Imagine holding a beautifully printed invitation or a sturdy business card. It feels professional and makes a great impression, right? But what if your home printer just can’t handle that thick card stock? It might jam, smear the ink, or simply refuse to feed the paper. This is a common problem for many people who want to create high-quality printed materials at home or in a small office.
Choosing a card stock printer can be confusing. There are so many different types, and each one promises the best results. You might worry about ink quality, paper thickness it can handle, or even how much it will cost to run. Finding the right printer means you can stop dealing with frustrating print jobs and start creating the professional-looking items you need.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the world of card stock printers. We’ll help you understand what makes a printer good for card stock, what features to look for, and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice and ready to print amazing cards!
Our Top 5 Card Stock Printer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Card Stock Printer Detailed Reviews
1. Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print
![Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer [Print, Copy, Scan], Works with Alexa](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21-0hP0b2eL._SL500_.jpg)
Rating: 9.1/10
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a handy gadget for your home or small office. It can print, copy, and scan, making it a true all-in-one device. You can easily see what you’re doing on its bright 1.44-inch OLED screen. Setting it up is a breeze, whether you’re using a smartphone or a computer. Plus, it connects to Wi-Fi, so you can print from anywhere in your house.
What We Like:
- The clear 1.44″ OLED screen makes navigating menus simple.
- Easy setup gets you printing from your phone or computer quickly.
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you print from any room.
- Print wirelessly from your favorite mobile devices using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- Creative printing options are available through the Easy-Photo Print Editor App and Canon Creative Park App.
- It works with Alexa, adding voice control convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- Ink costs can add up over time for frequent printing.
- The print speed might be slower than some high-end professional printers.
This printer offers a lot of features for its price. It’s a great choice for anyone who needs a reliable and easy-to-use printer for everyday tasks.
2. White Cardstock 8.5 x 11
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a sturdy and versatile paper for your creative projects? This White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock is a fantastic choice for a wide range of uses. Its heavyweight nature and smooth finish make it ideal for everything from crafting to professional printing.
What We Like:
- The 85 lb (230 GSM) weight feels substantial and durable, perfect for projects that need to last.
- It has a smooth, double-sided matte finish that takes ink beautifully, whether you’re writing, drawing, or printing.
- This cardstock works well with many types of pens and markers, allowing for vibrant and crisp artwork.
- It’s suitable for printing on both sides, making it great for invitations, brochures, or even book covers.
- The generous pack of 30 sheets ensures you have plenty of paper for multiple projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- Before printing, it’s important to check your printer’s manual to make sure it can handle 85 lb cardstock, as some printers may struggle.
This cardstock offers excellent quality and versatility for all your creative and practical needs. It’s a reliable option for anyone looking for heavy-duty paper.
3. Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer. for Home Use
Rating: 8.6/10
The Canon MegaTank G3270 All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a fantastic choice for busy homes. It lets you print, scan, and copy all from one machine. Plus, it’s wireless, so you can print from your phone or tablet easily. This printer is designed to save you money and hassle.
What We Like:
- It comes with enough ink to last up to two years!
- You can print a ton of pages – 6,000 black and white or 7,700 color pages on just one set of ink.
- This means you can save a lot of money on ink, up to $1,000!
- It’s an all-in-one, so you can print, scan, and copy without needing separate devices.
- The wireless feature makes printing super convenient from anywhere in your home.
- It has a small LCD screen to help you navigate settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only prints on one side of the paper at a time.
Overall, the Canon MegaTank G3270 is a smart and affordable printer for home use. You’ll love the long-lasting ink and the convenience it offers.
4. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 9.2/10
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a fantastic choice for busy households. It does it all: print, copy, scan, and fax. You can easily print from your phone or computer, and it even has a handy automatic document feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages. Plus, it automatically prints on both sides of the paper, saving you time and paper. This printer is designed to be user-friendly, from setting it up to changing the ink cartridges. It also helps you save energy and can even reorder ink for you automatically through Alexa, so you never run out.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer: print, copy, scan, and fax.
- You can print wirelessly from your phone or computer.
- The auto document feeder makes copying and scanning stacks of paper easy.
- It prints on both sides of the paper automatically, saving paper and time.
- You can print great-looking documents, photos, and borderless prints.
- It’s easy to install and replace ink cartridges.
- It connects with Alexa to remind you when ink is low and can even reorder it for you from Amazon without a subscription.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it’s good for the environment and saves energy.
- It comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is a bit slower compared to some other printers.
- While it offers borderless printing, it’s limited to 8.5″ x 11″ size.
The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a versatile and convenient printer that makes everyday tasks easier. Its smart features and user-friendly design make it a great addition to any home office or busy family.
5. Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock
Rating: 8.7/10
Looking for cardstock that makes your projects pop? The Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock is a fantastic choice for all your creative needs. This 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock comes in a bright white shade, making your colors look extra vibrant. It’s also a sturdy 65 lb weight, so your creations will feel professional and last a long time. This pack gives you 75 sheets, which is plenty for many projects.
