Are you struggling to find a printer that can handle heavy cardstock? You’re not alone. Like many crafters and small business owners, I’ve been there, wrestling with printers that just won’t feed that thicker paper. The frustration of bent corners and jammed machines is all too real, especially when you’re aiming for professional-looking projects using 110 lb cardstock or heavier. That’s why I’m sharing my experience to guide you towards the Best Printer For Cardstock, one that will actually deliver the results you need.
Frustrated person with jammed printer
This guide dives deep into what makes a printer cardstock-friendly. We’ll explore how to decipher printer specifications, understand paper weight, and ultimately choose the perfect machine to bring your creative visions to life. Whether you’re creating invitations, marketing materials, or intricate paper crafts, printing on cardstock should be a breeze, not a battle.
Understanding the Heavy Cardstock Paper Challenge
If you’re searching for a reliable cardstock printer, chances are you’ve already encountered the common problem: that beautiful, heavy cardstock from stores like Michaels simply refuses to go through your regular printer. It’s incredibly annoying when your printer chokes on thick paper, especially when you have a project deadline looming. This is exactly why finding the best printer for thick paper becomes essential.
For my own business and my Etsy shop, I’m constantly printing on cardstock. The search for a printer that could handle this demand was a journey. During my research, I unintentionally became quite the paper weight expert. Did you know the US paper weight system is based on the weight of 500 sheets of uncut paper? It’s a bit convoluted, I know!
Close-up of heavy cardstock paper
Decoding Paper Weight for Cardstock Printing
Let me simplify the paper weight mystery. While the system itself is a bit odd, the key takeaway is understanding the weight your printer can actually handle. This information is crucial for successful cardstock printing. Figuring out your printer’s paper weight capacity, however, can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Manufacturers don’t always make it obvious.
So, how do you determine if your current printer, or one you’re considering, is truly a good printer for cardstock? Let’s break down the process of finding this vital specification.
First, identify the weight of the cardstock you intend to use. As mentioned, 110 lb cardstock is quite heavy, and many standard inkjet printers simply aren’t designed for this thickness. Retail-grade inkjet printers that can manage such heavy cardstock are relatively limited.
How to Find Your Printer’s Paper Weight Specifications
To determine if a printer is suitable for cardstock, you need to delve into its specifications. Amazon and manufacturer websites are your best resources. Let’s use the HP ENVY Photo 7855 All-in-One Photo Printer as an example. While product pages often highlight many features, the paper weight specification can be less prominent.
The trick is to search for the “Specification sheet” or “Product Documentation,” usually available as a PDF download. Sometimes, these links are less visible, requiring a bit of digging. If you can’t find it on the product page, head to the manufacturer’s official website and search for your printer model there.
Once you open the PDF specification sheet, look for terms like “Media Weight Supported” or similar phrases in the paper handling section. In the example of the HP Envy 7855, you’ll see it supports paper up to 72 lbs.
Screenshot of printer specifications highlighting media weight support
This is a crucial detail! If you’re planning to print on 110 lb cardstock, the HP Envy 7855, in this case, is not the best printer for cardstock. Attempting to feed such heavy paper through a printer with a lower weight capacity is likely to result in frustration and paper jams. Trust me, experience speaks volumes here! You need a printer specifically designed as a heavy cardstock printer.
Selecting the Best Printer for Heavy Cardstock: My Recommendations
After extensive research and personal testing, I’ve narrowed down the options to two printers that consistently perform well with heavy cardstock. The choices are somewhat limited, unfortunately. If you discover others, please share your recommendations!
One of my top picks is the printer I personally use and wholeheartedly recommend. The other is a suggestion with a slight caveat, so always exercise caution and keep your receipt handy.
Top Pick: Canon Pixma Pro-100 – The Best Cardstock Printer
Canon Pixma Pro-100 printer
I firmly believe the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is the best printer for heavy cardstock currently available for home and small business use. I have been using this model for years for both my personal projects and my business needs, consistently achieving excellent results with various cardstock weights, including 110 lb. I even got a fantastic deal on it thanks to my husband finding a sale!
Pros of the Canon Pixma Pro-100:
- Handles 110 lb cardstock effortlessly: This is its standout feature. It feeds heavy cardstock smoothly without jamming.
- Rear paper tray for thick media: The rear paper feed is crucial. It allows cardstock to travel in a straighter path, preventing bending and creasing, which is common with front-loading trays.
