The need for flexible printing solutions is greater than it has ever been in today’s varied and dynamic creative and professional settings. Printers that can handle cardstock are particularly important because they are able to produce high-quality prints for many different uses.
Having a dependable printer that can handle thicker paper without sacrificing quality is absolutely crucial for small businesses that specialize in one-of-a-kind marketing materials and business cards, as well as artists and hobbyists who are involved in custom invites or artwork. They are also frequently needed by educational institutions and offices for presentation materials or informational displays that are both robust and colorful.
Choosing the right printer for cardstock, however, can be a real challenge. We have created this all-inclusive guide since we know how difficult it is for prospective customers to navigate the printer market. We aim to make it easier for you by simplifying technical requirements, breaking down print quality into its component parts, and helping you balance your budget with your performance needs. We get it; there are so many choices out there that it can be challenging to know where to start. With the goal of streamlining your decision-making process, this guide offers a comprehensive analysis of printers that are tailored to handle cardstock printing.
In order to make sure that our suggestions are applicable to a wide range of situations, we have developed stringent selection criteria. Print quality—which is critical for creating sharp, detailed text and images—media handling—which makes sure the printer can handle heavier cardstock—connectivity options—which makes it easy to use the printer with different devices and networks—and cost of ownership—which includes both the upfront investment and ongoing costs like ink or toner and maintenance—are some of these factors.
We will also explore the best options for different uses, keeping in mind that different situations may necessitate different features or strengths. Our guide provides targeted recommendations for a wide range of printers, including those for home-based businesses, designers, artists, and offices. Whether you need a printer for small-volume, high-quality, customized products or a fast, powerful printer for heavy-duty paper reports and presentations, we have you covered. By delving into these particular situations, our goal is to help you narrow down your printer search even further. We want you to find a device that not only meets your basic performance needs but also the specific requirements of your projects.
There are many technical factors and personal preferences to think about while you are on the hunt for the ideal cardstock printer. Yet, we hope that this guide will make things easier for you by arming you with the information you need to make a wise choice that will benefit your career or artistic endeavors. To assist you in choosing a printer that will give your projects the professional look they need, we’ll be delving into the details of each printer we recommend.
What type of printer do you need to print on cardstock?
In most cases, you’ll need a laser or inkjet printer that can handle heavier paper weights in order to print on cardstock with any degree of success. When deciding between an inkjet or laser printer, it’s important to think about factors like the amount of printing, the budget, and the quality standards for both the images and the text.
Inkjet Printers
To a greater or lesser extent, inkjet printers excel when it comes to printing on heavier papers like cardstock. They can handle thicker media without jamming or damaging them since they spray small droplets of ink straight onto the paper.
They are perfect for artistic endeavors that demand precise color reproduction or high-detail photo printing, such as invitations and greeting cards.
Laser Printers
If you need to print on cardstock, you should verify that your laser printer is compatible with it by looking at its media handling specs. Toner powder is fused to paper using heat and pressure in laser printers; however, thicker sheets may get warped or jammed when exposed to such high temperatures unless the machine is specially equipped to handle them.
Laser printers are great for fast, clean, professional-looking output since they print text and graphics with excellent clarity and precision. Cardstock and other thick papers have their own dedicated settings on some high-end models.
No matter what kind of printer you buy, make sure it has manual feed options or adjustable paper trays that can handle thick and heavy sheets. Before you buy paper, check the printer’s specifications or manual to be sure it can handle the weight (in grams per square meter, or gsm).
Selection Criteria for Top Cardstock Printers
When selecting a cardstock printer, it is critical to evaluate a variety of aspects to ensure that it can manage the thickness and weight of the paper while still producing high-quality prints. Past that, there are other criteria one should delve into.
Media Handling Capabilities
The printer’s capacity to handle cardstock should be, of course, the top priority. Not all printers can handle the weight and thickness of cardstock, resulting in paper jams or poor print quality. Look for printers with adjustable paper trays and feed mechanisms that can handle heavier paper types.
Manufacturers frequently indicate the range of paper weights a printer can handle, which is commonly measured in grams per square meter (gsm). Check that the printer supports the precise gsm of the cardstock you intend to use.
Print Quality
Print quality is essential for paper projects, especially when dealing with high-resolution artwork, intricate graphics, or color-critical printing. Inkjet printers provide exceptional quality for photographs and photos, with a wide color range and great resolution. Laser printers, on the other hand, excel in producing crisp text and brilliant colors for graphically rich documents.
Consider the printer’s resolution, which is measured in dots per inch (DPI). Higher DPI numbers suggest greater detail and smoother gradations.
