Are you frustrated with flimsy prints and paper jams when trying to use thicker paper? You’re not alone! Many creatives and professionals need to print on heavier stock for projects like invitations, business cards, brochures, and more. Finding the right Thick Printer Paper and a printer that can handle it is crucial for achieving professional-quality results at home or in the office.
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This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to confidently choose the best thick printer paper for your needs and select a printer that won’t let you down. We’ll demystify paper weights, explore printer specifications, and recommend top printer models known for their thick printer paper compatibility.
Understanding Thick Printer Paper: Weight and Types
Before diving into printers, let’s clarify what we mean by thick printer paper. Paper thickness is primarily indicated by its weight. However, understanding paper weight can be a bit confusing, especially since different regions use different standards.
In the United States, paper weight is based on the weight of 500 sheets of a specific “basic size” for that paper type in its uncut form. For bond paper (like standard printer paper), the basic size is 17 x 22 inches. So, if 500 sheets of 17 x 22 inch paper weigh 20 pounds, it’s called 20 lb bond paper. Cardstock, a type of thick printer paper, uses a different basic size (20 x 26 inches), and cover stock yet another (20 x 26 inches or 25 x 38 inches depending on basis).
This system can be perplexing because the same weight number doesn’t represent the same thickness across different paper types. However, for our purposes of printing on thick printer paper, focusing on the weight rating your printer supports is most practical.
Common weights for thick printer paper include:
- Cardstock: Typically starts around 60 lb cover and goes up to 140 lb cover or even heavier. 65 lb, 80 lb, 100 lb, and 110 lb cover stocks are popular for crafts and invitations.
- Cover Stock: Heavier than text weight papers and cardstock, often used for business cards, postcards, and presentation folders.
- Index Stock: A stiff, economical paper often used for index cards and dividers, can be considered a thick printer paper option for certain projects.
The Best Cardstock Paper for Invitations
Finding a Printer That Loves Thick Paper: Checking Printer Specifications
The key to successful printing on thick printer paper is ensuring your printer can handle the paper weight and thickness. Most standard home and office inkjet printers are designed for regular printer paper (typically 20 lb bond). Printing on thick printer paper with an incompatible printer can lead to paper jams, poor print quality, and even damage to your printer.
Here’s how to determine if a printer is suitable for thick printer paper:
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Identify the Printer Model: Find the exact model name and number of your printer or the printer you are considering purchasing.
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Locate the Specification Sheet: The best place to find this information is on the manufacturer’s website (e.g., HP, Canon, Epson). Search for your printer model and look for the “Specifications” or “Product Details” section. You can often find a downloadable PDF specification sheet. Retailers like Amazon also sometimes include specification sheets under “Product information” or “Technical Details”.
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Find “Media Weight Support”: Within the specifications, look for a section called “Paper Handling,” “Media Support,” or similar. Here, you should find information about the paper weights the printer supports. It might be listed as “Media Weight Supported,” “Paper Weight Capacity,” or “Maximum Paper Weight.”
Best Printer For Heavy Cardstock Paper: best printers for cardstock
- Understand the Weight Limits: The specification will state the maximum paper weight the printer can handle, often in pounds (lbs) and sometimes in grams per square meter (gsm). Make sure the thick printer paper you intend to use is within the printer’s supported weight range. Pay attention to whether the specification refers to bond weight, cover weight, or index weight and compare appropriately to your paper type.
Example: Let’s consider the HP ENVY Photo 7855 All-in-One Photo Printer. By finding its specification sheet, you’ll discover it supports paper weights up to 72 lb bond. This means it is not suitable for printing on 110 lb cardstock, which is significantly heavier. Attempting to use paper beyond the printer’s capacity is likely to cause feeding problems and jams.
Best Printer For Heavy Cardstock Paper: How to find the best printers for cardstock
Top Printer Recommendations for Thick Printer Paper
After extensive research and user feedback, here are two reliable printer options known for handling thick printer paper well:
1. Canon Pixma Pro-100 (Professional Inkjet Printer)
The Canon Pixma Pro-100 is a highly recommended inkjet printer for those who frequently print on thick printer paper, including cardstock up to 110 lb cover weight. This printer is a favorite among crafters and small businesses for its ability to handle heavier media and produce professional-quality, borderless prints up to 13 x 19 inches.
