Ever wanted to make your own cool invitations or design a special card that really stands out? Maybe you’re a crafter who loves making handmade projects. If you’ve ever tried to print on thicker paper, like cardstock, you know it can be a real headache! Not all printers can handle it, and if you pick the wrong one, your beautiful designs might end up smudged, crooked, or just plain not printed.
Choosing a printer that’s good for cardstock can be tricky. You worry about the printer jamming, the ink smearing, or the colors not looking bright and vibrant. It’s frustrating when your project doesn’t turn out how you imagined! But don’t worry, we’re here to help you solve this printing puzzle.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know to find the perfect printer for all your cardstock adventures. We’ll show you what features to look for, share some top picks, and give you tips to make sure your printing goes smoothly every time. Get ready to bring your creative ideas to life with confidence!
Our Top 5 Printer For Cardstock Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Printer For Cardstock 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: 9.2/10
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a All-in-One Wireless Inkjet Printer is a handy device that can do a lot. It lets you print, copy, and scan documents and photos easily. It also works with Alexa, so you can use voice commands. A bright 4.3-inch OLED screen makes it simple to see and use all the features. Setting it up with your phone or computer is a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to set up with your phone or computer.
- You can print from anywhere in your house thanks to built-in Wi-Fi.
- Printing from your phone or tablet is simple using the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria.
- The 4.3-inch OLED screen is clear and bright, making it easy to navigate.
- You can get creative with printing using the Easy-Photo Print Editor App or Canon Creative Park App.
- It works with Alexa for convenient voice control.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ink cartridges can be a bit pricey for frequent printing.
- It doesn’t have an automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multiple pages.
This Canon PIXMA TS6420a is a great option for home users who want a printer that’s easy to use and connects wirelessly. It offers a good balance of features for everyday tasks and creative projects.
2. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 Wireless Color All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer with Scan and Copy – The Ideal Basic Home Printer – Black
Rating: 9.0/10
Say goodbye to ink cartridges and hello to easy, affordable printing with the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. This wireless all-in-one printer is designed for home use, making it simple to print, scan, and copy all your important documents and photos. Its compact, black design fits nicely into any space, and it’s ready to handle your daily printing needs.
What We Like:
- Innovative cartridge-free printing means you don’t buy tiny, expensive ink cartridges anymore.
- You can save a lot of money on ink – up to 90% less than with regular cartridges!
- Each ink bottle set gives you enough ink to print thousands of pages, so you won’t run out often.
- You get up to two years of ink right in the box, which is super convenient.
- By choosing this printer, you help reduce waste because there are no cartridges to throw away.
- The Micro Piezo Heat-Free Technology makes your prints look sharp and colorful.
- It prints up to 10 pages per minute, so you can get your work done quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a basic printer, so it might not have advanced features found on more expensive models.
- Print speeds are good for home use, but might be slower than professional printers for very large jobs.
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 offers a smart and budget-friendly way to handle all your home printing. It’s a great choice for saving money and reducing waste.
3. Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer
Rating: 9.0/10
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: print, copy, scan, and fax. It’s designed for convenience, making everyday tasks simple. Plus, it connects wirelessly, so you can print from your phone or tablet. It even has a handy auto document feeder for scanning and copying multiple pages.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 printer, meaning it can print, copy, scan, and fax.
- You can print wirelessly from your phone or tablet.
- It has an auto document feeder and automatic double-sided printing. This saves you time.
- You can print photos and documents without borders up to 8.5″ x 11″.
- It’s ENERGY STAR certified, which means it’s energy efficient.
- The printer is designed for easy ink cartridge changes.
- It connects with Alexa for smart ink reordering. You won’t run out of ink unexpectedly.
- It has a 1-year limited warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- The print speed is a bit slow at 8.8 / 4.4 pages per minute.
- The paper capacity is only 100 sheets. This might be small for heavy printing jobs.
Overall, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a versatile and user-friendly printer for home use. Its smart features and all-in-one capabilities make it a great addition to any home.
4. 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 your home. It lets you print, scan, and copy easily. Plus, it’s wireless, so you can print from anywhere in your home without messy cables.
What We Like:
- You get up to two years of ink right in the box!
- It can print a huge number of pages – 6,000 black and white or 7,700 color pages from just one set of ink.
- This means you can save a lot of money on ink, up to $1,000!
- The 1.35” Square LCD display makes it simple to see what you’re doing.
- It’s a wireless printer, so you can connect easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- This printer only prints on one side of the paper at a time.
This Canon MegaTank G3270 is a smart buy for anyone who prints a lot at home. It saves you money and hassle with its amazing ink capacity.
5. HP DeskJet 4227e Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer
Rating: 9.4/10
The HP DeskJet 4227e is a fantastic all-in-one printer designed specifically for your home. It handles printing to-do lists, letters, recipes, and important financial papers with ease. This printer also scans and copies, making it a versatile tool for all your household needs.
What We Like:
- HP AI ensures your web pages and emails print perfectly, saving you paper.
- It prints in color, copies, and scans, and has an auto document feeder for quick scanning.
- The Wi-Fi connection is reliable and fixes itself if there are problems.
- You can print, scan, and copy from your smartphone or tablet using the easy HP app.
- It comes with a 3-month free trial of HP Instant Ink, so ink is delivered to your door.
- The printer has a compact design that fits well in any home.
