Ever tried to print a beautiful invitation or a sturdy craft project, only to have your printer jam or the ink smudge? It’s a frustrating experience, right? When you need to print on cardstock, a regular printer often just won’t cut it. Cardstock is thicker and a bit rougher than regular paper, and many printers aren’t built to handle it well. This can lead to disappointing results, wasted materials, and a lot of headaches.
Choosing the perfect printer for cardstock can feel like a maze. You want vibrant colors, crisp text, and a machine that won’t give up after a few pages. But with so many printers out there, how do you know which one is truly up to the task? We get it – the options can be overwhelming! You want a printer that’s reliable, easy to use, and delivers professional-looking prints every time, without breaking the bank.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand what makes a printer great for cardstock and be able to confidently pick the best one for your needs. We’ll walk you through the key features to look for, share some top recommendations, and help you avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to say goodbye to printing problems and hello to stunning cardstock creations!
Our Top 5 Printer For Printing On Cardstock Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printer For Printing On Cardstock Detailed Reviews
1. Brother Work Smart 1360 Wireless Color Inkjet All-in-One Printer with Automatic Duplex Printing and 1.8” Color Display
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Brother Work Smart 1360, your new go-to for all things printing, copying, and scanning. This all-in-one printer is built for busy homes and home offices, making your daily tasks a breeze. It creates sharp, colorful prints that really pop.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 machine: print, copy, and scan all from one compact device.
- You can print and scan directly from cloud apps like Google Drive and Dropbox using the easy-to-see color screen.
- It has automatic duplex printing, so it prints on both sides of the paper without you needing to flip it.
- The 20-sheet automatic document feeder makes copying and scanning multi-page documents super quick.
- It prints at good speeds, up to 16 pages per minute in black and 9 pages per minute in color.
- You can connect it wirelessly to your home network or use a USB cable.
- The Brother Mobile Connect app lets you manage your printer from your phone or tablet.
- Page Gauge helps you keep an eye on your ink levels so you don’t run out unexpectedly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 1.8-inch color display is functional but could be larger for easier viewing.
- While it includes a Refresh Subscription Trial, the long-term cost of ink cartridges might be a consideration for very heavy users.
The Brother Work Smart 1360 is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and feature-rich printer for their home or home office. It makes everyday printing tasks simpler and more efficient.
2. HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 8.8/10
The HP Envy 6155e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer, in a stylish Portobello color, is a fantastic choice for busy homes. It handles printing, scanning, and copying with ease. Plus, it offers duplex printing, meaning it can print on both sides of the paper automatically. This printer is designed to make your printing tasks simpler and more efficient.
What We Like:
- HP’s AI technology is a game-changer, making sure your web pages and emails print perfectly without wasting paper.
- The 2.4″ color touchscreen is super easy to use, letting you navigate settings quickly.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi keeps you connected reliably and fixes connection problems on its own.
- True-to-screen technology means your printed photos and documents will look just as vibrant as they do on your screen.
- The HP app lets you print, scan, and copy from your phone or tablet, making it very convenient.
- You get a 3-month trial of HP Instant Ink, so you won’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
- This printer is made with at least 60% recycled plastic, and HP helps forests thrive with every page you print.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds of up to 7 ppm for color and 10 ppm for black might be a bit slow for very large print jobs.
- The printer only works with HP cartridges, which could be a limitation if you prefer other brands.
Overall, the HP Envy 6155e is a smart, user-friendly printer that brings convenience and great print quality to your home. It’s an excellent option for families who need a reliable device for schoolwork, photos, and everyday documents.
3. Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for Basic Home Printing
Rating: 8.5/10
The Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer in white is a simple and straightforward printer designed for your basic home printing needs. It handles printing, copying, and scanning, making it a handy gadget for school projects, quick documents, or printing photos.
What We Like:
- It’s an all-in-one printer, so you can print, copy, and scan all from one device.
- Setting it up is super easy and quick, so you can start printing right away.
- You can easily connect it to your Wi-Fi without needing a computer, thanks to Dual Band Wi-Fi.