Ink and toner efficiency
Consumable costs, such as ink or toner cartridges, can have a considerable impact on the total cost of ownership. Inkjet printers may provide outstanding color depth and richness, but they are more expensive in terms of ink usage, particularly for high-coverage prints on cardstock. Laser printers are often more cost-effective for big numbers, having toner cartridges that last longer than inkjet cartridges. Some printers also accept high-yield cartridges or have refillable ink tank systems, which lowers the cost per page.
Connectivity Options
In addition to the standard USB connection, many printers provide Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity options. This allows for seamless printing from a variety of devices, including PCs, cellphones, and tablets, without the need for direct connection.
Cloud printing services and compatibility with printing apps can further improve ease, particularly in collaborative settings or for users who print regularly from several devices.
Easy to Use and Maintenance
A user-friendly interface, simple setup, and basic maintenance are all desirable aspects, particularly for customers who are not technically inclined. Look for printers with user-friendly settings, clear display displays, and straightforward methods for refilling ink or toner cartridges and removing paper jams. Automatic duplex printing (double-sided printing) can be a useful tool for saving time and paper.
The 6 Best Printers for Cardstock in 2024
- Overall Best Printer for Cardstock: Epson SureColor P900
- Best Professional Cardstock Printer: Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
- Best All-in-One Cardstock Printing: Canon TS9521C
- Best Large Format Cardstock Printer: Expression Photo HD XP-15000
- Best Cardstock Printer for Heavy Cardstock: Canon Pixma Pro-100
- Best Budget-Friendly Cardstock Printer: HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
1. Overall Best Printer for Cardstock — Epson SureColor P900
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 10/10
- Connectivity Options – 10/10
- Ease of Use – 10/10
About Epson SureColor P900
Following in the footsteps of its forebears, the Epson SureColor P900 takes cardstock printing to the next level with improved functionality, higher print quality, and a fresh look that appeals to artists.
Stunning printouts are its main selling point. This printer sports remarkable color accuracy and a broad color gamut thanks to Epson’s latest UltraChrome PRO10 ink technology. These features are essential for generating images that look lively and realistic. Ideal for high-quality prints on cardstock, the P900’s resolution of up to 5760 by 1440 dpi guarantees the precise rendering of every detail, from subtle gradations to solid contrasts.
Due to its adaptability, this printer is a great pick for a wide variety of printing jobs since it can handle a variety of paper sizes and types, including thick cardstock. You can print panoramic photographs and lengthier custom sizes with no loss of quality thanks to its innovative media handling technology, which features a roll paper option and a new, user-friendly front-loading feeder for fine art paper.
Its ink combination is great for producing deep, rich blacks and subtle grayscale prints. It features a large color range and dedicated monochrome inks. A loyal customer noted, “Colors are incredibly life-like and vivid. Blacks and greys are equally impressive. The printer also uses wide format paper up to 17 inches, and that’s without purchasing a paper-roll attachment for banner length printing.” Those in the creative industries who want professional-grade color and black-and-white prints on cardstock will find this capability especially useful.
Thanks to its many connectivity options—which include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB—this machine effortlessly integrates into modern workflows. Users of varied skill levels will find it easy to navigate and operate, thanks to its 4.3-inch color touchscreen. Also, it’s compatible with Epson’s Print Layout software, which makes it even more user-friendly and allows for better workflow management and mobile printing. “I print directly from Photoshop. I’ve had zero problems with crashing and needing to restart. But I also own a nice Epson flatbed scanner,” commented a loyal-to-Epson customer.
Despite its initial buying cost, the SureColor P900 is budget-friendly in the long run. With its high-capacity, interchangeable ink cartridges, you can print more for less money, even when printing in bulk. The printer’s longevity, minimal maintenance needs, and cost-effectiveness all work together to guarantee a good return on investment in the long run, both for home users and professional settings.
Pros:
- Heavyweight cardstock is easily handled by this line of printers
- Easily connect to Google Cloud Print and all mobile devices
- No photo and matte black ink switching
- 10-channel MicroPiezo AMC printhead
- Accommodates two rolls and sheet media up to 1.5 mm thick of Epson Professional, Signature Worthy, and Legacy papers, as well as third-party media of glossy photo paper
Cons:
- Initial cartridges do not come fully filled
2. Best Professional Cardstock Printer — Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 9/10
- Connectivity Options – 10/10
- Ease of Use – 10/10
About Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
No other printer comes close to matching the performance, accuracy, and print quality offered by the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, according to industry experts. This printer provides an impressively wide color gamut and great color accuracy using Canon’s LUCIA PRO ink set, which contains 11 colors. This guarantees that printing on cardstock will have unparalleled depth and color vibrancy. For prints that look like they were made by a pro, nothing beats this printer with a resolution of 2400 by 1200 dpi.
