I once printed pictures on regular photo paper. But recently, we came to the conclusion, after much trial and error, that printing on cardstock is considerably more satisfying since the thick paper gives your graphics a more substantial, textured feel. Printing on paper would be a smart idea for ceremonies, party invitations, greeting cards, digitized sketches, and artistic creations.
Usually, you can use your home inkjet printer to print on cardstock in the same way as you would with regular paper. Ordinary home printers are inappropriate if you operate a business or are interested in DIY vlogging because cardstock is too thick or stiff and can jam or just not slide through the rollers.
It would be more sensible in this case to get a printer that can handle thick paper. The procedures of design, customization, and editing will be more in your control.
In order to determine the printer that could handle thicker media and a variety of paper finishes the best, we looked into 30 devices from our list of the best printers. Printers had to be able to handle paper that weighed at least 60 lb and have ink that is of high enough quality to swiftly integrate into cardstock finishes without smearing.
We assessed the top printers from our top ten list to see which ones could handle different types of paper and thicker media. The printers with the best ink quality to fast soak into paper finishes without smudging are listed below.
Which is the Purpose of Cardstock?
Various projects can be completed with cardstock. Wedding invitations are the cardstock’s most common application. Numerous crafts, such as origami, scrapbooks, holiday cards and banners, bookmarks, cartography, and posters, can be made with cardstock. Cardstock has a wide range of uses.
Best Cardstock Printers: Top 3 Picks
Epson SureColor P700
9.1/10
Superb colour and picture clarity
No change of the ink colours for photo and matte black
Newly developed 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead
How much Qualities Should a Cardstock Printer Have?
The best printers for printing on thick card stock are inkjet and laser printers that use numerous individual inks for accurate colour reproduction; they can print on a wide range of paper sizes and types, and they are high-end goods that create prints of excellent quality.
What Paper Weights & Styles Can It Print? should be the non-negotiable, essential questions you should ask a printer.
Is it worth the money spent?
Which should I choose: Laser or Inkjet?
How accurate is the colour?
What Print Sizes Can Be Achieved?
Why so many prints seem to be possible from a single ink cartridge?
Feed Specialties
There are several printers made expressly for printing on card stock that have specialist feeders made to handle heavier and thicker paper. Whenever you frequently print papers on cardstock, you should probably look for a printer that can handle the task. Remember to factor in the feed system. It is necessary to manually feed one sheet at a time into the rear feeds. Other devices, such as the Cricut printer, may process several pages automatically.
Prints per Ink Cartridge: Number
When selecting an inkjet printer for paper, it’s critical to take into account the number of prints each ink cartridge can generate before running out.
Ink for printers with two cartridges, which are frequently found in less expensive machines, is reasonably priced, but high-end printers with ten or more cartridges can be very expensive to refill. Even though a printer like the Canon Pro-300 only costs $120, each cartridge costs roughly $12.
Generic ink is not compatible with the most recent Canon printers. Be mindful to read recent reviews before buying generic ink because Epson printers have a number of firmware updates that disable these cartridges in the printers in addition to generic ink cartridges.
Compatibility with media
You should consider the printer’s media compatibility if you intend to utilise a paper printer. The type of paper the printer can handle is determined by the printer’s specs. The list of acceptable media ought to include cardstock. The producers of sticker printers will also provide a list of compatible inks.
Additionally, make sure the printer is suitable with the texture and finish of the paper you plan to use. Cardstock comes in a variety of finishes. You must be sure that your printer can handle the paper without bleeding or smearing if you want to accomplish high-quality printing.
Additionally, make sure that USB 2.0 and associated connection types are supported.
Inkjet and laser
When thinking about paper printers, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of printers, and the debate between laser and inkjet is commonly brought up.
Assessments claim that while Canon and Epson printers are the greatest inkjet printers, HP printers are the best laser printers for cardstock.
I think inkjet printers are better suited for the majority of art-related tasks than laser printers or traditional heat transfer printers, especially when printing on card stock.
Let’s say you factor in the price of the initial purchase and the price of buying new ink. The great print quality of laser printers and the large expense of colour printing make them relatively pricey in that instance.
List Of Top-Rated 10 Best Printers for Cardstock & Reviews
The best cardstock printers are accessible in various styles. We’ve compiled a list of models with their advantages and disadvantages for printing on paper for your consideration. To help you choose what is best for you, you will receive a complete education for cardstock printer.
