The printing industry is booming, and in fact, printing companies are mushrooming everywhere. They offer a wide range of services from business cards, leaflets, flyers, posters to brochures and magazines.

According to reports, the global printing market grew from $277.12 billion in 2020 to $305.34 billion in 2021.

With their increasing demand for all types of printed materials, the cardstock printing industry grows daily. In this article, you will learn about factors to consider before hiring the services of a cardstock printing company.

What Is Cardstock Printing?

Cardstock printing is a form of printing on cardboards. It’s usually made from paperboard, a combination of fiber or fiber blends, and plastic. Cardboard can be thick paper or other materials used for writing and printing.

However, the word “cardboard” has become synonymous with kraft papers, named after the material kraft paper used to make cardstock boards.

Why Use Cardboard for Printing?

Cardboard is an excellent choice for printing because not only does it increase the strength of flat cards, but they are also waterproof and more durable than other materials like plain paper.

It’s also perfect for making boxes that can contain all sorts of stuff. Businesses, for instance, make boxes to pack their merchandise, while printers make cartons to store different types of paper that are ready for use.

Cardboard is also used to make carton packaging for dairy products like milk cartons and cans.

Factors to Consider While Hiring Cardstock Printing Company

1. The Type of Paper You Will Use:

Cardstocks are manufactured from different paper types, and each style has its strengths and weaknesses. Some paper types are explained here in detail

a) Recycled Paper

Most recycled papers are made from various fibers, usually 30 percent post-consumer waste. Manufacturers may also use virgin cuttings or wastepaper to reduce costs. Because of these reasons, recycled papers are generally cheaper than 100 percent recycled content papers.

b) 100 percent Recycled Content Papers

These kinds of papers are generally more expensive than recycled paper. They contain 100 percent post-consumer waste and no virgin materials.

c) Acid-Free Papers

Acid-free papers don’t contain acid or alkaline, which causes the form to rot and deteriorate quickly. They also resist yellowing with age due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and water, as well as chemical agents. These paper types are the best choice for artwork and photos that need to last along.

d) 30 percent Post-Consumer Waste Paper

These papers contain 30 percent waste materials from other applications like printing and packaging on recycled paper fibers and virgin cuttings or waste paper.

2. The Base Coating on Cardboard

The base coating is the component that joins layers together, giving them strength and durability. When shopping for cardstock printing services, consider those with more than one coating as they are more durable.

a) Uncoated Papers/ Basic Paper- This is a simple paper without any coating, which means it’s the cheapest kind but also the least durable. Printers rarely use uncoated documents because of their low quality.

b) Semi-Gloss Paper– This slightly glossy coating provides a smooth look to paper surfaces without adding additional weight. They’re perfect for color flyers and other applications where paper strength is not an issue.

c) Glossy Coatings/Matte Coated Paper- These are the best coating types for printing brochures, pamphlets, booklets, and other printed materials that need to survive for a long time. They also offer excellent color reproduction and rich colors.

3. Consider the Printing Process

Although color cardstock printing is more expensive, it’s worth considering because of its cost-saving benefits. By choosing color printing over black and white, you will be able to print on both sides even if they’re not in full colors. Moreover, you can also choose from a broader range of paper types and coating styles for your cardstock printing service.

4. Consider the Finishing Process

It includes processes that bind papers together into one finished copy or product, like stitching or gluing. It also involves cutting paper into required sizes and shapes.

Printers have varying finishing levels, so choose cardstock printing services that can finish your work with ease because they’ll save you time and money.

5. Your Business’s Needs

Consider your business’s needs when hiring a cardstock printing service to ensure that you won’t end up with substandard products. For instance, if you require highly durable documents but don’t need color prints, then go for high-end uncoated papers instead of glossy coated types or semi-gloss papers.

6. Consider the Quality of Service

If you’re looking for good printing services, choose those that offer creative and unique printing types and materials. Try cardstock printing services with experienced and knowledgeable printers because they will do better than novices.

Cardstock printing services are perfect for high-quality print jobs. Basic knowledge of cardstock printing types and quality control will help you decide on the best service for your business.