Brown Board With the Fibers Left In
Kraft board skips the bleaching and coating that give standard folders their bright white face. What you get is a warm tan sheet with small flecks and a slightly rough feel. No two batches are exactly the same shade, and that variation is part of the charm.
The board is strong for its weight, so pockets hold a stack of papers without sagging. It also takes pen and pencil easily, which helps when teams write names or notes on the cover.
Kraft is not the right sheet for every job. Our guide to paper stocks compares it with white coated, uncoated and linen covers, so you can see where each one fits.
Kraft Folder Specs
| Spec | Options |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 9 x 12 in (229 x 305 mm), 6 x 9 in, legal |
| Stock | Brown kraft board; recycled-content on request |
| White ink, black, or one to two Pantone colors | |
| Full color | Possible over a white ink base |
| Coating | Uncoated to keep the natural surface |
| Effects | Gold or copper foil, deboss, die-cut window |
| Pockets | One or two, glued or tab-locked |
| Add-ons | Card slits, ribbon tie, elastic band |
Why White Ink Matters on Custom Kraft Folders
Standard CMYK inks are see-through. On brown stock, they mix with the board, so yellows turn muddy and pale colors almost vanish. White ink is opaque and sits on top, giving a crisp, chalk-like logo against the tan surface.
White can also be printed as a base layer under colors. That lets a red or blue logo keep its true hue on kraft. Black, dark green and deep brown print well straight onto the board with no underlay, often for a stamped, letterpress look.
Getting a Kraft Design Right
- Simplify your logo to one or two solid colors.
- Choose white ink, black, or a Pantone with a white base.
- Avoid pale tints, which fade into the brown board.
- Decide on recycled-content stock if fiber content matters to you.
- Approve the free proof, shown on a kraft background.
A Natural Look for Eco-Minded Brands
Farm shops, coffee roasters, outdoor gear makers and craft breweries use kraft because it matches their packaging and signage. Charities and community groups choose it for a modest, grounded feel; see our nonprofit folder options for donor and volunteer packets.
If recycled fiber matters to you, ask for recycled-content stock and we will confirm what is available for your order. Kraft folders are left uncoated, which keeps the natural texture and avoids a plastic film on the surface.
The look pairs well with simple touches. Tie the folder with a cotton ribbon and tuck in a handwritten thank-you note, and the whole packet feels made by hand.
Adding Foil, Stamps and Die Cuts to Kraft
Gold or copper foil looks rich against brown board and suits holiday and gift programs. A blind deboss adds texture without any ink at all. Our embossed and foil stamped folders page explains each effect in more depth.
A die-cut window can show a printed sheet inside, and business card slits work the same as on any folder. If you need bright, full-bleed photos, a white coated stock is the better base for that design.
Kraft at a Glance
- Warm, earthy tan board with visible fibers
- Opaque white ink for bright, crisp logos
- Matches kraft boxes, bags and labels
- Easy to write on by hand
- Strong pockets for heavier inserts
- No plastic laminate on the surface
Custom Kraft Folders: questions we get
Can you print full color on kraft folders?
Yes, over a white ink base. Without the base, colors look darker and muddier because the brown board shows through the ink.
What does white ink on kraft look like?
It looks soft and chalky, a little like a screen print. It is the most popular way to print a logo on brown stock.
Are kraft folders made from recycled paper?
Standard kraft board is unbleached, and recycled-content stock is available on request. Ask in your quote and we will confirm the stock for your run.
Will every folder be exactly the same shade?
Folders in one run are very close. Shade can vary a little between batches, which is normal for natural kraft board. If you reorder later, mention the first run so we can match it as closely as the board allows.
Can kraft folders hold a lot of paper?
Yes. Kraft board is tough, and a capacity pocket adds room for thick reports or catalogs. Tell us the page count and we size the pocket to fit.
How do I start an order?
Send your logo and preferred ink colors through our kraft folder quote request. We will come back with turnaround, delivery and quantity in the quote.