350gsm Art Paper, C1S Paper, or 310gsm Black Core depending on the game mechanics.
Specialty Cards:
Holographic Cards: 300gsm/350gsm Art Paper with Holo lamination, or 300gsm Metallic Special Paper.
Scratch-Off Cards/Tickets: 157gsm – 300gsm Art Paper or 250gsm – 350gsm C1S Paper.
Calendar Printing
Wall Calendars:
Paper: Glossy or Matte Art Paper.
Weights: 157gsm, 200gsm, or 250gsm. (Heavier weights prevent pages from curling).
Desk Calendars (Easel Style):
Paper: Glossy or Matte Art Paper.
Weights: 157gsm, 200gsm, or 250gsm.
Desk Pad Calendars (Writing Pads):
Paper: Uncoated Wood-free Paper (Best for writing).
Weights: 80gsm, 100gsm, 120gsm, or 140gsm.
Paper Weight Conversion Chart
Understanding paper weight is key to getting the right feel for your project. Below is a reference chart converting International Standard GSM (Grams per Square Meter) to US Standard LB (Pounds).
1. Art Paper (Coated Paper)
Used for magazines, photo books, flyers, and covers.
| Metric Weight (GSM) | US Text Weight (Inner Pages) | US Cover Weight (Cardstock) |
| 80 gsm | 54 lb Text | – |
| 105 gsm | 71 lb Text | – |
| 128 gsm | 86.5 lb Text | – |
| 157 gsm | 106 lb Text | 58 lb Cover |
| 200 gsm | 135 lb Text | 74 lb Cover |
| 250 gsm | – | 92 lb Cover |
| 300 gsm | – | 111 lb Cover |
| 350 gsm | – | 129 lb Cover |
2. Offset Paper (Uncoated Paper)
Used for novels, notebooks, letterheads, and workbooks.
| Metric Weight (GSM) | US Text Weight (Inner Pages) |
| 80 gsm | 54 lb Text |
| 100 gsm | 68 lb Text |
| 120 gsm | 81 lb Text |
| 140 gsm | 95 lb Text |
| 160 gsm | 108 lb Text |
Cardstock Thickness Conversion (GSM ↔ PT)
When printing packaging boxes, postcards, or covers, North American standards often use Points (PT) to measure caliper (thickness), while international standards use GSM to measure weight.
At Kore Create Inc, we use this chart to align our C1S/C2S Art Board specifications with your requirements:
| Metric Weight (GSM) | Thickness (PT / Points) | Common Usage |
| 200 gsm | 8 pt | Light Covers / Inserts |
| 210 gsm | 9 pt | Economy Postcards |
| 230 gsm | 10 pt | Standard Flyers |
| 250 gsm | 12 pt | Business Cards / Light Cartons |
| 300 gsm | 14 pt | Standard Postcards / Book Covers |
| 350 gsm | 16 pt | Premium Business Cards / Packaging |
| 400 gsm | 18 pt | Heavy Duty Packaging / Hang Tags |
Note: Conversions are approximate as paper bulk can vary slightly by manufacturer.
Need More Details?
If you have any specific questions or need guidance on choosing the right stock, please contact our printing experts at Kore Create Inc for personalized assistance.
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