- Printing from your phone or tablet is a breeze using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, or Mopria Print Service.
- It supports printing various media like photos, envelopes, and even banners.
- You can print 5” x 5” square photos and borderless photos up to 5” x 7”.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
- Ink cartridges are easy to swap out, and you only need two.
- The 1.5” LCD screen makes it simple to navigate and use.
What Could Be Improved:
- This printer only prints on one side of the paper at a time.
- Print speeds are a bit slow, especially for color prints.
For simple home tasks and casual printing, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is a solid choice that offers convenience and ease of use.
4. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a fantastic choice for any home office or busy household. This black printer does it all, handling your printing, copying, scanning, and faxing needs with ease. Its wireless capabilities mean you can print from anywhere, and the auto document feeder makes scanning and copying multi-page documents a breeze. Plus, the built-in fax function keeps you connected.
What We Like:
- It’s a true 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax all from one device.
- Printing speed is decent at 8.8 pages per minute for color and 4.4 for black and white.
- Replacing ink cartridges is super simple.
- It automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper.
- The auto document feeder handles multiple pages quickly.
- You can print stunning borderless photos and documents up to 8.5″ x 11″.
- It has a 100-sheet paper capacity, which is good for home use.
- This printer is ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s good for the environment and your electricity bill.
- You can connect it to Alexa to get alerts when you’re low on ink. Alexa can even reorder ink for you from Amazon if you sign up for smart reorders, so you never run out.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed for black and white could be a little faster.
- While it prints borderless photos, it’s limited to 8.5″ x 11″.
This Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers great convenience and features for home users. It’s a reliable printer that simplifies your daily tasks.
5. Epson Workforce Pro WF-7820 Wireless All-in-One Wide-Format Printer
Rating: 8.6/10
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-7820 is a powerful all-in-one printer that can handle all your office tasks. It prints standard and wide-format documents quickly with its special heat-free technology. The ink dries fast to avoid smudges. You can also copy, scan, and fax with this printer. It’s a great addition to any busy office.
What We Like:
- Prints large documents up to 13″ x 19″.
- Fast printing with PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology.
- DURABrite Ultra ink dries quickly, preventing smudges.
- Automatic 2-sided printing and scanning saves time.
- Wireless printing from smart devices is super convenient.
- Works with popular mobile printing options like AirPrint and Android printing.
- A large 50-page automatic document feeder (ADF) makes scanning and copying stacks of paper easy.
- The 250-sheet paper capacity means less refilling.
- It can even work with Alexa for voice commands.
What Could Be Improved:
- The initial setup might take a little time.
- Ink can be a bit pricey for heavy users.
This printer is a fantastic choice for businesses that need to print large documents and want a reliable all-in-one solution. It makes everyday office work much easier and more efficient.
Choosing the Best Printer for Cardstock: Your Guide to Amazing Projects
Printing on cardstock opens up a world of creative possibilities! Whether you’re making invitations, crafting greeting cards, or designing business flyers, the right printer makes all the difference. Let’s explore what you need to know to find your perfect cardstock printing companion.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re hunting for a printer that handles cardstock well, keep these features in mind:
- Paper Handling: This is the most crucial feature. Look for printers that specifically mention “cardstock support” or have a “straight-through paper path.” This means the paper travels directly from the input tray to the output tray, reducing the chance of bends or jams.
- Paper Thickness (Weight) Support: Cardstock comes in different thicknesses, measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). Check the printer’s specifications to see the maximum weight it can handle. Most printers can handle up to 80-100lb (200-270gsm) cardstock, which is great for most projects.
- Print Quality: For vibrant colors and sharp text, look for printers with high resolution (measured in dots per inch or DPI). Higher DPI means more detail.
- Ink Type: Pigment-based inks generally offer better durability and fade resistance on cardstock compared to dye-based inks.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity lets you print from multiple devices easily.
Important Materials and Considerations
The paper itself is just as important as the printer.
- Cardstock Weight: As mentioned, this is key. Thicker cardstock (like 110lb or 300gsm) might require a printer with a more robust paper feed mechanism.
