18PT French Kraft Paper

What is French Kraft paper? Learn about this beautiful paper, file setup with white ink, and other helpful tips when creating a white mask.

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Written by JenM
Updated over a week ago

18PT French Kraft Speckletone with White Ink

French Kraft paper is light brown with natural fibers and subtle visible flecks lending it a natural, organic look and feel. The uncoated smooth finish provides excellent print quality, while the colored stock adds warmth and a rustic appeal to images. 

Optional white ink can be applied in specific areas or all over giving you the flexibility to add contrast and brighten images. 

Please be aware that recycled and colored stocks may have slight color variation due to the materials used to manufacture the paper. The flecks in the paper will also vary from sheet to sheet and press run to press run.

File Set up with White Ink

French Kraft has the option to add white ink as an overprint. The white will be a base for the CMYK providing a bright white surface which will allow for vibrant, crisp color. Areas without white ink will appear darker due to the color of the stock.

Similar to Spot UV masks, White Mask files are separate from your artwork files. Black in the White Mask file indicates where white ink will be printed.

Note: White Masks must be made in vector format and be saved as a PDF. 


Remember the following when creating a white mask for your white ink base:

  • White ink base will be printed behind any color that’s in your Artwork Layer.

  • Areas with color but without a White Mask will be printed with color directly on the material.

  • Areas with color and a White Mask will be printed as opaque or solid color.

  • Areas with a White Mask and no color will be printed as white.

Appropriately sized (A2, A6, A7) 80lb French Kraft blank envelopes are offered as an option with our French Kraft Greeting Cards and Announcement Cards.

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