Whether you plan on DIY (do it yourself) printing or professional printing, carefully consider the printing information provided for the paper you are interested in using.
Not all paper weights and types are suitable for all printers, especially home printers.
It is important to take into consideration many factors when choosing paper for a print project, including but not limited to: paper weight, paper material and coatings, paper grain, moisture, heat, ink, speed, the printer’s paper path and printer settings. Not all printers can safely and successfully accommodate all types of paper.
Paper is made up of tiny grains of fiber that align in the same direction during the manufacturing process, much like a school of fish or a flock of migrating birds!
The many small fibers are pressed together.
The paper grain is the direction in which most of the paper fibers run.
Grain typically runs with the length of a rectangular sheet, which is known as long grain, but it can run along the width.
Test the paper to find the grain by bending the paper part way, as if to fold it. Do this in each direction.
There is less resistance when the fold line runs with the grain.
Not all printers can print heavyweight cardstock. This can be further affected by paper grain. When a sheet of paper is fed into a printer and it's path goes around a roller, a long-grain paper will be more resistant to bending around the roller than a short-grain paper. So a short-grain paper may bend just enough to allow it to feed, while a long-grain paper may not feed or jam.
Tip - Having a manual single-sheet feed option that does not require the paper to roll during printing may resolve this problem. Manual feed is usually a special slot located in the front or back of the printer. Another trick is to carefully bend a small stack of the paper back and forth several times against the grain without creasing it. This may help to break-in and loosen the grain to reduce resistance and help it feed through the printer.
For DIY projects, start by consulting your printer manual and making sure your printer settings are adjusted for the type of paper you wish to use. Keep in mind that you may or may not be able to successfully print all paper types, or even the same types (with different grains), in any printer.
For professional printing, consult with your print shop and have them run test prints before purchasing a large amount of paper and ordering a print job. Do not assume that a professional or big box printer can print on any paper as they are also limited by the type of printing equipment they have available.
Tip - We strongly recommend that you test your paper(s) of choice prior to purchasing. We are more than happy to help you find the perfect paper for your project and help you throughout your design process, To help with testing, we offer paper samples of all of our paper products. Test print the paper in both directions to make sure it will print both long and short grain.
Inkjet- Inkjet printers use tiny nozzles to spray ink onto the paper. This liquid ink will soak into the paper and may need some time to dry to avoid smudging. Inkjet is the most common form of home printer, and responds well to most paper types, but may not work, or work as well, on certain coated and reflective papers where ink is not readily absorbed and can easily smear and smudge. Inkjet printers are especially successful at printing on textured card stocks.
Laser- Laser printers use a toner cartridge filled with powder and heat to create a virtually waterproof, plastic-like ink that sits on top of the paper. (Flush with the paper. Words will not be raised.) Unlike inkjet ink, laser ink does not soak into the paper, so it is dry right away and allows for printing on some surfaces that inkjet cannot print on such as metallic, pearlescent, and reflective paper.
Inkjet vs. Laser- When viewed at an angle, you can see how the inkjet ink soaks into the paper, while the laser ink leaves a very thin plastic-like coating on top.
Letterpress- In letterpress printing, an inked metal plate with the raised text/design is mechanically pressed into the paper to create an impression in the paper. Letterpress is the oldest form of printing and is the height of luxury when it comes to paper goods. (Note that letterpress printing works best on papers 100# or higher.)
Thermography- In thermographic printing, powder ink and heat come together to create a raised, embossed finish. Thermography is commonly used on luxury paper items and works with almost all paper types.
Other Applications Include:
Lithography - Offset - Silkscreen - Embossing - Debossing - Laminating - Foil Stamping - Engraving - Die / Laser Cutting - Scoring and Folding
Matte papers are uncoated and offer a high-quality performance for laser and ink jet digital printers as well as copiers, provided the proper test runs have been made for paper thickness. Also suitable for Letterpress, Thermography, Lithography, Offset, Silk Screening, Embossing, Debossing, Laminating, Foil Stamping, Engraving, Die / Laser Cutting, Scoring and Folding.
SHOP MATTE COLLECTION SHOP NATURALS COLLECTION
Pearlescent papers are laser printer compatible. Although possible, inkjet printing is not recommended as print may smudge if the paper is too thick for the printer or is not allowed to dry before handling.
Also suitable for Letterpress, Thermography, Lithography, Offset, Silk Screening, Embossing, Debossing, Laminating, Foil Stamping, Engraving, Die / Laser Cutting, Scoring and Folding.
SHOP PEARLESCENT COLLECTION
Mirror Foils are not suitable for inkjet printing but are compatible with many other printing application procedures including, but not limited to: laser, thermography, lithography, digital, silkscreen printing, offset printing, embossing, foil stamping, engraving, die or laser cutting, and folding and or scoring.