One satisfied buyer had this to say in response to any negative reviews regarding the included ink cartridges: “When you first set up this printer and install the ink cartridges it comes with, even before printing anything, all of your ink levels will only be at about 50%. Every ink cartridge is connected to the print head by a long flexible tube. Before you can print anything, the printer needs to fill up those tubes with ink. Unfortunately, this does take a lot of ink, so you start off with all levels at about 50%, but it is what it is. When you do run out of ink and install a new cartridge, this will not happen again.”
This Canon inkjet printer has top-notch media handling capabilities and was designed with professionals in mind. It has a special manual feed paper tray for larger media, up to 17 inches wide, so that it can handle heavy cardstock paper and other media with ease. Its adaptability makes it a good fit for complex design tasks as well as fine art prints.
Both the color reproduction and the print lifespan are improved with the LUCIA PRO ink technology. For both color and monochrome prints, the ink formulation is ideal for producing deep blacks and a large dynamic range, which is necessary for creating startling contrast and fine details.
Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB are just a few of the connectivity choices available on this inkjet printer, making it easy to incorporate into any workflow. Users may achieve optimal results with less effort because of its support for Canon’s Professional Print & Layout software, which streamlines workflow management and enables efficient printing processes.
Pros:
- Amazing quality prints
- Printing cardstock with its Anti-Clogging system allows for faster speeds and minimal possibility of clogging
- The 1.28-inch head allows for a 50% larger printing area per movement of the head
- Irrespective of the kind of paper used, the Canon Air Feeding System guarantees perfectly centered ink placement
Cons:
- Printing text or images, this printer uses unusual amounts of ink to create smooth gradients
- Initial ink cartridges show at 50% full, as the tubes need to be filled when first operating this machine
3. Best All-in-One Cardstock Printing—Canon TS9521C
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 10/10
- Connectivity Options – 10/10
- Ease of Use – 10/10
About Canon TS9521C
As an all-in-one printer, the Canon PIXMA TS9521C stands out as a great option for crafters and home users due to its combination of versatility and quality. Its notable characteristics include its capacity to produce high-quality prints on specialized media, including cardstock, while handling the day-to-day activities a home needs.
With its versatile design, this inkjet printer effortlessly handles a wide variety of paper types and sizes, so users seeking to print on cardstock for crafts, invitations, business cards, and more will find this to be a big asset. In the words of a happy buyer, “I followed the instructions, and it was really easy to set up. It prints like a dream! I am printing on glossy sticker paper and had issues with my last printer because the ink did not stick on the sticker paper. However this is printing fantastic on the sticker paper!” Also, you may effortlessly convert between various types and sizes of paper thanks to the printer’s several paper-feeding options, which include a rear bin for specialist media.
Most importantly, this machine is able to produce sharp, detailed prints with vivid colors and rich blacks because of its five-individual ink system and Canon’s FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology. “So far, playing with it, I am very impressed. Double-sided printing, CD printing. For the print quality? SUPERB.” commented an enthusiastic customer.
This device can print, scan, and copy in addition to its other features. Those in search of a multipurpose device for their home business will find this especially useful, as with one machine, they can tackle most jobs. Also, one can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other cloud services via the Canon PRINT app. Users working on various projects will appreciate the increased simplicity and adaptability brought about by this feature, which allows easy printing from cellphones, tablets, and desktops. Furthermore, it is compatible with smart home devices that allow voice-activated printing.
Pros:
- Wide variety of paper weight this printer can handle, from plain paper all the way to heavy paper and card stock
- Such a printer is mostly useful in small home offices where one machine needs to tackle a lot of jobs
- Impressive price point
- Archival-level ink, with prints lasting up to 100 years
- Initial setup was a very easy process
Cons:
- Printing is not very fast, so some patience is required
4. Best Large Format Cardstock Printer—
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 10/10
- Connectivity Options – 9/10
- Ease of Use – 10/10
About Expression Photo HD XP-15000
The Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 differentiates itself from the competition as it is designed for individuals who need extensive printing capabilities. This printer is built to handle larger projects, with the ability to print up to 13 by 19 inches, which is especially useful for photographers, artists, and small businesses wishing to generate wide-format prints on cardstock.