Following examining a variety of printers, we decided to start with the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 because it redefines what a “all-in-one” printer is thanks to its impressively wide paper handling range. The maximum weight for consumer all-in-ones is 110 lb cardstock, although it can handle heavier papers as well.
Using four different ink cartridges, we were able to produce prints with vivid colours and a fine resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. Additionally, it has strong ink absorption and can handle a range of surfaces, even those that are extremely glossy.
You won’t have any trouble printing brochures, folding cards, or any other double-sided media thanks to the device’s two-sided automated document feeder.
I simply adored HP’s effective and clever printing, linking, and organising system. The device and its cloud storage partner, like Dropbox and Google Drive, are instantly accessible through its mobile application. We kept a variety of different files in various different places, and I must admit that this functionality is pretty helpful because it makes printing easier.
Additionally, it features a sizable input tray that can hold a capacity of 250 sheets of paper.
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015: Why We Like It
Even at its lowest settings, the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 produces documents quickly and beautifully. With or without an Instant Ink membership, operating costs are minimal. It works well as a printer for small-to-medium offices or home offices.
Pros
Paper mechanically feeds on both sides.
Fantastic colour printouts and quick printing rates
Low running costs even without instant ink; good ink absorption on a range of surfaces; and low running costs.
Your initial impression of HP Officejet air sticker printer will simply surprise you. The minimalist yet timeless style is the ideal complement to the decor of your office. Despite being a budget printer, the HP Officejet 3830 is suitable for both infrequent and frequent printing demands.
excluding printing. Additionally, the HP Officejet 3830 has fax, scan, and copy capabilities. The Energy-star rated HP Officejet 3830 uses less energy while still producing high-quality results.
I come to the conclusion that the HP OfficeJet 3830 is the second best budget-friendly at-home printer for printing paper.Only two ink cartridges are required to generate high-resolution prints with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, which is fantastic because it reduces the amount of replacement cartridges you need to buy in order to obtain high quality. Even on glossy photo paper, the ink absorption is quite high, even though printing in colour could take longer than with the method we previously explained.
The optimum media to print on with this printer is thick picture paper or thinner cardstock. Making photo holiday cards and postcards using it is a breeze.
The 3830 enables cardstock printing, copying, scanning, wireless printing, and faxing much like any other entry-level sublimation printer.
Pros
The footprint can practically fit anyplace.
Maximum photo weight is 145 pounds, while the index weight is 110 pounds.
The third alternative is a photo printer that prints pictures beautifully on cardstock. With ease, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer produces intricate photos onto cardstock and papers up to 13 x 19. The rear paper feed was made to handle heavier papers with a variety of finishes and textures.
This printer can produce outstanding depth and variations in colour with more than 6,144 nozzles thanks to an innovative eight-cartridge ink system. This printer allows you to print in monochrome and with sharper lines and deeper shading. Three grayscale cartridges are included.
A printhead that analyses what you’re printing to select the best ink mix to produce the most realistic colours is a technology known as the Optimum Image Generating System.
There are numerous versions available under the Canon Pixma brand of printers for homes and businesses. The Pixma tries its best and performs admirably, whether printing reports for children or putting in extra time at corporate stores around the world. Additionally, it can print your photos wonderfully. The entry-level professional Pixma model available as of this writing is Canon’s Pixma Pro-100. Let’s look at it now.
Pros
A dedicated manual feed is available for heavier media.
Excellent grayscale printing
A high-quality colour image with a resolution of 4800 x 2400 DPI
High-quality photo prints up to 13 x 19′′ precut and 13 x 129′′ on roll paper are available with the Epson SureColor P600. These prints are comparable to those produced in a print shop. Since it has a back feed, the printer can handle a wide range of paper types and weights, including cardstock, canvas, fine art paper, thick photo paper, labels, and an infinite number of other papers. This is definitely one of the best alternatives, through my perspective, for a printer that can handle thick card stock.
Because of its cutting-edge micro piezo technology, AMC’s micro piezo print head produces outstanding gradients and rich, brilliant colours. It is also incredibly strong and absorbent, making it the ideal substance for paper. Black ink is present in the two cartridges, one of which is for photo printing and the other is for matte textures. Excellent blacks and clear lines will be present in your cardstock prints. Additionally, the ink is somewhat fade-resistant.
