Are you looking to bring your printing projects to the next level? Cardstock, a thick and high-quality paper material, can elevate your creations, whether you’re working on business cards, invitations, greeting cards, or crafting projects. However, not all printers can handle cardstock effectively.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the world of cardstock printing and help you find the perfect printer to meet your needs.
What is Cardstock?
Cardstock, often referred to as heavy paper stock, distinguishes itself by its thickness and durability compared to regular printing paper. It comes in various colors, textures, finishes, and weights, typically ranging from 50lb to 100lb or even higher. This additional weight gives cardstock a sturdy feel, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including:
- Business cards
- Postcards
- Invitation suites
- Greeting cards
- Book covers and dust jackets
- Stickers, hang tags, and packaging
- Table tents, signage, and display pieces
- Scrapbooking, cardmaking, and crafts
Cardstock also comes in different finishes, such as smooth, linen, felt, laid, and velvet, each impacting its look, feel, and printability. While matte finishes are generally more printer-friendly, glossy or velvet options can add elegance to your projects, although they may pose challenges with certain printers.
Why Does Cardstock Require Special Printers?
Printing on cardstock can be a bit more demanding than printing on standard paper due to several key factors:
The straight paper path required: Cardstock doesn’t bend easily, making a straight paper path essential to avoid jams.
Specialized paper trays: Printers need adjustable trays to accommodate rigid cardstock and prevent misfeeds.
Rollers that grip cardstock: Standard rollers might struggle with the slick surface of cardstock, hindering proper feeding.
Ink drying element: Cardstock absorbs ink differently than regular paper, requiring specialized ink drying methods.
Feed accuracy: Precise feeding is vital to prevent misprints and jams, given cardstock’s rigidity.
Not all printers are equipped to handle these challenges, but several types of printers excel at producing beautiful results with cardstock when matched to your specific needs.
Choosing the Best Cardstock Printer
Home Printers
While home office printers offer convenience, most basic models under $200 are not ideal for cardstock. Inkjets with a straight paper path are better suited than those requiring winding turns. Laser printers also handle cardstock’s texture well. Be sure to look for tray and feed adjustments and carefully configure your print settings.
Recommended home printer models
- HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One
- Canon PIXMA PRO-200
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840
- Brother MFC-L3770CDW Laser Multifunction
Photo Printers
Dedicated photo printers are specifically designed for high-quality graphics and photos on specialty media like cardstock. They offer excellent print quality, color accuracy, and features like adjustable trays and straight paper paths. Leading brands like Canon, Epson, and HP offer top-notch photo printers optimized for cardstock.
Recommended photo printers
- Canon PIXMA PRO-100
- Epson SureColor P400
- HP Photo 7830 Printer
Inkjet Office Printers
Stepping up, inkjet office printers provide faster speeds, higher capacity, and multipurpose functions tailored for medium-to-high volume printing on premium papers like cardstock. Models in the $300-$800 range offer excellent print quality with Pigment or Claria inks and precise media handling.
Recommended inkjet office printers
- Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790
- Brother MFC-J995DW XL
- Canon MAXIFY MB5120
- HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format
Laser Printers
For high-volume cardstock printing, laser printers are unrivaled in terms of speed and efficiency. The heat and static generated by lasers result in crisp, vibrant color and sharp image printing. Laser printers are also well-suited for thick media. Seek out true multifunction printers with straight-through paper paths. Basic monochrome lasers start at around $200, while business color laser models can reach $1,000+.
Recommended laser printers
- HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
- Canon imageCLASS LBP612Cdw
- Brother HL-L8360CDW
- Xerox VersaLink C405 Multifunction
Dye Sublimation Printers
For the pinnacle of cardstock printing, consider dye sublimation (“dye-sub”) printers. These devices infuse color into the cardstock’s surface rather than coating the top, resulting in photo-realistic quality perfect for business cards, ID badges, awards, keepsakes, and more. While these printers are pricier, typically starting at $500, models from Canon, Epson, and HP’s Dye Sub division offer unparalleled color vibrancy and all-over print quality.
