Astrobrights Eclipse Black Cardstock Review & Verdict
The surprising takeaway from user feedback on Astrobrights Color Cardstock, Eclipse Black is that while marketed primarily as bold, durable cover stock for printing and crafting, many creatives view it as a specialty medium for metallic and white ink artwork — and rate it an impressive 9/10 overall for versatility, color saturation, and print compatibility.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Deep, uniform black color with no white core | Slightly higher price point than generic cardstock |
| Smooth surface ideal for metallic, white, and colored pencil work | Limited to 65 lb weight — may not suit ultra-heavy, rigid projects |
| Compatible with inkjet, laser, and cutting machines | Some batches have minor edge imperfections (per reseller reports) |
| Acid- and lignin-free for archival quality | "Parchment" finish description may confuse buyers expecting textured stock |
| FSC certified and 30% recycled content | Sold mostly in 100-sheet packs — bulk users may need multiple purchases |
| Durable for folding, cutting, and repeated handling | Can show fingerprints if handled extensively without gloves |
Claims vs Reality
One of the core marketing claims is that the cardstock is "perfect for covers, business cards, brochures and more," promising durability through its 65 lb weight. Digging into user reports, the durability claim holds up well. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "Thick enough to stand up to frequent handling and the rigors of postal machines, yet smooth enough to work with inkjet and laser printers." Creatives confirm the stock is sturdy without being too stiff, making it suitable for folding and intricate cuts.
Astrobrights also touts the Eclipse Black color as "dyed throughout for seamless cutting, folding, and tearing, without a white core." This is confirmed across platforms, with Reddit user Winterbird stating: "Works wonders with metallic and white brush pens — Eclipse Black truly shines when used with metallic and white ink." The absence of a white core ensures that cut or torn edges maintain the same deep black appearance.
The brand emphasizes print compatibility, claiming the stock works in "copiers, inkjet printer, and laser printer." While this is generally accurate, some Office Depot buyers mention that printer settings may need adjustment to handle the heavier weight: "It fed fine through my Canon inkjet, but I had to set it to heavy paper mode to avoid smudging." So while the claim is true, optimal results require user knowledge of printer settings.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Office Depot, Staples, and Reddit, the cardstock’s smooth surface receives consistent praise. For brush lettering artists, this means crisp, clean lines without pen drag. Reddit user Winterbird explained: "The smooth surface allows brush pens to glide effortlessly, keeping your lines crisp and clean." This quality extends to colored pencil work, where users find the pigment lays down evenly without wax buildup.
Print professionals appreciate the deep saturation and bleed-free quality. A verified Office Depot buyer shared: "Helps you save on full-color ink, while acting as the perfect canvas — just add black ink." Marketing teams and craft sellers note that the rich black background makes metallic foils, gold pens, and fluorescent inks pop dramatically, giving printed materials a premium feel.
Archival quality is another universal point of approval. The acid- and lignin-free composition means projects won’t yellow or degrade over time — a key factor for scrapbookers and professional portfolios. Several Trustpilot reviewers highlight longevity: "Six months later, the covers I made still look brand new, no fading or curling."
Common Complaints
Price sensitivity emerges as the main complaint. Compared to generic black cardstock, Astrobrights commands a premium. eBay listings and Poshmark resales suggest buyers seek deals or bundles to offset cost. One Poshmark seller noted minor quality issues: "Still wrapped in plastic but the edges have some issues in spots." While isolated, such imperfections can matter for presentation-sensitive projects.
Another recurring frustration is the limited weight option. At 65 lb, it’s heavy enough for most craft and print uses, but some packaging designers wish for heavier stock for rigid boxes or structural projects. A Walmart buyer commented: "Great for cards and signs, but not stiff enough for freestanding displays."
Printer handling can be tricky for those unfamiliar with heavier media. A few Office Depot reviewers mention jams or misfeeds when using default printer settings. While these issues are solvable, they can deter casual users.
Divisive Features
The "parchment" finish listed on some retailer specs is a point of confusion. While the stock is described as smooth by users, the term parchment traditionally implies texture. A Staples buyer remarked: "I expected a slight texture but it’s completely smooth — not a problem, but worth noting." For artists and crafters, smoothness is a plus; for those seeking tactile texture, expectations may be misaligned.
Color intensity also divides opinions based on project type. For high-contrast metallic ink work, the deep black is perfect. However, some users aiming for subtle pastel overlays find the black too overpowering, muting lighter tones.
Trust & Reliability
No widespread scam concerns appear in user data. The brand’s FSC certification and recycled content claims are consistently verified in product listings across major retailers. Long-term durability is a strong point — Reddit and Trustpilot feedback confirms that projects maintain their look over months without fading or edge wear.
That said, buyers should be aware of occasional reseller quality variance. Reports from secondary markets like Poshmark mention minor edge flaws, likely from storage or handling rather than manufacturing defects. The safest route for flawless sheets is direct purchase from reputable office supply chains.
Alternatives
Within the data, no direct competitors are extensively discussed, but Neenah’s other Astrobrights colors (like Lunar Blue or Re-Entry Red) share the same weight and finish. These serve as alternatives for projects needing bold backgrounds without black’s high contrast. For heavier, rigid needs, users might consider 80 lb or 100 lb cardstock from specialty paper suppliers, though these may lack the deep, uniform dye-through of Eclipse Black.
Price & Value
Pricing fluctuates by vendor and pack size. Office Depot lists 100-sheet packs around $25.79, Staples offers similar packs at $17.47–$18.39, and eBay shows bulk ledger-size variants at $54.69 for 250 sheets. Resale markets like Poshmark can yield discounts, but buyers risk minor cosmetic imperfections.
Value perception hinges on use case. For professional presentations, premium crafts, or archival projects, the cost is justified by color quality, durability, and finish. For high-volume, disposable signage, generic black cardstock may be more economical.
FAQ
Q: Does Astrobrights Eclipse Black cardstock have a white core?
A: No. It is dyed throughout, so cuts, folds, and tears maintain the same deep black color edge-to-edge.
Q: Can it be used with metallic pens?
A: Yes. Users report exceptional results with metallic and white inks, with smooth glide and high contrast on the black surface.
Q: Is it safe for archival projects?
A: Yes. It is acid- and lignin-free, meaning it won’t yellow or deteriorate over time, ideal for scrapbooks and portfolios.
Q: Does it work in home printers?
A: Yes, but heavy paper settings are recommended to avoid jams or smudging, especially with inkjet printers.
Q: What is the paper weight?
A: 65 lb cover weight (approximately 176 gsm), offering durability without excessive stiffness.
Final Verdict: Buy if you are a designer, artist, or crafter who needs deep black, smooth cardstock for premium prints, metallic ink artwork, or archival projects. Avoid if you require ultra-heavy, rigid stock for structural builds or if budget is the primary concern. Pro tip from community: Adjust printer settings to "Heavy Paper" mode for best results and handle sheets with clean hands to avoid fingerprints on the deep black surface.