Why we enjoy using the Epson SureColor P600 Wide Format Inkjet Printer for CardStock
The Epson P600 Wide Format Inkjet Printer has a plethora of capabilities. Regardless matter how useful a feature may be, this printer refuses to give it up, starting with disc printing and ending with support for AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. In essence, you get a great wide format printer with lots of built-in capabilities for the price you spend.
Pros
129-inch paper rolls can be used. Nine cartridges include sophisticated micro piezo printheads.
Compatibility for several paper types, up to a maximum print quality of 5760 x 1440 DPI, including picture paper, cut sheets, fine art paper, and roll paper
Dedicated rear feed for heavy speciality media
Cons
l Print requests sometimes take a while to process.
The Canon Pro-200 must also be a fantastic printer for thick paper in addition to being one of the best printers for thick cardstock.
Additionally, borderless, smaller prints, like cards, can be printed, as well as very big prints up to 13 inches wide.
Although this printer is the finest for printing cards and invitations, keep in mind that the final outcome will depend on the paper you use.
The 200 uses dye-based ink rather than pigment ink, whereas the Canon Pro-300 uses three inks and a chroma optimizer.
The PIXMA Pro-100s and Pro-200 Printer’s differences
We have investigated the variations between the new Canon Pro-200 printer and the older Canon PIXMA Pro-100s printer. and for you, and the results are provided in a different thread.
In a nutshell, the new Pro-200 has advanced in every way. thanks to improved usability, increased media support, and superior quality.
Pros
Hand feeding of heavier media
Fast print rates across all quality settings
A colour image with a resolution of 4800 dpi and excellent grayscale printing
I think the PRO-300 is the finest option for heavy cardstock printing at home while maintaining professional quality.
This is the middle brother in Canon’s portfolio, below the Pro-1000 and above the Pro-200, with comparable print quality and colour fidelity to the Pro-1000 but in a smaller, less expensive package. Compared to the Pro-1000, two inks are lost, and the maximum width is decreased by four inches, yet most customers hardly notice a difference.
I can promise you that the Pro-300 is preferable to the Pro-1000 due to two key factors: a lower price and a significantly reduced ink cost. An expert photo printer requires only a small amount of desk space. It is smaller than the Pro-1000 and about the same size as the Pro-200.
Our lab testing showed that, at least for black and white work, the Pro-200’s pigment inks provide superior print quality than the dye inks without the need to go to a photo lab.
Differences between the Pro-300 printer and the Canon PIXMA Pro-10s
We have investigated the variations between the new Canon ImagePROGRAF Pro-300 printer and the previous Canon PIXMA Pro-10s printer. and for you, with the outcomes presented in a separate thread.
In a nutshell, the new Pro-300 has advanced in every way. thanks to improved usability, increased media support, and superior quality.
Pros
A good level of colour fidelity and vibrancy A fair pricing given the print quality
The biggest printer on the list is Canon’s Pro-1000, which can create prints that are up to 17 inches wide. Despite not being the best printer for generating cards, I utilised the PRO-1000 to create prints for enormous walls and other large-format applications. It can also handle cardboard fairly well.
The combination of Chroma optimization, which brings out the vivid colours, 11 different colour cartridges, and the print quality and colour accuracy really amazed me.
Because of how excellent this printer is, it will reveal every tiny detail in your photographs or artwork that you had previously overlooked. You’ll definitely see an improvement in your artistic skills!
Keep in mind that refills for official ink run around $700. Although generic ink might be a little less expensive, it won’t have the same effect as genuine ink. If you can’t afford refills, you might not be able to afford the printer.
Pros
Highest quality professional photo printers
There are available professional settings and software.
Printing panoramas up to A2 size
up to 17-inch-wide prints
With vibrant colours and extremely precise black levels
Cons
A massive and weighty piece of machinery (70.5 pounds!)
If the high cost of replacing ink is not an issue, the following printer we tested, the P700, is a great option for a large-format Epson cardstock printer.
The SureColor P700 inkjet printer from Epson is a replacement for the SureColor P600. It provides comparable high-quality print performance in a more contemporary packaging. The photographs shown here are extremely pricey despite their high quality because of their superb colour accuracy and print quality.
An intriguing aspect of this printer is that it comes with two different types of black cartridges, one for glossy paper and the other for lustre paper. Depending on the sort of paper that are used, the printer works by selecting the correct black cartridge.
As a result, you should make sure that you print every day before buying this printer because it is not meant to be left unattended for extended periods of time as the print heads may get clogged with infrequent use and too much ink will be wasted when the printer is cleaned when it is set up. If it does, compared to the Canon Pro-1000, it would be a more affordable choice.