Wood Veneers can be printed using offset, digital, flexo, screen, flatbed inkjet and letterpress printing processes and can be die-cut, embossed, foiled, scored, folded, laser cut, laser etched, stapled and sewn just like paper.
SHOP WOOD VENEERS
*Disclaimer: The information on our website regarding printing and other applications is only a guide to best practice based on our experience, paper mill product specifications, and the expertise and testing of our paper professionals. Due to the many and varied types of personal and professional printing and paper finishing processes and inks on the market, we cannot guarantee that all products will perform as desired in regards to paper compatibility with printing and other applications.
Cardstock Warehouse Paper Company, Inc. shall not be liable, in any way, for incidental or consequential damages or losses sustained, or aggravated, by print or paper recommendations whether or not made verbally, or in writing on this website. Paper compatibility for desired outcomes is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the customer.
Can a regular printer print on cardstock? Certainly. Printing on cardstock creates various fun projects, from invitations to creative crafts. However, the process can often seem daunting, especially when using traditional printers primarily designed for standard paper. But don’t be afraid! With the proper technique and a few helpful tips, you can achieve professional-quality cardstock printing at home.
Cardstock is a heavier, longer-lasting paper than standard printer paper. Typically measured in pounds (lb), it is more durable and ideal for applications such as invitations, greeting cards, business cards, and art projects. The heavier weight enhances its longevity and professional appearance.
There are many types of cardstock, each offering different finishes and suitable for different projects. Matte, glossy, textured, or colored cardstock offers options for different looks and uses.
Card stock can generally be printed using laser printers and inkjet printers.
Laser Printer: Laser printers produce durable prints that are resistant to smudges and water damage. However, there is a higher heat output during the printing process, sometimes affecting certain cardstock types. You will need to choose the type of card stock that matches it.
Inkjet Printer: Inkjet printers can produce high-quality prints, especially in color accuracy and detail. However, printing on nonporous or coated cardstock can take longer to dry. If handled too early, staining may result. Additionally, inkjet printing may be more susceptible to water damage than laser printing.
For excellent print quality, we recommend choosing a printer that matches the type of cardstock you plan to use.
After learning about cardstock and the printer, it’s time to do some cardstock printing. Read on to learn how to print on cardstock using your home printer.
Cardstock comes in a variety of weights and finishes, so choosing the right type is critical to successful printing. Considering the weight of the card stock, the printer can typically handle up to 110 lbs or 200 gsm. But it’s a good idea to check your printer’s specifications to find out the maximum weight it supports. In addition, choosing cardstock with a smooth surface will prevent ink smudging and ensure clear prints.
The first thing to do is check your printer specifications and compatibility with card stock. Observe whether your printer supports cardstock and the expected size and weight. Ensure it matches your printer’s capacity to prevent potential paper jams and other printing problems. The printer’s official website usually contains this information, so take a few minutes to browse it.
Common printers that can print on cardstock include Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000, HP OfficeJet Pro 9015, Xerox VersaLink C400 Printer, Canon PIXMA PRO-100 printer, Canon PIXMA PRO-200 printer, etc.
Correct printer settings are essential for printing on card stock. Try to find it on your computer: “Control Panel” → “Hardware and Sound” → “Devices and Printers” → Right click to select the printer → “Printing Preferences” → Various printer settings. Here’s what to consider:
Please observe that the cardstock paper is in good condition and not bent or folded. Store your card stock properly before printing, ensuring it has a flat surface and no bends or folds that could cause printing problems.
Loading card stock correctly is critical to preventing jams and printing errors. Please follow these steps for the best loading results:
Before finally printing your project, do a test print on plain paper. You can make any necessary adjustments to alignment, color settings, or content placement based on your tests. For example, modify settings such as paper size, type, and margins to match cardstock specifications. Consider printing orientation (Portrait or Landscape) for best results.
Make sure there is enough ink or toner in your printer. Due to the thickness of the cardstock, printing may use more printing supplies, so you’ll need to keep a good supply.
Want to print more pieces like this? Reload the card stock into your printer, then open the file and print again.
After printing, wait for the printed cardstock to dry completely to prevent smudging or ink transfer.
Problems may occur when printing on card stock. Follow the troubleshooting tips below to get it right:
Printing on cardstock using a regular printer may seem challenging at first. But with the proper technique and patience, you can achieve impressive results and create exquisite prints.
Shop for affordable, high quality ink/toner cartridge replacements at True Image. Our single packs, 4-packs, 5-packs, and even 10-packs give you plenty of supply. E.g., HP 58X, HP 89A, HP 962XL, Brother LC401, Brother TN760, Canon 067, Canon 069, Epson 232/232XL.
More blogs you may be interested in: Can You Use a Regular Printer for Sublimation
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