Metallic Cardstock

Metallic cardstock is a premium paperboard with a metallized PET (polyester) film laminated to the surface, creating a high-gloss mirror finish that reflects light like polished metal. The effect is immediately eye-catching and communicates luxury, quality, and exclusivity. Metallic cardstock is used primarily in packaging, where shelf presence and first impressions drive purchasing decisions.

We offer metallic cardstock in three surface types: Gold Mirror (a warm, polished gold appearance), Silver Mirror (a cool, chrome-like silver), and Silver Holographic (a silver base with a holographic diffraction pattern that produces a rainbow effect shifting with angle and light).

Available Weights

The following table lists some of our metallic paper weights and thicknesses for reference. More metallic cardstock weights are available.

Surface Type	Weight (gsm)	Approx. Thickness	Typical Use
Gold Mirror	180 gsm	0.135 mm	Wrapping box
	300 gsm	0.385 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts
	350 gsm	0.46 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts
Gold Matte	180 gsm	0.135 mm	Wrapping box
	230 gsm	0.286 mm	Sleeves, covers
	300 gsm	0.385 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts
	370 gsm	0.5 mm	Folding cartons
Silver Mirror	180 gsm	0.137 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts
	230 gsm	0.286 mm	Sleeves, covers
	320 gsm	0.41 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts
Silver Matte	150 gsm	0.117 mm	Limited editions, gift sets, display packaging
	270 gsm	0.369 mm	Limited editions, gift sets, display packaging
	320 gsm	0.41 mm	Folding cartons, sleeves, inserts

Thickness may vary slightly by batch and supplier. If your project has strict thickness requirements, let us know your target and we will confirm availability. In addition to the metallic cardstock listed above, we also offer metallic papers in other colors and textures, such as brushed, linen, fine sand, and twill patterns. If you have specific requirements, contact us to request samples.

Common Applications

Folding cartons: cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, electronics accessories, and luxury food products.
Rigid box wrapping: gift boxes, jewelry boxes, and premium product packaging.
Sleeves and belly bands: metallic sleeves over standard packaging add a premium accent without reprinting the entire box.
Card deck packaging: tuck boxes, telescope boxes, and display cases for playing cards, tarot decks, and collector card sets.
Certificates and inserts: metallic stock is used for authenticity certificates, limited-edition cards, and promotional inserts.

Printing on Metallic Cardstock

Because the surface is reflective, standard CMYK ink appears different on metallic cardstock than on white paper. The metallic underlayer shifts all colors, giving them a shimmering, warm (gold) or cool (silver) tone.

For accurate, predictable color, print CMYK over a white ink underbase. The opaque white layer blocks the metallic effect in the printed area and provides a neutral surface for the CMYK to sit on. Areas left without white ink will retain the full metallic mirror or holographic effect. This selective approach allows you to combine solid-color graphics with metallic shimmer on the same sheet.

Metallic cardstock is also compatible with foil stamping (for additional metallic accents), embossing and debossing (minimum line weight 0.3 mm recommended), and varnishing (gloss varnish preserves more reflectivity than matte or sand-texture varnish).

Handling and Finishing Notes

Mirror and holographic surfaces show fingerprints and handling marks more readily than standard paperboard. We recommend gloss varnish or sand-texture UV varnish to improve scuff resistance, though sand-texture finishes will slightly soften the mirror or holographic effect. For retail-ready products, shrink-wrapping or protective sleeves can prevent surface damage during shipping and handling. We use adhesives and coatings formulated specifically for metallized films to ensure strong adhesion and durable finishes.

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