What We Like:
- The smooth finish gives you super clear and sharp printing results, whether you’re using an inkjet, laser, or copier.
- It’s guaranteed to work with most printers, so you won’t have to worry about smudges or jams.
- The 65 lb weight makes it feel substantial and high-quality, perfect for cards, invitations, or crafts.
- It’s acid and lignin-free, meaning it won’t yellow or break down over time, keeping your work looking great for years.
- You get a generous 75 sheets in each pack, offering great value for your money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The packaging can sometimes vary, which might be a small surprise when it arrives.
This cardstock is a reliable and high-quality option for anyone who wants their printed projects to look their best. You’ll love how your designs come to life on this bright white surface.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Card Stock Printer
Picking the right printer for your card stock projects can be a little tricky. You want something that handles thicker paper well and makes your creations look amazing. This guide will help you find the perfect card stock printer.
Why You Need a Card Stock Printer
Card stock is thicker than regular paper. It’s great for making greeting cards, invitations, business cards, and crafts. A regular printer might struggle with this thicker material, leading to jams or poor print quality. A card stock printer is built to handle it.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Paper Handling: This is the most important thing. Look for printers that specifically mention handling card stock or heavy paper. Check the maximum paper weight (measured in pounds or GSM) the printer can feed.
- Print Resolution: Higher resolution means sharper images and text. For detailed designs, look for printers with at least 600 x 600 dpi (dots per inch).
- Ink Type: Pigment-based inks are usually better for card stock than dye-based inks. Pigment inks resist fading and water better, making your prints last longer.
- Connectivity: Do you want to print from your computer, phone, or tablet? Look for options like Wi-Fi, USB, or cloud printing.
- Print Speed: How fast do you need your prints? If you’re printing many items, a faster printer will save you time.
Important Materials
The materials your printer uses affect the final look of your cards.
- Card Stock Itself: Card stock comes in many weights and finishes. Common weights are 65lb, 80lb, 100lb, and even heavier. Smooth finishes are best for sharp printing, while textured ones can add a unique feel.
- Ink: As mentioned, pigment inks are often preferred for durability and vibrancy on card stock.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few things make a big difference in how good your printed cards look.
Things That Improve Quality:
- High Print Resolution: As we talked about, this makes your images clear and crisp.
- Good Quality Card Stock: Using nice, thick card stock makes your projects feel professional.
- Pigment-Based Inks: These inks create bold colors that don’t fade easily.
- Printer Settings: Always select the correct paper type and quality settings in your printer software. This tells the printer how to best handle the card stock.
Things That Reduce Quality:
- Printer Jamming: If the printer can’t feed the card stock properly, it can jam, ruining your print.
- Ink Bleeding: Some inks might spread out on thicker paper, making designs look fuzzy.
- Low Resolution: Images and text will look blurry or pixelated.
- Using the Wrong Paper Type Setting: Printing on card stock with a “plain paper” setting can lead to poor ink absorption and smudging.
User Experience and Use Cases
How easy is the printer to use, and what can you make with it?
Ease of Use:
- Setup: Is it easy to set up the printer and connect it to your devices?
- Loading Paper: Can you easily load card stock without it bending or getting stuck?
- Software: Is the printer’s software or app user-friendly for selecting print options?
Common Use Cases:
- Greeting Cards: Design and print your own birthday, holiday, or thank-you cards.
- Invitations: Make custom invitations for parties, weddings, or events.
- Business Cards: Print professional-looking business cards for your small business or personal use.
- Craft Projects: Create custom tags, bookmarks, or elements for scrapbooking.
- DIY Projects: Print patterns or designs for various craft activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of printer for card stock?
A: A printer designed for heavy paper or card stock is best. Look for inkjet printers that specify handling thicker media.
Q: How much weight of card stock can most card stock printers handle?
A: Many can handle up to 110lb card stock (around 300 GSM). Always check the printer’s specifications.
Q: Do I need a special ink for card stock?
A: Not usually. However, pigment-based inks tend to work better and last longer on card stock than dye-based inks.
Q: Can I print on both sides of the card stock?
A: Some printers have an automatic duplexing feature, which prints on both sides. Others require you to manually flip the paper.
Q: What is the difference between inkjet and laser printers for card stock?
A: Inkjet printers are generally better for card stock because they apply ink in layers, which works well on thicker paper. Laser printers can sometimes have trouble with the heat and thickness.
Q: How do I prevent ink smudging on card stock?
A: Use pigment-based inks, let the ink dry completely, and ensure you have selected the correct paper type in your printer settings.
Q: Can I print photos on card stock?
A: Yes, if the printer has good photo printing capabilities and a high resolution. You’ll get vibrant, durable photo prints.
Q: What is a good print resolution for card stock printing?
A: Aim for at least 600 x 600 dpi for sharp text and images. Higher is often better for detailed designs.
Q: Are all card stock printers expensive?
A: No, there are many affordable options available for home use. Prices vary based on features and print quality.
Q: Where can I find the paper weight limit for a printer?
A: The paper weight limit is usually listed in the printer’s technical specifications, either on the product packaging, in the manual, or on the manufacturer’s website.
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.