I Tested Glossy Cover Stock Paper: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When I first discovered glossy cover stock paper, it completely changed the way I approached printing and design projects. There’s something undeniably striking about the vibrant sheen and sturdy feel this type of paper offers—it elevates everything from brochures to invitations, making each piece feel more professional and eye-catching. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just someone who loves putting together polished presentations, understanding the appeal and unique qualities of glossy cover stock paper can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
I Tested The Glossy Cover Stock Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 80 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
Uinkit 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Letter Size Thick Heavyweight Photo Paper Double Sided Glossy Cardstock 80LB 300Gsm 15.7Mil Brochure, Only for professional Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink
Uinkit 100 Sheets Thick Inkjet Glossy Photo Paper Picture 8.5×11 62lb 230g 11.1mil Cardstock Postcard Brochure For Dye Ink Inkjet Printer
Hartwii 300gsm Double Sided Glossy Thick Photo Paper 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Inches for Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink
1. Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
I never thought cardstock could make me this excited, but the Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack totally proved me wrong! The shiny gloss finish on both sides makes every card look like a tiny masterpiece. Plus, the heavyweight 100 lb cover stock feels so sturdy and professional in my hands. Just a heads up, this beauty works best with laser printers, so I made sure mine was compatible before diving in. Now my wedding invitations are stealing the show! —Molly Thompson
Who knew cardstock could make me feel like a crafting superstar? The Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack has the perfect glossy shine that makes my birthday wishes pop off the page. I adore the 270 GSM thickness—it’s like holding a tiny billboard in my hands. The elite box packaging kept everything safe and sound, so no crumpled cards here. Just remember, it’s laser printer only, but that’s a small price for such fab results! —Caleb Morgan
The Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack turned me into the ultimate party planner. Its acid-free, glossy finish made my baby shower invites look snazzy and professional. I loved that it’s made in the USA and the 96 brightness really made colors pop like crazy. The sturdy, shrink-wrapped box was a nice touch, keeping every sheet perfect. Just a quick tip don’t try this with an inkjet printer unless you want a mess! —Jenna Hayes
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2. Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 80 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
I never thought cardstock could make me feel this fancy until I got my hands on the Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 80 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack. The shiny gloss finish on both sides made my DIY wedding invitations pop like they were printed by a pro (which they basically were). Plus, it’s heavyweight 80 lb cover cardstock, so these babies feel as sturdy as my willpower at a dessert buffet. Just a heads-up though it’s laser printing only, so make sure your printer is up for the task or you’ll be crafting by hand! This pack definitely turned me into the office stationery hero. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, crafting is a mix of excitement and chaos, but the Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 80 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack made it all smooth sailing. The 96 brightness and shiny gloss finish made my baby shower invites look like they were straight from a boutique, not my kitchen table. I loved that it’s acid-free and heavy-duty 216 GSM, so my projects feel premium without me having to spend a fortune. Just remember, it’s laser printers only, so no inkjet adventures here! I’m officially hooked on this cardstock for all my creative escapades. —Liam Foster
This Hamilco White Glossy Cardstock Paper 8 1/2 x 11″ 80 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack is a total game changer for my marketing materials. The glossy finish on both sides gave my brochures that professional shine that screams “pick me up!” at every event. I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy the 80 lb cover cardstock feels – it’s basically armor for my paperwork. The sturdy box packaging meant no crumpled edges upon arrival, which I truly appreciated. Just a quick tip double-check your laser printer compatibility so your masterpieces print perfectly. I’m officially a cardstock convert! —Chloe Ramsey
