Coloured-core card stocks

Updated 2026-10-12

What is a coloured-core card?

A coloured-core card is a sheet of paper where the pigment is mixed into the entire thickness of the material, rather than applied as a surface coating. When you cut or die-cut this stock, the cross-section reveals the same colour as the face. This distinguishes it from surface-coated papers, where the interior remains white or off-white. For business cards, this structural uniformity allows for creative die-cut shapes, edge-painting effects, or simply a premium, consistent look that survives handling.

Structure and Weight

The “core” refers to the bulk of the paper. In standard uncoated or coated papers, you have a base layer and a thin top sheet. In coloured-core stocks, the pigment is dispersed throughout the pulp.

• GSM (Grams per Square Metre): This is the standard metric for paper weight, defined by ISO 536. For business cards, you will typically encounter stocks in the range of 300 GSM to 400 GSM.
• Pound (lb) Conversion: In North American specifications, weight is often cited in “pounds” (lb), which refers to the weight of a ream (500 sheets) at a specific base size.
  • Cover Stock: Base size is 20” x 26”.
  • Text/Book Stock: Base size is 25” x 38”.
  • Note: Caliper (pt) and weight (gsm) are different scales — 1 pt = 0.001 in = 0.0254 mm (an exact thickness conversion), so a measured 300 gsm art card is roughly 0.36–0.39 mm (14–15 pt); the exact figure depends on the stock’s density. Always check the specific base size definition provided by your printer, as the “lb” number alone is ambiguous without the category.

Printing Implications

Because the colour is in the core, you have two main options for the final card:

1. Blank Core: You print CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) inks on top of the coloured paper. The base colour acts as a tint. For example, printing black ink on a bright yellow core results in a dark olive tone, not pure black. You must account for this in your design file.
2. White Core with Coloured Face: This is not a coloured-core stock. This is a standard coated paper where the top layer is white and printed. The cut edge will be white.

Key Technical Considerations:

• Absorption: Uncoated coloured-core papers absorb ink differently than coated papers. This can lead to softer edges on text and halftones. If you require sharp, high-contrast graphics, a coated surface is generally preferred.
• Opacity: Coloured-core papers must have sufficient opacity to prevent show-through. If you are printing dense text on both sides, ensure the GSM is high enough (typically 300 GSM+) to prevent the backside text from bleeding through.
• Drying: Uncoated stocks require longer drying times for inks. This can impact production scheduling if you are printing multiple jobs in a batch.

Finishing Options

Coloured-core stocks are particularly popular for:

• Die-Cutting: Since the core matches the face, you can cut complex shapes (circles, arches, custom logos) without revealing a white edge.
• Edge Painting: You can paint the cut edges with a contrasting colour (e.g., gold, silver, or a bright accent) to create a striking visual effect.
• Lamination: Gloss, matte, or soft-touch lamination can be applied. Note that lamination adds thickness and a different texture to the surface, but does not change the core colour.

FAQ

Q: Can I print full-colour images on a coloured-core paper? A: Yes, but the base colour of the paper will influence the final appearance. Dark colours (like black or navy) may appear muddy if printed over a bright core. Light colours or white areas will retain the tint of the paper. Always request a physical proof if colour accuracy is critical.

Q: Is a coloured-core paper the same as a two-tone paper? A: No. A two-tone paper has a white core and a coloured top layer. A coloured-core paper has the colour throughout. The difference is visible only when you cut the paper or view the edge.

Q: What is the standard size for a business card using this stock? A: The standard trim size varies by region. In the US, it is 3.5” x 2” (88.9 mm x 50.8 mm). In the UK and much of Europe, it is 85 mm x 55 mm. In Malaysia, Singapore, and China, 89 mm x 54 mm is common. Always confirm the trim size with your printer, as die-cutting templates depend on it.