Category Card Stock & Finishes

Card Stock & Finishes

Black-Core vs Blue-Core Playing Card Stock

Two stacks of rounded-corner cards with dark black and blue edges sit on a sunlit tabletop beside matching loose cards, while a hand holds up a blue-backed card with an abstract geometric design.

Black core and blue core describe an internal opacity layer, not the complete quality or handling of a playing card. Compare finished samples for show-through, stiffness, finish, durability and deck thickness before choosing.

Ellie
October 22, 2026

Card Stock & Finishes

Matte vs Gloss Finish for Custom Playing Cards

Two fanned decks of rounded-corner custom cards on a warm tabletop, showing a matte dark-blue celestial card back on the left and a glossy reflective version on the right, with abstract illustrated face cards in front.

Matte and gloss primarily change how a card reflects light. Learn how to choose a finish while separately evaluating stock, opacity, stiffness, texture and handling.

Ellie
October 15, 2026