Can Normal Printers Print on Cardstock? 

Cardstock is a durable paper that’s quite heavy and sturdy, finding applications in invitations, greeting cards, and business cards. That’s the reason the cardstock market size is quickly growing and is expected to hit a massive $6.01 billion by 2033. If you want to create some stunning prints and designs on this paper and wonder can normal printers print on cardstock, keep on reading! 

Can Normal Printers Print on Cardstock? 

Yes, normal printers can print on cardstock; however, the actual weight they can handle varies based on the type of printer. Typically, home printers can easily print around 80 pounds and smaller. Anything that goes above this weight can cause jams and malfunctions in traditional printers. 

Here’s an overview of the types of printers that make printing on cardstock a smooth task: 

• Laser Printer: Laser printers, as the name implies, use a laser beam to make high-quality text and graphics on cardstock. The prints are smudge-resistant, and there’s no risk of water damage. However, laser printers cannot handle all types of cardstock, so it’s essential to pick the right type of device. There’s also a risk of higher heat output, so you need to maintain proper ventilation. 
• Inkjet Printer: Inkjet printers work by spraying small ink droplets on the cardstock paper through a microscopic nozzle. They are quite affordable and ensure incredible color accuracy and attention to detail in the design. Nonetheless, the prints, especially on non-porous surfaces, can take too long to dry and may result in stains. 

All in all, for high-quality prints, it’s essential to ensure that you pick the right type of cardstock paper that perfectly matches the specifications of the printer. 

How to Print on Cardstock: Step-by-Step Guide 

Now that you know that can normal printers print on cardstock, here’s an overview of the step-by-step process of printing on this paper type: 

Step 1: Choose the Right Cardstock

Firstly, you should choose the right cardstock paper. Cardstock comes in a variety of weights and thicknesses, and not all types work well with normal printers. For laser printers, you can opt for thick cardstock up to 100 lb (270 GSM), while inkjet printers can handle cardstock up to 90 lb (about 240 GSM). 

Step 2: Prep the Printer 

This step involves checking your printer’s specifications and compatibility with cardstock. Then, you should go on to adjust the settings of your printer to get accurate prints. Here’s how to do it: 

• Connect the printer with your computer and find the “Control Panel” option. 
• Go to “Hardware and Sound” and then click on “Devices and Printers.” 
• Right-click to select your “Printing Preferences.” Different options will appear, and you should consider the following:
  • Paper Type: Choose the right paper type by looking for options such as “cardstock” or “heavy paper.” Also, the weight and thickness of the paper should be set accordingly. 
  • Quality Settings: Open the print quality or paper/quality tab and pick options like “Best” or “High-Quality” to ensure crisp prints and more ink absorption on cardstock. 
  • Adjust Paper Tray: Click “Manual Feed” to fit the cardstock paper perfectly and avoid jams.

Step 3: Feed the Cardstock 

Now open the paper tray on your printer and adjust the paper guides. Carefully place the cardstock on the printer and double-check for any folded or bent paper. Don’t stock multiple sheets; do one sheet at a time to achieve the highest-quality prints. 

Step 4: Print 

Once you’ve selected the right design for cardstock, you should click on “File” and “Print.” Soon, you will get the desired print in no time without any smudges! 

Step 5: Let It Dry 

Looking at a beautiful design may encourage you to pick it up right away for inspection. However, you should never ever do that. Keep the printed cardstock as it is for a few minutes and even hours, depending upon the size and thickness, to let it dry completely. 

Conclusion 

The answer to can normal printers print on cardstock is YES! However, if you are looking for top-notch cardstock papers for your needs, PaperPapers is the ideal one-stop shop. Get in touch with us today to explore our premium paper and stationery range!