- An icon LCD screen makes it simple to print basic documents.
- It’s made with recycled plastic and is good for the environment.
What Could Be Improved:
- Print speeds are a bit slow for color documents at 5.5 pages per minute.
- The printer only works with HP ink cartridges, so you can’t use others.
- Firmware updates will keep blocking non-HP cartridges.
The HP DeskJet 4227e is a smart choice for home printing needs. Its user-friendly features and eco-friendly design make it a practical addition to any household.
Choosing the Best Printer for Cardstock: Your Guide to Amazing Projects
Are you ready to bring your creative ideas to life on sturdy cardstock? Whether you’re crafting invitations, making custom business cards, or designing unique scrapbook pages, the right printer makes all the difference. Let’s dive into what makes a printer great for cardstock so you can pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
- Paper Thickness Support: This is the most important feature! Look for a printer that can handle heavier paper weights, often measured in “lb” (pounds) or “gsm” (grams per square meter). Most printers can handle regular paper (around 20 lb), but cardstock can be 65 lb, 80 lb, or even thicker.
- Paper Feed Mechanism: Some printers have a straight-through paper path. This is excellent for thick cardstock because it prevents bending and jamming. Others feed paper through a curved path, which can be tough on heavier materials.
- Print Quality: For vibrant colors and sharp text, you want a printer that produces high-resolution prints. Look for terms like “DPI” (dots per inch) – higher numbers mean better detail.
- Ink Type: Pigment-based inks are generally better for cardstock than dye-based inks. Pigment inks are more durable, water-resistant, and less likely to fade over time.
- Connectivity: Most modern printers offer Wi-Fi, USB, and sometimes even cloud printing options. This makes it easy to print from your computer, phone, or tablet.
Important Materials and How They Affect Your Prints
The type of cardstock you use is just as crucial as the printer. Different cardstocks have different textures and finishes. Some are smooth, while others have a slight grain. The printer’s ink needs to adhere well to the surface to create a clear image. Also, consider the weight of the cardstock. Very thick cardstock might not fit through all printers, even if they claim to support it.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Print Quality
- Printer Resolution (DPI): Higher DPI means more tiny ink dots can fit on the page, creating sharper images and smoother gradients.
- Ink Quality: Using genuine manufacturer inks often gives the best results. Third-party inks can sometimes be less vibrant or clog the printer.
- Paper Type: Printing on glossy cardstock will look different than printing on matte cardstock. Ensure the printer’s ink is compatible with your chosen finish.
- Printer Maintenance: Regularly cleaning your printer heads ensures ink flows correctly and prevents streaks or missing colors.
- Driver Settings: Always use the correct printer driver settings for your paper type. This tells the printer how to lay down the ink for the best outcome.
User Experience and Use Cases
A printer that handles cardstock well makes crafting enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about paper jams or smudged ink. This is perfect for:
- DIY Invitations: Create beautiful wedding invites, birthday party invitations, or holiday cards.
- Business Cards: Print professional-looking business cards for your small business.
- Scrapbooking: Add custom-designed elements and photos to your memory albums.
- Craft Projects: Make tags, bookmarks, stencils, or decorative elements for various crafts.
- Educational Materials: Teachers can print flashcards or activity sheets on sturdy paper.
When choosing a printer, think about how often you’ll be printing on cardstock and the types of projects you’ll be doing. A printer that excels at cardstock will save you time and frustration, leading to fantastic results every time.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Printers for Cardstock
Q: What is the maximum cardstock thickness most printers can handle?
A: Most printers that can handle cardstock can manage up to 80 lb or around 200 gsm. Some specialized printers can go even thicker, up to 110 lb or more.
Q: Should I choose an inkjet or laser printer for cardstock?
A: Inkjet printers are generally better for cardstock, especially for creative projects. They offer better color depth and can handle a wider range of paper textures. Laser printers can sometimes struggle with thicker, textured cardstock.
Q: What does “paper weight” mean for cardstock?
A: Paper weight refers to how heavy a ream of 500 sheets of paper is. Higher numbers mean heavier, thicker paper, like cardstock.
Q: How do I know if a printer supports cardstock?
A: Check the printer’s specifications. Look for information on supported paper weights (lb or gsm) and paper types. The manual or product description will usually list this.
Q: Can I print photos on cardstock?
A: Yes, you can print photos on cardstock. However, the finish of the cardstock (matte, glossy) will affect how the photo looks.
Q: What is a “straight-through paper path”?
A: This is a feeding mechanism where paper enters the printer and exits in a nearly straight line. It’s ideal for thick cardstock because it reduces the chance of bending or jamming.
Q: Do I need special ink for cardstock?
A: You don’t need special ink, but pigment-based inks are recommended for cardstock because they are more durable and water-resistant than dye-based inks.
Q: What are the benefits of using pigment ink on cardstock?
A: Pigment inks offer better longevity, fade resistance, and water resistance on cardstock compared to dye inks.
Q: How can I prevent paper jams when printing on cardstock?
A: Ensure your printer supports the cardstock weight, use the straight-through paper path if available, and don’t overload the paper tray. Make sure the paper is loaded correctly.
Q: Are there printers specifically designed for cardstock crafting?
A: Yes, some brands offer printers with advanced features like wider paper support, straight-through feeding, and specialized ink cartridges for vibrant, durable prints on various materials, including cardstock.
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.