- Borderless printing: Ideal for invitations and photos, the Pro-100 supports borderless printing up to 13 x 19 inches. (If you need borderless printing on other printers, see my guide here.)
- Versatile paper sizes: It accommodates a wide range of paper sizes, from 5 x 7 inches up to large 13 x 19 inch formats.
Cons of the Canon Pixma Pro-100:
- Large footprint: It’s a substantial printer, requiring considerable desk space.
- Print-only functionality: It does not scan or copy, so you’ll need a separate device for those tasks.
- Occasional 5×7 feeding issues: Sometimes, feeding 5×7 cards can be a bit finicky, requiring a little patience.
- Ink cost: Ink can be expensive, especially with frequent cardstock printing. (However, I have a solution for this – keep reading!)
Looking for updated models? While the Pro-100 remains excellent, technology advances. For newer options, check out my updated list: [The Best Printers for Heavy Cardstock Paper in [Current Year]].
Alternative Option: HP OfficeJet 3830 Printer – Proceed with Caution
The HP OfficeJet 3830 Printer is another printer that claims to handle heavy cardstock, supposedly up to 145 lbs. However, it’s unclear if this capacity applies to standard paper sizes or only smaller formats like 4×6 cards. I haven’t personally tested this model for heavy cardstock printing, so I recommend doing thorough research and reading user reviews before purchasing.
If you have experience with the HP OfficeJet 3830 and cardstock, please let me know! Your feedback would be invaluable for updating this guide. Reach out to me on Instagram with your insights!
Birthday invitation printed on cardstock
2024 Update: Still Relying on the Canon Pixma Pro-100
It’s [Current Year], and despite the age of this blog post, I’m still using my Canon Pixma Pro-100! While it’s true that Canon has discontinued this model, it remains a workhorse for heavy cardstock printing. You can still find it available for purchase, and its performance continues to impress me. For more current printer models, do explore my newer blog post dedicated to [the best printers for heavy cardstock paper in [Current Year]]. However, for reliable, consistent cardstock printing, the Pro-100 holds its ground.
Save Money on Ink: Knockoff Ink for Canon Pixma Pro-100
Let’s address the ink cost concern for the Canon Pixma Pro-100. Genuine Canon ink can be pricey, especially for frequent printing. The good news? This knockoff ink works remarkably well with the Pro-100 and is significantly cheaper than the original cartridges. It’s a fantastic way to reduce your printing expenses without sacrificing print quality. For monochrome printing, this black and grey ink set is another cost-effective option for the Canon Pixma Pro-100.
Don’t Underestimate the Paper: Choosing the Right Cardstock
Before you finalize your printer choice, remember that the paper itself plays a critical role in print quality, perhaps even more than the printer in some cases! That 110 lb cardstock from Michaels, while readily available, isn’t always the best for achieving professional-grade prints. To understand why and to discover superior cardstock options, read my guide on The Best Paper for Invitations. It delves into the nuances of paper quality and its impact on your printed projects.
What About 130 lb Cardstock? Printers for Extra Heavy Paper
For those working with even heavier cardstock, like 130 lb, you might be wondering about printer compatibility. While I haven’t personally tested it, a reader recommended the Pixmo Pro-200 for 130 lb cardstock. Given my positive experience with the Pro-100, the Pro-200, as its successor, seems like a promising option for very heavy cardstock. If you try the Pro-200 with 130 lb cardstock, please share your experience!
Explore More Resources for Cardstock Printing & Creative Projects
You might also find these articles helpful for your cardstock printing and creative endeavors:
- The Best Printer for Invitations
- Printing Invitations at Home: A DIY Guide
- Online Invitation Printing Services: Pros and Cons
- Choosing the Right Printer for an Invitation Business
Let’s Connect and Celebrate Creativity!
So, there you have it! You’re now equipped with the knowledge to find the best printer for cardstock, understand paper weight specifications, and make informed decisions for your printing needs. I hope this guide has been helpful and demystified the process of printing on heavy cardstock.
Thank you for reading about the best printer for heavy cardstock paper! If you found this information valuable, please leave a comment below – I love hearing from you. I’m passionate about helping you celebrate life’s moments through creative projects and party decorations. Let’s connect! Reach out to me on Instagram or explore more creative inspiration at The Celebration Effect.
Happy creating!
xoxo
Lindsay
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