Pros
With superb picture quality and colour accuracy
Quick printing of large prints (A3 in 2 minutes and 30 seconds).
Manual and automatic cutters
Utilizes UltraChrome PRO10 pigment inks for a wider range of colours
Outstanding connectivity and simple touchscreen use
Remember that even though laser printers have poor picture quality, they are not appropriate for printing photos or papers with a lot of information when selecting the best colour laser printer for cardstock. Laser printers do, however, work effectively for specific tasks, such as mass-production of greeting cards and invitations.
You would need to have a look at a pricey inkjet printer with comparable performance, like the Canon Pro-1000.
The HP LaserJet Pro M255dw can only handle cardstock weighing up to 65 lb (175 gsm), yet this is more than enough for the majority of postcards and greeting cards and can really support the heaviest of all low-cost laser printers. This printer, which has a touchscreen control panel and a compact design, is my preferred laser printer for printing cardstock.
Pros
This is capable of printing up to 28 pages pm in black & white.
Has a 2.7-inch colour touch screen and prints on both sides automatically.
Excellent cost per page, huge print runs, high volumes, and suitability for mailing cards and postcards
The smallest laser printer for printing on cardstock is the last and most compact device on the list. It weighs only a little bit more than ten pounds because it is the smallest and lightest printer on the list. It also includes excellent capabilities like one-click copying, colour scanning, the ability to use Wi-Fi Direct, and connection with Amazon Alexa. It makes a good printer for home use in addition to being helpful for DIYers and YouTubers who use the printer periodically.
Even though the M29w takes a while to print, it can still go up to 19 pages per minute. That is not bad for a small desk printer, especially given that it can print on all different kinds of cardstock.
The last three printers on our list are much heavier than this one, but it can still handle thick envelopes, business cards, and posters with ease.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that this printer for cards and envelopes does have some serious shortcomings. There is no option for dual-sided printing, colour printing, USB printing, Ethernet networking, or faxing (which, when you think about it, is not really a drawback). In this situation, the sheet will have to be manually changed.Despite a handful of minor restrictions, this is the best choice in terms of speed, convenience, and size.
Pros
Highest quality professional photo printers
Up to 17-inch wide prints are produced, and the black levels are extremely realistic.
Cons
A massive and weighty piece of machinery (70.5 pounds!)
After trying a few different shots on each of the papers given by Fotospeed, I learned how each paper behaved on the Canon PRO-300 and was able to decide what worked and what didn’t for my landscape photos. Nevertheless, this should rely on the subjects you decide to capture and your personal preferences. The understand information and ideas presented in the following range are my personal favourites for me until survey involving:
NST Bright White 315gsm is the paper that conveys the tale behind each of my landscapes and is by far the most adaptable and satisfying. Every image I print on NST truly takes my breath away because of the soft texture and amazing way it handles details and shadows. For this reason, it is my preferred material for all of my Limited and Special Edition Prints.
Platinum Etching 285gsm is the paper you should use if you want people to exclaim “wow” each time they pick up one of your prints. 2. Because once texture, feel, and initial impressions are crucial for showing pictures unframed, Platinum Etching provides that true fine-art touch and is perfect for woods photography. Because it gives the snow and ice a great tactile quality, I am so thrilled that this is the paper I will use for my Winter 2021 Box Set.
For several of my images, especially my autumnal ones, I wanted a paper that was similar to my preferred paper, NST Bright White, but with less roughness and a cosier feel. Enter Platinum Cotton 305gsm. I like printing on Platinum Cotton more and more each time. 3. Platinum Etching has a smoother finish than its sibling, Platinum Etching, and this smoother surface is ideal for foggy or misty situations where you want the background to feel mystical and soft as it recedes into the distance.
Platinum Baryta 300gsm – Platinum Baryta, of course, is the one exception to my general dislike of “glossy” papers for work. It is categorised as an unglazed gloss surface and looks fantastic with vibrant, high-contrast sceneries. On this paper, I’ve printed a few vibrant dawn photos, and each time, I’ve been astounded by how well the colours came out. I really shouldn’t assume that this Baryta paper is only intended for B&W work because, in my opinion, it works fantastic for colourful landscapes, particularly seascapes with wet rocks, and truly pulls you into the scene.
I would strongly recommend ordering a few test packs from Fotospeed to compare the textures, gloss, and colours of various papers. It really is a very interesting and satisfying process. Through their website, you may directly order your test packets from Fotospeed with 24-hour shipment.
