Let's face it -- we are nuts about paper and are always on the lookout for the perfect white cardstock. So I set out to compare the use of Copic markers on both Gina K's Luxury Paper and Papertrey Ink's Stamper's Select. Keep the following in mind:
1. my photography isn't the best.
2. you are seeing a difference based on my skills using the Copics. Others may get a different result. That said:
The basics.
Gina K -- Her Luxury 120 lb paper is $6.95 for 25 sheets, or 27.8 cents per sheet (I'm ignoring shipping as you can get free shipping with a $35 purchase in the US.). Gina also sells an 80 lb. weight but I haven't tried it. It's worth checking out as it is 25 sheets for $4.95 or 19 cents a sheet.
Papertrey Stamper's Select White $6.00 for 40 sheets or 15 cents per sheet (free shipping with $50 purchase in the US).
So, which is better?
First, (no picture) I stamped SU classic ink with a solid stamp and both came out essentially the same -- excellent.
Then, I made this card with the Gina K paper and Copic Markers Flesh Pink E95, Shock Pink RV04, and Chartreuse YG13 (Flower Garden set by PTI).
To make the flowers I colored each petal completely with the Flesh Pink, then immediately went back over the lower portion of the petal with the Shock Pink, and then took the chisel edge of the Flesh Pink Sketch marker and rubbed to blend. By the way, I like this card!!
It is time consuming to color all the flowers so I colored only one flower on the PTI cardstock.
In real life, the Gina K flower is more blended and the color is more muted. The ink does not seep to the back of the card.
Conversely, the PTI paper produced a more vivid color but not quite as smoothly blended. The Copics
seep into the back of the PTI paper. Also, the Gina K paper is whiter than it appears in the picture. You get better view of the color by looking at the photo of the back of the cardstock.
The PTI cardstock is stiffer and works better as a base, although the Gina K's is a close second.
You can judge for yourself which effect you prefer. (I intend to maintain a supply of both).
Wow, great to know! I noticed that Gina had released this and was wondering. I don't have Copics so I wonder if it would be worth using for card bases at all.
Posted by: Tracy | January 08, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Neat! what a great comparison!! have you tried the neenah paper? wonder how that would compare to the two of these. I do like both flowers in their own right. The card is super!!
Posted by: Etha | January 08, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Thanks for the comparison! I've got some of the PTI white, but haven't tried GK's yet. I agree with you that the PTI white makes a fantastic card base... ultra sturdy, even with a ton of layers!
Posted by: Barb F | January 08, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Oh! BTW: I loved the card and great job with the Copics!
Posted by: Barb F | January 08, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Your card is just GORGEOUS, Joan! What a beauty!
Posted by: jenn | January 08, 2009 at 11:29 AM
You are such a fabulous rescource
Posted by: Juanita | January 08, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Thanks for the comparison - very helpful! How do the thicknesses compare? Can you use the GinaK as a base?
Posted by: pegg | January 08, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Thanks so much for the helpful comparison and I do love the card you did.
Posted by: Karen | January 09, 2009 at 08:11 AM
wow - what a difference - thanks for this!!
Posted by: claire brennan | January 09, 2009 at 08:57 PM
Hi Joan. First off, I love your card it came out so pretty. The colors are wonderful together and the way that you positioned your ribbon is awesome.
Thanks for sharing your White card-stock comparrison. I have the Gina K. 180 pound whites-tock and love it! It is so nice to be able to make a white card that will stand on it's own. :)
Mary
Posted by: mimihas5@comcast.net | January 10, 2009 at 12:47 AM
Joan, thanks for comparing those! I don't have copics, but it's interesting that the PTI soaks through while the GinaK doesn't. Do you think Gina put the 120 pound CS out for mainly card bases, and the 80 pound for stamping layers that will go onto another card base? I have some PTI white and I really like it for card bases. Since I'm an SU demo, I use Whisper White for all my "stamping on", but I do wish SU would come out with a heavier-weight Whisper White for card bases. I never use Whisper White for card bases because it's just too flimsy, but I love it for stamping on! Are you still an SU demo, Joan? The new catty is supposed to be a REAL winner!! Grin!
Posted by: Susan | January 11, 2009 at 09:46 PM
You did a great job making this comparison! Thanks!
Posted by: luxury sheets | July 23, 2009 at 12:48 PM