🃏 Common Cardstock Weights and Core Structures

🔹 Black Core Paper

• Typical GSM Options:

   

  • 300gsm – Standard thickness for most board and card games

  • 310gsm – Slightly thicker, improved durability

  • 330gsm – Premium grade, used in high-end trading or collectible card games

• Structure:

  Triple-layer paperboard with a black core layer sandwiched between white surfaces. This design prevents see-through, adds stiffness, and enhances durability—ideal for professional gameplay and anti-cheating protection.

🔹 Purple Core Paper

• Typical GSM Options:

   

  • 310gsm – Standard option

  • 330gsm – Premium option for collector-grade cards

• Structure:

  Similar to black core, but with a purple inner core layer. It offers high opacity, stiffness, and a subtle visual distinction that elevates the product’s perceived value. Great for luxury or limited-edition card decks.

🟤 Other Common Cardstock Types

 (for reference)

• White Core:

  280–310gsm; lower cost, moderate opacity, suitable for casual card games.

• Blue Core:

  Mostly used in European production, comparable to black core but with a blue center layer.

• Plastic Cards (PVC or PP):

  Measured in millimeters (e.g., 0.3mm, 0.5mm); waterproof and long-lasting, often used in poker or outdoor-use cards.