The XP-15000 boasts remarkable print quality thanks to Epson’s six-color Claria Photo HD ink, which creates ultra-sharp, bright prints with smooth gradations and a broad color gamut. This makes it excellent for high-quality pictures, posters, and marketing materials that demand precision and color accuracy.
Furthermore, it is designed for efficiency and convenience, with a compact wide-format design that takes up less room while providing the adaptability required for a variety of applications. It also has flexible media handling, including a rear specialist media feed for paper and thicker materials, allowing users to easily switch between printing tasks.
Wireless connectivity and easy-to-use features, such as automated two-sided printing and a big, intuitive LCD display, enhance the user experience, making it a standout choice for individuals who require easy large-format printing capabilities for very heavy cardstock paper and beyond.
Pros:
- Best printer for posters and wide specialty paper
- Do not need to be placed in the same room as the office due to the variety of connectivity capabilities
- Vibrant colors with Claria HD inks
Cons:
- Cost ink is high, and using generic after-market inks is not a long-term option for this printer
5. Best Cardstock Printer for Heavy Cardstock—Canon Pixma Pro-100
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 10/10
- Connectivity Options – 9/10
- Ease of Use – 9/10
About Canon Pixma Pro-100
Despite its age, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 still demonstrates its enduring design and capabilities. This printer is well-known for its ability to handle a variety of paper sizes and weights, notably heavy cardstock, which many modern printers struggle with.
The Pro-100 uses Canon’s eight-ink dye-based technology, which includes three monochrome inks, to ensure not only brilliant colors but also excellent grayscale balancing for black-and-white prints. This ink technology, paired with the printer’s high resolution of up to 4800 by 2400 dpi, produces gallery-quality reproductions of artwork, pictures, and professional presentations, even on heavy cardstock.
Its durable construction and precise media handling system enable the smooth feeding and printing of thicker materials without jamming or affecting print quality. Furthermore, the Pixma Pro-100 provides a well-balanced combination of connectivity choices, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB, guaranteeing that it can fit easily into any workflow, regardless of its age.
Pros:
- Users can even print borderless on regular paper or cardstock
- Great printer for various papers, including invitations, photos, greeting cards, and other media
- Great quality color reproduction
Cons:
- Slightly heavy, if you plan on moving it around your office
6. Best Budget-Friendly Cardstock Printer—HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
Selection Criteria
- Quality – 9/10
- Media Handling Capabilities – 10/10
- Connectivity Options – 10/10
- Ease of Use – 10/10
About HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw
The HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw provides a compelling blend of price, performance, and quality for those looking to print on cardstock without breaking the bank. This laser printer is very cost-effective, both in terms of initial purchase price and continuous operating costs, making it an excellent choice for small businesses, home offices, and people on a limited budget.
This machine, which uses HP laser technology, produces crisp, colorful prints with great color fidelity, making papers, marketing materials, and cardstock graphics look professional and eye-catching. It supports a wide range of media types and weights, including cardstock, and has adjustable settings to improve print quality on heavy materials as well.
The M255dw also shines in terms of connection and use, with built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing compatibility via the HP Smart App, allowing users to print from anywhere in the home or workplace. Its small size and energy-efficient design add to its attractiveness as a low-cost solution, allowing for high-quality paper printing without sacrificing space or energy consumption.
Pros:
- Laser technology printer, which means this machine can print faster than inkjets while producing good-quality results
- Great cost-per-page ratio
- Can handle high-volume printing with ease
- This printer model can handle heavy paper without jamming
Cons:
- Results are not as impressive as an inkjet but remain of professional quality
Conclusion
In conclusion, our comprehensive guide has highlighted a number of printers designed to fulfill a variety of demands and preferences for paper printing, with each excelling in its own domain.
The Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 is a professional paper printer with unsurpassed print quality and precision, making it ideal for artists and photographers looking to create gallery-class work. The Canon PIXMA TS9521C is an all-in-one solution ideal for crafters, small companies, and home users.
On the other hand, the Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 is the top choice for large-format printing, producing stunning wide-format prints on cardstock with brilliant colors and fine details. Despite its older model status, the Canon Pixma Pro-100 remains a trustworthy option for printing on heavy cardstock, with a reputation for sturdy handling of thick materials and great print quality.
Finally, the HP Color LaserJet Pro M255dw is a cost-effective choice for paper printing that does not sacrifice quality or performance, making it ideal for small enterprises and home offices. Each printer on our list was chosen based on its capacity to meet specific demands, guaranteeing that whether you’re a professional, hobbyist, or casual user, there’s a solution included for your paper printing needs.