Recommended dye-sublimation printers
- Epson SureColor F570
- Canon Selphy CP1300
- HP Dye Sub Card Printers
- Zebra ZC300 Dye Sub Photo Printer
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a cardstock printer, keep an eye out for these key features to ensure optimal performance:
- Straight-through paper path: Avoid printers with winding paper paths and 180-degree turns.
- Cardstock-specific trays: Adjustable trays prevent jams and misfeeds.
- Rigidly designed material handlers: Metal parts provide better grip and accuracy compared to plastic.
- Premium inks: Pigment, Claria, and dye-based inks adhere better to cardstock.
- Specialized drying systems: Look for printers with ink drying elements to prevent smearing.
- Print driver settings: Optimize your printer with cardstock presets or custom media settings.
- Feed accuracy: Precision feeding ensures no slippage or crooked prints.
- Registration: Tight registration guarantees proper alignment, especially for double-sided printing.
- Infrared sensors: Reduce the risk of jams by detecting cardstock thickness.
- Output stacker: A dedicated output stacker neatly organizes finished cardstock prints.
Print Settings & Tips for Best Results
To get the best results when printing on cardstock, consider these tips:
Select the right paper settings: Most printers include presets for common cardstock types. Choose weights and textures that closely match your stock or create a custom setting.
Print at high quality: Avoid fast or draft modes, as they may spread ink unevenly. Opt for the best or high-quality mode to ensure crisp sharpness.
Consider 2-sided printing: If your printer supports auto-duplexing, take advantage of it for prints that are vibrant on both sides.
Adjust alignment: For 2-sided prints, fine-tune the alignment to ensure proper alignment between the front and back printing.
Dry ink completely: Allow extra drying time and avoid rubbing or stacking prints to prevent smudging.
Clean your printer regularly: Frequent cleaning of dust, ink residue, and debris will help prevent clogs.
Use fresh cardstock: Don’t feed curled, wrinkled, or previously printed cardstock.
Fan cardstock before loading: Air out paper reams to prevent sheets from sticking together.
Load correctly: Always follow the printer’s instructions for tray adjustments and loading direction.
Check settings with test prints: Before embarking on a big print job, print a sample page to confirm your setup is optimal.
Here’s a simple table of comparison for your guideness.
| Printer Type | Ideal For | Notable Models |
|---|---|---|
| Home Printers | Casual users | HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, Canon PIXMA PRO-200, Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7840, Brother MFC-L3770CDW |
| Photo Printers | High-quality graphics | Canon PIXMA PRO-100, Epson SureColor P400, HP Photo 7830 Printer |
| Inkjet Office Printers | Medium-to-high volume | Epson WorkForce Pro WF-C5790, Brother MFC-J995DW XL, Canon MAXIFY MB5120, HP OfficeJet Pro 7740 Wide Format |
| Laser Printers | High volume | HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw, Canon imageCLASS LBP612Cdw, Brother HL-L8360CDW, Xerox VersaLink C405 Multifunction |
| Dye Sublimation Printers | Photo-realistic quality | Epson SureColor F570, Canon Selphy CP1300, HP Dye Sub Card Printers, Zebra ZC300 Dye Sub Photo Printer |
Transform Your Printing with Cardstock
From elegant invitations to striking brochures, cardstock opens up a world of possibilities for your print projects, thanks to its visual depth and tactile appeal. Investing in a printer suited for cardstock allows you to create premium products conveniently from your home or office. Taking the time to choose the right model for your needs, budget, and volume ensures you can produce stunning cardstock prints that leave a lasting impression.
So, whether you’re a creative enthusiast, a small business owner, or simply someone looking to add a touch of elegance to your projects, finding the perfect cardstock printer is the key to unlocking your printing brilliance. Explore the options, consider your requirements, and embark on a journey of elevated printing experiences with cardstock.