Whats The BEST Photo Paper For Landscape Photography ?
Giclee Printing: what is it?
Giclee, which translates to “sprayed or squirted,” is a phrase typically used to describe either fine art original prints or copies of original works of art. Generally single prints are created using a digital inkjet printing process. This technique produces an exceptional and distinctive inkjet print by combining pigment-based inks with premium archival paper. In summary, you may anticipate prints that are not just of a greater quality than those produced by a normal inkjet printer, but also prints that last longer.
How Do Giclee Prints Operate?
The technique itself mostly only works with big format printers and by misting the minute pigment-based ink particles onto archival or fine art paper. The print can also be fine-tuned on the paper to provide an almost exact match, and it can be modified and rectified to precisely match the original work.
How to Acquire High-Quality Products
While big format inkjet printers will be used to create these images, you must perfect the essential elements, such as the print resolution, the type of paper, and the printer itself. A great combination will be an archival paper and a Canon PROGRAF 12 colour printer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Best Cardstock Printer
Which printer is best at handling cardstock?
An inkjet or laser printer that prints on heavier materials like paper is known as a cardstock printer. These sheets differ somewhat in thickness from standard office paper, and special printing techniques are needed to get the desired results. Such printers frequently have the ability to print on general-purpose paper and other heavier materials in addition to cards. But it excludes printing on materials like T-shirts.
Can cardstock be printed with a basic printer?
No, for the most part. A basic printer cannot be fed with heavy materials like cardstock. You run a higher risk of getting stuck prints, jumbled output, or even worse, damaging your printer.
What is a printer configured for cardstock?
Prices vary according to brands, features, and types. The price of a cardstock printer might reach several hundred dollars. On the other hand, more expensive models and printers that can print on thicker cardstock will be available.
Where can I purchase a cardstock printer?
We advise making an online purchase through Amazon to get the best prices and discounts. You can also buy electronics offline if you want to support a regional merchant.
How much does a cardstock printer run?
Prices vary according to brands, features, and types. The price of a cardstock printer might reach several hundred dollars. On the other hand, more expensive models and printers that can print on thicker cardstock will be available.
Whose brand of cardstock is compatible with my printer?
It is advised to use Canon, Epson, HP, or Brother. Each of these printers is built to handle thick cardstock.
Which cardstock depth would you print on?
Typically, cardstock of a 100 lb. thickness can be printed. The majority of the time, cardstock is categorised based on its weight, which is calculated as the pounds (lbs) per thousand sheets. The lightest paper, which is 65 pounds, weighs 110 pounds (the thickest).
Canon printers produce cardboard prints?
Yes, Canon can print on cardstock.
I have produced multiple business cards with this printer using it repeatedly. There is no “cardstock” choice in the drop-down menu for paper type. I chose “high resolution” from the paper drop-down box.
May cardstock be printed on?
Yes, cardstock can sometimes be printed on. Generally heavier than paper, cardstock puts more strain on the printer. However, with a few modifications, cardstock can be printed on.
Then what is the distinction between paper and cardstock?
Cardstock is a thicker paper that may be utilised for a number of projects, which is how they differ from one other. It typically weighs more and is more durable than conventional paper, withstanding greater wear and tear. Invitations, greeting cards, business cards, and scrapbooking are all common uses for cardstock.
How can I tell if a printer can print on cardstock the finest?
When purchasing a printer for printing on cardstock, the type of paper that printer can handle should be the first thing to take into account. Verify that it is capable of doing the necessary activities! Depending on the manufacturer, cardstock has a weight range of 135-200g/m2. Additionally, not every printer can print on the thickest cardstock.
Is cardstock the same as poster board?
It does match the depth of a poster board of the same size. Cardstock has a distinct texture than posterboard. Cardstock absorbs more ink/toner than posterboard when printed on at home, making designs look fuzzy or lighter than they actually are.
Do you consider cardstock to be specialty paper?
No, cardstock is not a specialty type of paper. Despite the fact that cardstock is a form of paper with a wide range of applications, there are many other types of paper that are more specialised than cardstock, hence it is not termed speciality paper.
Conclusion
There is no denying that different users would have different opinions on the best printer for card stock. These ten top machines were the ones we selected because we think they can handle any printing needs a business might have.
Here is what we would pick if we had very precise criteria if you are having trouble choosing between two models when you are shopping.
