How to Print on Cardstock Paper?

Regular paper is good for printing everyday recipes or casual documents. However, when it’s a special event like the birthday of a loved one, Valentine’s Day, or a festive Christmas party, you should definitely opt for cardstock paper. Nevertheless, printing on card paper is no easy feat, and many people ask how to print on cardstock.

This article guides you through tips on how to print on cardstock so you can have stunning, professional-looking results for your special occasions. Continue reading!

How to Print on Cardstock?

The following are the tips you should follow to design and print cardstock:

Pay Attention to the Thickness of Cardstock Paper

Cardstock papers are available in a variety of weights such as 65-pound, 80-pound, and 100-pound. Professional cardstock printers can easily handle all these weights and the thickness of card paper without any issues. 

However, if you are using an at-home printer, you must pick a card paper that’s suitable for your printer’s recommended specifications. Generally, home printers can handle an 80-pound cardstock or smaller. Anything above this weight or thickness may result in a printer jam or other malfunction. 

Check the Coating of Cardstock

Another tip to consider when starting the how to print on cardstock process is to check if the card paper is coated or not. Coatings give the paper a glossy look, which makes it look visually appealing. However, these coatings can become a hurdle in the printing process, especially when printing at home. 

The ink may not get absorbed in a coated paper like it does in an uncoated one. So, you should either go with an uncoated cardstock or make sure the printer has the functionality to print photos to ensure your projects have the best finishing. 

Set Your Printer 

Now that you have the right type of cardstock, let’s begin with the practical how to print cardstock paper steps:

1. Open your document: Start by opening the document you wish to print on your computer.
2. Access Printer Properties: Next, select the “Properties” or “Printer Properties” button. This will open your printer’s driver settings window.
3. Navigate to Paper Settings: In the Printer Properties window, look for the “Paper Settings” or similar options to adjust the card paper settings for your print job.
4. Choose Paper Type: Look for the section where you can select the paper type or media type. You will come across options like “Cardstock,” “Glossy Cardstock,” or others. Select the appropriate paper type. 
5. Verify Other Settings: Double-check that all other print settings are correct for your specific print job. This may include ensuring that quality settings, such as print resolution or DPI (dots per inch), are suitable for your desired output. Also, make sure the page size on the printer matches the size of your cardstock. 
6. Click OK: Now that you’ve adjusted all settings, it’s time to click on the “OK” or “Print” button to start the printing process. 

Some Other Tips 

Some other tips to look for in how to print cardstock are:

• Print only a few pages at a time. Stuffing too many pages at once can be a reason for printer jams.
• Let the printed papers sit for a few minutes, especially if you are using an inkjet printer. This ensures the ink isn’t wet and there are no smudges that may ruin your hard work. 
• Once dry, gently fold the cards from perforated lines to pull the cards apart. Don’t try to separate them quickly or with too much force, as it may result in rips or uneven edges. 

Conclusion

The process of how to print on cardstock isn’t difficult. All you’ve to do is follow a few steps, like choosing the right type of paper and selecting the right settings on your printer. In case you are wondering where you can get the best quality cardstock for your projects, PaperPapers has you covered. Contact us today to explore our selection and bring your creative vision to life!