Art Paper Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines is Iowa's capital and one of America's great mid-sized cities — the insurance capital of the United States, home to Principal Financial, Meredith Corporation, and dozens of major financial and media companies, a nationally recognized restaurant scene that has earned James Beard Award nominations, and a tech startup ecosystem energized by Drake and Iowa State's research output. My Custom Boxes serves Des Moines' financially sophisticated and creatively vibrant business community with premium custom packaging that meets the city's growing ambitions.
Why Des Moines Businesses Choose Us
Why Choose Art Paper
Custom Art Paper Packaging | Premium Coated Paper for Luxury Packaging and Wrap Applications
Art paper is premium coated paper produced with a high-quality clay coating on one or both surfaces, providing the most refined printing substrate for offset lithography and digital printing applications requiring photographic image quality, fine typography, and the highest color accuracy available in paper printing. Art paper is the standard substrate for luxury packaging wrap applications, high-end brochures, premium catalog production, and any printed application where the paper's surface quality directly influences the perceived quality of the printed work.
Art Paper Grades and Weights
Art paper is produced in weights ranging from 80gsm to 400gsm. Lightweight art paper (80-130gsm) is used for brochure and catalog printing, insert printing inside packaging, and lightweight wrap applications. Medium-weight art paper (150-200gsm) is used for packaging wrap, high-end catalog covers, and premium promotional materials. Heavyweight art paper (250-400gsm) approaches light cardstock thickness and is used for packaging wrap on rigid boxes, premium postcards, and high-end promotional card applications.
Art Paper vs. Standard Coated Board
Art paper achieves higher print quality than standard coated packaging board because it is produced with more refined clay coating formulations, more consistent base paper quality, and more precise calendering (surface smoothing) processes. The resulting surface has higher smoothness, better ink holdout, and more consistent dot reproduction than standard coated packaging board. For packaging applications where photographic image quality and color precision are the primary print quality requirements, art paper wrap over rigid board construction is the appropriate specification.
Art Paper as Luxury Packaging Wrap Standard
Art paper in 157gsm to 250gsm weights is the standard wrap material for premium litho-wrapped rigid boxes -- printed offset on high-quality art paper stock, then laminated to greyboard rigid box components to create premium rigid boxes with near-photographic exterior print quality. The art paper's refined clay coating accepts CMYK inks at the highest quality level available in commercial offset printing, enabling product photography, brand graphics, and typography to be reproduced at quality levels that communicate luxury investment on the finished box exterior.
Art Paper Print Quality Characteristics
Art paper's clay coating achieves higher print quality than standard coated packaging board through several mechanisms. The coating's higher smoothness (lower Sheffield smoothness values) creates more uniform ink contact across the entire printing surface. The clay coating's higher porosity control maintains ink at the surface with better holdout than standard coatings, producing richer ink density and more consistent dot reproduction. The result is printed color that appears more vivid, images that appear sharper, and typography that appears crisper than equivalent printing on standard coated board at the same ink density and press settings.
Quick Specs
- Minimum Order
- 100 units
- Production Time
- 2-3 weeks
- Free Shipping
- Yes
- Eco-Friendly
- Yes
- Location
- Des Moines, IA
Thickness Options
Industries in Des Moines
Affordable sample kits available
Industries We Serve in Des Moines
We provide art paper packaging solutions to a wide range of industries in Des Moines, IA.
Art Paper is Best For
Popular Box Styles in Des Moines
The most requested packaging styles from Des Moines businesses.
Available Box Styles
Art Paper works great with these box styles.
Tuck End Boxes
The most versatile folding carton style — tuck flaps on both ends create a clean, secure closure for retail and consumer goods packaging
Magnetic Closure Boxes
Rigid set-up boxes with embedded neodymium magnets creating a satisfying snap closure for luxury brand packaging
Sleeve Boxes
Two-piece inner tray and outer sleeve construction creating a controlled sliding reveal for premium product presentation
Pillow Boxes
Curved oval-ended folding carton that creates a distinctive pillow shape for gifts, accessories, and specialty retail
Gable Boxes
Self-erecting folding carton with a distinctive peaked top handle that serves as both closure and carrying mechanism
Two-Piece Boxes
Classic two-component packaging with separate lid and base for premium retail, gift, and apparel presentation
Available Finishes
Enhance your art paper packaging with premium finishes.
Art Paper in Nearby Cities
We deliver to cities across Iowa.
Other Materials in Des Moines
Explore more packaging materials available in Des Moines, IA.
Cardboard
EcoThe universal folding carton substrate -- solid paperboard in 14pt to 24pt weights for retail, cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical packaging
Corrugated
EcoThree-layer fluted sandwich construction providing superior cushioning, compression resistance, and shipping protection
Rigid Board
EcoDense compressed greyboard for permanent rigid box construction -- the luxury packaging material that never collapses
Kraft Paper
EcoNatural unbleached brown paper with authentic craft character for artisan, natural, and eco-conscious packaging
White Cardstock
EcoBright white coated paperboard providing the cleanest printing surface for vivid CMYK color reproduction
Specialty Paper
EcoPremium specialty papers including textured, metallic, translucent, and decorative stocks for distinctive packaging surfaces
Art Paper Packaging in Des Moines — FAQs
What is art paper?
Art paper is premium coated paper produced with high-quality clay coating on one or both surfaces, providing the most refined printing substrate for offset lithography and digital printing applications requiring photographic image quality. It is the standard substrate for luxury packaging wrap applications and high-end printed materials.
What art paper weight should I specify for rigid box wrap?
157gsm to 200gsm art paper is the standard specification for litho-wrap rigid box applications. 157gsm provides adequate weight for smooth wrap adhesion on standard rigid boxes. 200gsm provides a slightly heavier feel that communicates premium investment on the box exterior. Lighter weights (80-128gsm) are appropriate for brochure and insert applications; heavier weights (250-300gsm) for packaging components requiring more structural presence.
What is litho wrap on a rigid box?
Litho wrap is a rigid box finishing technique where the exterior of the box is covered with high-quality art paper printed by offset lithography. The art paper is printed flat before lamination to the box components, allowing offset printing quality to be achieved on what becomes the rigid box exterior. Litho-wrapped rigid boxes achieve the highest print quality available on rigid box packaging.
Is art paper recyclable?
Yes. Clay-coated art paper is accepted in standard curbside paper recycling streams. Art paper with PE lamination may be less compatible with some recycling streams; aqueous-coated art paper is universally recyclable. FSC-certified art paper documents responsible fiber sourcing for brands making sustainability claims.
What is the minimum order for art paper packaging?
Our minimum order is 100 units for custom packaging using art paper. Art paper is available in all standard weights with digital and offset printing options.
Do you serve Des Moines' insurance and financial community?
Yes. Des Moines' major insurance companies and financial firms use our corporate packaging for gifting programs and branded materials.
What Des Moines metro areas do you deliver to?
We deliver free throughout Polk County including all Des Moines neighborhoods, plus Ankeny, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, Johnston, and all surrounding metro communities.
Do you serve Des Moines' food and restaurant community?
Yes. Des Moines' nationally recognized food scene uses our retail boxes and branded packaging for retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
How long does delivery take to Des Moines?
Production is 10–14 business days from proof approval, then 2–3 days ground shipping to Des Moines.
Get Art Paper Packaging in Des Moines, IA
Free quote, competitive pricing, free shipping, and 2-3 week turnaround.