Pros:
- Excellent Thick Paper Handling: Specifically designed to feed thick printer paper like 110 lb cardstock from the rear tray, minimizing bending and creasing.
- Borderless Printing: Allows for edge-to-edge printing, ideal for photos, invitations, and marketing materials.
- Large Format Printing: Supports paper sizes up to 13 x 19 inches for larger projects.
- High-Quality Photo Prints: Uses dye-based inks for vibrant and glossy photo prints.
Cons:
- Large Footprint: It’s a larger printer, requiring significant desk space.
- No Scanning or Copying: It’s a dedicated printer, lacking all-in-one functionalities.
- Occasional Feeding Issues with Small Sizes: May sometimes require patience when feeding smaller paper sizes like 5×7 cards.
- Ink Cost: Dye-based inks can be more expensive than pigment inks, although compatible aftermarket inks are available (see below).
The Best Printer for Heavy Cardstock paper
2. HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Printer (Alternative Option)
The HP OfficeJet 3830 is an all-in-one inkjet printer that, according to its specifications, claims to handle thick printer paper up to 145 lb. While user experiences vary, some have reported success printing on lighter cardstock with this model. However, it’s essential to verify the specific type of paper weight (bond, cover, etc.) the 145 lb specification refers to and test with your desired thick printer paper if possible.
Pros:
- All-in-One Functionality: Offers printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
- Compact Size: More compact than the Canon Pixma Pro-100, suitable for smaller spaces.
- Affordable: Generally more budget-friendly than professional photo printers.
Cons:
- Uncertainty with Very Thick Paper: The 145 lb paper weight claim may be for specific, smaller paper sizes, not consistently across all paper types and sizes. Reliability with very heavy cardstock is less certain than the Canon Pixma Pro-100.
- Print Quality: Print quality, especially for photos, may not be as high as dedicated photo printers like the Pixma Pro-100.
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Important Note: Printer models and specifications can change. Always double-check the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date information before making a purchase. User reviews can also provide valuable real-world insights into a printer’s thick printer paper handling capabilities.
Saving on Ink for Your Thick Printer Paper Projects
Printing on thick printer paper, especially for projects involving photos or full-color designs, can consume ink quickly. If you choose the Canon Pixma Pro-100, consider using compatible, high-quality aftermarket ink cartridges to reduce printing costs significantly. Many users have reported success with knock-off inks that perform comparably to genuine Canon inks at a fraction of the price. Just ensure you choose reputable brands with good reviews to avoid print quality issues or printer damage.
Choosing the Right Thick Printer Paper for Your Project
While having a printer that handles thick printer paper is essential, the paper quality itself also greatly impacts your final results. For projects like invitations and high-end crafts, investing in premium cardstock is worthwhile. Look for cardstock that is specifically designed for inkjet printers for optimal ink absorption and print clarity. Paper brightness and finish (matte, glossy, linen, etc.) also contribute to the overall look and feel of your printed pieces.
What About Even Heavier Thick Printer Paper Like 130 lb Cardstock?
For extremely thick printer paper like 130 lb cardstock, printer options become more limited. While the Canon Pixma Pro-100 is excellent for 110 lb, pushing to 130 lb might be too much for reliable feeding. Some users have recommended the Canon Pixma Pro-200 as a potential option for 130 lb cardstock. However, always check the Pro-200’s specifications and user reviews to confirm its heavy paper handling capabilities before purchasing for this specific purpose. It’s also advisable to test with sample sheets of 130 lb paper if possible.
Related Resources for Printing Projects
Explore these related articles for more tips and guidance on printing projects at home:
- The Best Printer for Invitations
- Printing Invitations at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Top Online Services for Printing Invitations
- Choosing the Best Printer for an Invitation Business
Conclusion: Print with Confidence on Thick Paper
Printing on thick printer paper opens up a world of creative and professional possibilities. By understanding paper weights, carefully checking printer specifications, and choosing a compatible printer like the Canon Pixma Pro-100, you can confidently produce stunning prints on cardstock and other heavy media. Remember to prioritize paper quality and consider aftermarket ink options to maximize your results and minimize printing costs. Happy printing!
Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or experiences printing on thick printer paper!
xoxo
Lindsay
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