- Cardstock Finish: Smooth finishes are easier for most printers to handle. Textured or heavily embossed cardstock can sometimes cause feeding issues or affect print quality.
- Ink Cartridges: Consider the cost and availability of replacement ink cartridges. Some printers use individual color cartridges, which can be more cost-effective than multi-color cartridges if you only run out of one color.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your cardstock prints look fantastic or a bit disappointing.
Improving Quality:
- Printer Resolution: A higher DPI setting on your printer will result in sharper images and text.
- Correct Paper Settings: Always select the correct paper type and weight in your printer’s settings. This tells the printer how to adjust its ink and paper feeding.
- High-Quality Image Files: Start with clear, high-resolution images or designs. A blurry file will print as a blurry image, no matter how good your printer is.
- Calibrated Monitor: Ensure your computer screen shows colors accurately.
Reducing Quality:
- Paper Jams: These can smudge ink or even damage your printer. A straight-through paper path helps prevent this.
- Incorrect Paper Settings: If you tell the printer you’re using plain paper when you’re using thick cardstock, the ink might not dry properly, or the paper might not feed correctly.
- Low-Quality Ink: Using off-brand or old ink can lead to faded colors or streaks.
- Overloading the Input Tray: Too much paper can cause feeding problems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your printer.
For Home Crafters and Hobbyists:
If you’re making handmade cards for birthdays and holidays, a reliable inkjet printer that handles cardstock well is perfect. You’ll want good color reproduction and the ability to print on at least 80lb cardstock. Easy-to-use software and wireless printing add to the convenience.
For Small Businesses and Event Planners:
For printing business cards, flyers, or event invitations, you need a printer that offers professional-quality output and can handle heavier cardstock for a premium feel. Speed might also be a factor if you have a lot of printing to do. Laser printers can be great for sharp text and high volume, but many modern inkjets also excel at vibrant graphics on cardstock.
For Students and Educators:
Printing presentations, project covers, or classroom materials on cardstock can make them stand out. Look for a printer that is budget-friendly for ink and offers good all-around performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cardstock Printers
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in a cardstock printer?
A: The most important thing is its ability to handle the thickness and weight of the cardstock you want to use. Also, check for a paper path that prevents bending.
Q: Can any printer print on cardstock?
A: Not all printers are designed for cardstock. Many standard printers can only handle thin paper. Always check the printer’s specifications for its cardstock capabilities.
Q: What is “paper weight” and why does it matter for cardstock?
A: Paper weight tells you how thick the paper is. Cardstock is thicker and heavier than regular paper. Printers need to be able to feed and print on this thicker material without jamming.
Q: Should I use an inkjet or laser printer for cardstock?
A: Both can work! Inkjet printers generally offer better color vibrancy for photos and graphics on cardstock. Laser printers are excellent for sharp text and high-volume printing, but they might have limitations on cardstock thickness.
Q: How do I know if a printer supports my specific cardstock weight?
A: Check the printer’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website. They will list the maximum paper weight (in lb or gsm) the printer can handle.
Q: What is a “straight-through paper path” and why is it good for cardstock?
A: A straight-through paper path means the paper travels in a direct line from the input tray to the output. This reduces curves and bends, which is very helpful for thicker materials like cardstock to prevent jams and damage.
Q: Will my prints smudge if I use the wrong printer settings?
A: Yes, they might. If you don’t select the correct paper type and weight in your printer settings, the ink might not dry properly, leading to smudges.
Q: What kind of ink is best for cardstock?
A: Pigment-based inks are generally more durable and fade-resistant on cardstock than dye-based inks. They tend to sit on top of the paper better.
Q: Can I print on glossy cardstock?
A: Many printers can handle glossy cardstock, but it’s always best to check the printer’s specifications. Ensure the printer can handle the weight and finish of the glossy cardstock.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good cardstock printer?
A: Prices vary, but you can find good quality inkjet printers that handle cardstock well for home use starting around $100-$200. For more professional needs, expect to spend more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.