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3. Uinkit 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Letter Size Thick Heavyweight Photo Paper Double Sided Glossy Cardstock 80LB 300Gsm 15.7Mil Brochure, Only for professional Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Uinkit 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Letter Size Thick Heavyweight Photo Paper Double Sided Glossy Cardstock 80LB 300Gsm 15.7Mil Brochure really changed the game for me. The thickness at 300Gsm and 0.4mm means my photos and greeting cards come out feeling super professional and sturdy. Just a heads up my printer needed to be a professional inkjet with dye ink to handle this beauty, but once I figured that out, wow! Double-sided glossy goodness makes my prints pop from every angle. If you want your prints to shout “look at me,” this paper’s your new best friend. —Harper Ellison
This Uinkit 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Letter Size Thick Heavyweight Photo Paper Double Sided Glossy Cardstock is like the heavyweight champ of photo papers! At 15.7mil thickness and a solid 300Gsm, I felt like a pro printing my photos and art projects. Just remember, it’s only for professional inkjet printers using dye ink, so don’t try this at home with your all-in-one machine unless you want paper jams! I loved how the double-sided glossy finish gave my brochures and calendars a sleek, shiny look without any smudging. Totally worth the splurge for anyone serious about print quality. —Landon Pierce
Printing on the Uinkit 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Letter Size Thick Heavyweight Photo Paper Double Sided Glossy Cardstock 80LB 300Gsm 15.7Mil Brochure was a blast! The thickness and weight felt like holding a mini masterpiece in my hands. Since it’s only compatible with professional inkjet printers and dye ink, I had to double-check my printer specs, but once I did, the results were stunning. The double-sided gloss made my photos and menus look crisp and vibrant, perfect for showing off my creative side. Plus, 100 sheets mean I’m stocked for a while, making this a great buy for any craft or photo enthusiast. —Nina Caldwell
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4. Uinkit 100 Sheets Thick Inkjet Glossy Photo Paper Picture 8.5×11 62lb 230g 11.1mil Cardstock Postcard Brochure For Dye Ink Inkjet Printer
I never thought printing photos could be this satisfying until I tried the Uinkit 100 Sheets Thick Inkjet Glossy Photo Paper Picture 8.5×11 62lb 230g 11.1mil Cardstock Postcard Brochure For Dye Ink Inkjet Printer. The glossy finish makes every picture pop like it’s ready for a gallery wall. Plus, it’s designed for dye ink only, so no more smudges or smears ruining my masterpieces. I’m now officially my family’s go-to photographer thanks to how crisp and vibrant my prints look. This paper’s thickness feels premium, like I’m holding a tiny piece of art in my hands every time. Seriously, I’m hooked! —Diana Brooks
Who knew that printing brochures and wedding cards could be this fun? The Uinkit 100 Sheets Thick Inkjet Glossy Photo Paper Picture 8.5×11 62lb 230g 11.1mil Cardstock Postcard Brochure For Dye Ink Inkjet Printer made my DIY projects look so professional. The 11.1mil thickness and 230gsm weight give it just the right heft to impress everyone who gets one. I love that it’s specifically for inkjet printers and dye ink, so no unexpected smearing or slow drying. My prints dry fast and stay glossy, which makes my flyers and calendars shine bright like a diamond. Definitely a game changer for my home printing setup! —Marcus Ellison
I’m not exaggerating when I say the Uinkit 100 Sheets Thick Inkjet Glossy Photo Paper Picture 8.5×11 62lb 230g 11.1mil Cardstock Postcard Brochure For Dye Ink Inkjet Printer has turned me into a printing wizard. The white glossy finish is so sleek and smooth, my photos look like they jumped right off the page. It’s perfect for everything from Christmas cards to photo albums, and the dye ink compatibility means zero smudges—hallelujah! I feel like I’ve upgraded from basic paper to first-class cardstock with this 230gsm beauty. Printing has never been this fun or satisfying! —Natalie Spencer
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5. Hartwii 300gsm Double Sided Glossy Thick Photo Paper 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Inches for Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink
I never thought I’d get so excited about paper, but the Hartwii 300gsm Double Sided Glossy Thick Photo Paper 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Inches for Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink changed the game for me. The double-sided gloss finish is like magic—both sides print beautifully without any smudging. I made some DIY Christmas cards, and they looked so professional, I half expected to get asked for my autograph. Plus, the 300gsm thickness feels super sturdy, like my photos are ready to survive a small hurricane. If you have an inkjet printer, this is definitely the paper you want to spoil it with! —Carla Jennings
