Grey chipboard is an uncoated rigid board used where it will be covered, wrapped or used as internal structure. White triplex board has a cleaner printable or presentation surface and is chosen when the exposed finish matters.
🧱 Compared
| Grey chipboard | White triplex board |
|---|
| Surface | Uncoated, grey | White, coated, printable or presentable |
| Best for | Covers that are wrapped, backing, internal structure | Visible covers, backing and packaging where looks matter |
| Choose it when | It will be covered or hidden | The exposed finish matters |
⚠️ Warning: Valenna's 1000gsm glossy triplex cardstock is a raw-material product. It is separate from the 1200gsm hard rigid cover option used on custom notebooks, so do not treat them as the same.
📏 Choosing board thickness
- Covers need enough rigidity for the format and binding.
- Backing needs support without unnecessary bulk.
- Packaging must suit the item's weight, folds and construction.
Choose by the finished job, not GSM alone. Consider actual caliper, stiffness, grain, coating and the tools you will use to cut or score it.
✂️ Cutting, scoring and gluing
- Use a sharp heavy-duty blade, a metal ruler and a protected cutting surface.
- Make several controlled passes rather than forcing one deep cut, and measure from a square reference edge.
- Score only where the board construction requires a fold. Rigid greyboard is usually cut into panels, not folded through its full thickness.
- Use an adhesive compatible with both the board and the covering material, apply it evenly and press the assembly flat while it dries.
- Test first to avoid warping or staining.
📦 Storage
- Store board flat on a level surface in a dry, stable room, wrapped or covered against dust, moisture, sunlight and edge damage.
- Do not lean large sheets for long periods or stack uneven heavy objects on them.
- Let cold or humid board acclimatise before cutting, printing or gluing.
- Handle white or glossy surfaces with clean, dry hands.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Which board for a notebook cover?
See the binding guide. For ready-printed covers, see notebook cover-only printing.
👉 Related guides and next steps