Kraft and uncoated card stocks

Updated 2026-10-12

Kraft and uncoated stocks offer a tactile, organic aesthetic that contrasts sharply with the high-gloss sheen of coated papers. While both are uncoated, they differ significantly in fiber composition, color consistency, and how they accept ink. Understanding these distinctions helps you choose a substrate that aligns with your design intent and production requirements.

Kraft Stock: The Structural Standard

Kraft paper is produced from unbleached wood pulp, resulting in a natural brown hue and a fibrous, rough texture. It is known for its high tear strength and durability. When you select kraft for a business card, you are choosing a material that feels substantial and rustic.

The primary challenge with kraft is color consistency. Because it is made from natural fibers, the shade can vary slightly from batch to batch. Furthermore, kraft is highly absorbent. When you print with CMYK inks, the paper’s brown base color often shows through, muting the final appearance of the inks. For this reason, many designers opt for a white or light-colored base layer, or they limit their design to monochromatic elements like black or white, which provide strong contrast against the brown background.

Uncoated Stock: The Neutral Canvas

Uncoated stock is typically made from wood pulp that has been bleached to a white or off-white color. Unlike kraft, uncoated paper has a smoother surface, though it still lacks the glossy layer found in coated papers. This surface is matte and has a slight tooth, giving it a “paper-like” feel that is often associated with traditional stationery.

Uncoated stock is more predictable than kraft in terms of color reproduction. Because the base is white, CMYK inks appear more vibrant and true to their digital counterparts, although they still lack the sharpness of coated stock due to ink absorption. It is an excellent choice when you want a matte finish without the distinct brown tint of kraft.

Key Differences at a Glance

Practical Considerations

When planning your layout, remember that uncoated and kraft papers are more porous than coated stocks. This means fine lines and small text can appear slightly softer or “fuzzier.” To ensure legibility, keep critical text at a minimum size of 8–10 points and avoid ultra-thin hairlines. If you are using a kraft card, consider using white ink or foil stamping for text to ensure high contrast and readability, as standard black ink may not pop as effectively on a dark brown background.

Both stock types are available in various grammages. A common range for business cards is 300–400 GSM (grams per square metre), as defined by ISO 536. Heavier stocks provide a stiffer card, which can be beneficial if you plan to use finishes like debossing, as the paper needs to be thick enough to hold the impression without tearing.

FAQ

Does kraft paper always look the same? No. Because kraft is made from natural, unbleached fibers, there can be subtle variations in shade and texture between different production batches. It is advisable to request a physical swatch from your printer to verify the specific shade of brown you expect.

Can I print full-color images on kraft or uncoated stock? Yes, but the results differ. On kraft, the brown background will influence the final color, often creating a vintage or muted look. On uncoated stock, colors will appear softer and less vibrant than on coated paper due to ink absorption, but they will remain true to the white base.

Is uncoated paper better for embossing than kraft? Uncoated paper is generally more uniform in density, which can make it easier to achieve a consistent emboss or deboss. Kraft’s fibrous nature can sometimes lead to irregular impressions if the paper is not sufficiently thick. Always test your design on a sample before committing to a full run.