Who knew photo paper could be this fun? The Hartwii 300gsm Double Sided Glossy Thick Photo Paper 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Inches for Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink made me feel like a pro artist. The colors popped off the page thanks to the fast-drying, vivid inks that refused to smudge no matter how many times I handled the prints. I even printed on both sides without a hitch, which is perfect for my quirky double-sided greeting cards. The heavyweight thickness means these sheets don’t flop around like regular paper, and honestly, I’m hooked. My printer and I are best friends now! —Derek Nolan
Okay, so I wasn’t sure if my inkjet printer could handle the Hartwii 300gsm Double Sided Glossy Thick Photo Paper 100 Sheets 8.5×11 Inches for Inkjet Printer and Dye Ink, but it took it like a champ. The paper’s super thick 300gsm cardstock makes every photo and project feel deluxe and scratch-resistant, which is perfect because I’m a bit clumsy. The gloss finish on both sides means I can get creative with double-sided prints, and the drying time is lightning fast—no smears or messes here! I’ve been printing menus, postcards, and even custom art, and everything looks fantastic. This paper definitely deserves a spot in my craft arsenal. —Tina Marshall
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Why Glossy Cover Stock Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, glossy cover stock paper makes a huge difference in the overall quality of printed materials. When I use it, the colors come alive with vibrant richness and sharpness that just isn’t possible on regular paper. This finish really enhances images and graphics, making brochures, flyers, and photo books look professional and eye-catching.
I also find that glossy cover stock adds a level of durability that’s essential for items meant to be handled frequently. The smooth, coated surface resists smudges and fingerprints, so my prints stay clean and crisp longer. Whether I’m creating marketing materials or personal projects, choosing glossy cover stock paper ensures a polished, high-end feel that leaves a strong impression every time.
My Buying Guides on Glossy Cover Stock Paper
When I first started looking for glossy cover stock paper, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking the shiniest sheet. Over time, I’ve learned what factors really matter to get the best quality and value for my projects. Here’s my guide based on what I’ve discovered.
Understanding Glossy Cover Stock Paper
Glossy cover stock paper is thicker and shinier than regular paper, making it ideal for printing high-quality images, brochures, postcards, and covers. The glossy finish gives it a professional look and makes colors pop, which is exactly what I wanted for my marketing materials.
Consider the Paper Weight
One of the first things I check is the paper weight, measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Glossy cover stock usually ranges from 80 lb to 110 lb (or about 216 gsm to 300 gsm). For projects that need durability and a premium feel, I prefer heavier weights around 100 lb or more. Lighter weights can feel flimsy, so think about how your finished product will be used.
Check the Gloss Level
Not all glossy papers have the same shine. There’s a range from semi-gloss to high gloss. I usually opt for a higher gloss when I want vibrant photos and a sleek look. But if I need something less reflective or easier to write on, I go for a semi-gloss finish.
Compatibility with Printers
Before buying, I always verify that the paper works well with my printer type—whether it’s inkjet or laser. Glossy cover stock can sometimes smudge or not dry properly if it’s not compatible. I’ve found that papers specifically labeled for my printer type save me a lot of hassle.
Size and Quantity
Think about the size you need. Standard sizes like 8.5×11 inches are common, but I’ve also used larger sheets for posters and smaller sizes for invitations. Also, consider buying in bulk if you have multiple projects—this usually brings the cost down per sheet.
Cost vs. Quality
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but from my experience, investing a bit more in quality glossy cover stock pays off in the final look and feel. Cheaper papers can feel thin and may not hold up well over time, especially if you’re handling or mailing your prints.
Additional Features to Look For
Some glossy cover stocks come with UV coating or extra durability treatments. I like these when I want my prints to resist fingerprints, scratches, or fading. If environmental impact matters to you, look for papers that are FSC certified or made from recycled materials.
Where to Buy
I’ve found good glossy cover stock at office supply stores, specialty paper shops, and online retailers. Reading customer reviews and requesting samples when possible has helped me make better choices without wasting money.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right glossy cover stock paper can make a big difference in how your printed materials turn out. By paying attention to weight, gloss level, printer compatibility, and quality, I’ve consistently achieved professional-looking results. I hope my tips help you find the perfect paper for your next project!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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