Cardstock, or card stock, is a type of paper that is thick, durable, and heavy. In brief, it’s thicker than standard writing paper but thinner than paperboard. Mostly, cardstock is used for projects such as scrapbooking, business card making, and packaging. If you’re a business owner who needs business cards, promotional items, or product packaging, cardstock can be your best option. But how to print on cardstock properly? Let’s find out!
What Can You Print on Cardstock?
First, cardstock comes in various weights, colors, textures, and finishes, making it ideal to print everything on it.
This type of paper can be printed in different materials, such as:
- Invitations (Weddings, birthdays, parties, etc.)
- Business cards
- Marketing materials (table tents, brochures, and more)
- Scrapbooking and crafts
- Custom packaging boxes
Easy 3 Steps to Print on Cardstock
Without you realizing it, it’s pretty easy to print on cardstock.
Here are the steps to follow.
Consider the Weights & Thickness of Cardstock Paper
There’s a variety of weights for cardstock, such as 65-pound (176-177 GSM), 80-pound (216 GSM), and 100-pound (270 GSM). By using modern printers, you can easily handle all these weights and their thickness easily.
If you need to print cardstock paper as packaging for your high-end products, it can also be used as a core material with the thicknesses of 80–110 lb (or 216–300 gsm) to make and print on rigid boxes. You can use cardstock on its own or in combination with other materials like chipboard to form rigid stock.
Can you print on cardstock with a regular printer?
Well, if you are using a regular or an at-home printer, you must choose the suitable card paper that fits your printer’s recommended specifications. In most cases, home printers can handle cardstock of 80 pounds or smaller. Anything above this weight or thickness may result in a printer jam or malfunction.
Pay Attention to the Coating
Yes, you need to pay attention to whether the card paper is coated or not. Why?
Coatings give the paper a glossy look, which, of course, makes it look visually appealing. However, these coatings (Spot UV or hot foiling) can become a hurdle for regular printers.
The ink may not be absorbed as well in a coated paper as it is in an uncoated one. Therefore, you should either opt for uncoated cardstock or use a modern, professional printer.
How about a holographic coating? Can you print on holographic cardstock paper?
Yes, you can use commercial offset printing techniques that involve applying a white layer first, followed by full-color inks, and a top coat to achieve professional-quality holographic prints.
If you really need to print on holographic cardstock, you can get guidance from expert box manufacturers, such as Dream Custom Boxes.
Set Your Printer
When you finally choose and have the right type of cardstock, let’s start with the practical steps:
Open your document: Open the document you wish to print on your computer.
Access printer properties: Click on the “Properties” or “Printer Properties” button. This will open your printer’s driver settings window.
Navigate to paper settings: In the Printer Properties window, click on the “Paper Settings” or similar options to adjust the card paper settings.
Choose paper type: Select the paper type or media type. You will come across options such as “Cardstock,” “Glossy Cardstock,” and others. Ensure you choose the right paper type.
Verify other settings: Double-check that all other print settings are correct for your specific print job. This means that you should make sure the quality settings, such as print resolution or DPI (dots per inch), are suitable for your desired output. Most importantly, you should ensure that the page size on the printer matches the size of your cardstock.
Click OK: Simply click on the “OK” or “Print” button to start the printing process.
What Problems May Occur When Printing on Cardstock?
Printing on cardstock may, and often does, lead to some mechanical and quality issues. To prepare yourself, below are some problems that you may face.
- Paper jams: Cardstock can get stuck if it’s too thick, resulting in the paper jams.
- Roller marks: The printer’s rollers can leave unwanted marks on the thick paper, especially if you choose the wrong settings.
- Faded or weak prints: If the cardstock slips while being pulled through the printer, your text or images will be printed with a distortion.
- Smudged ink: If you use an inkjet printer, the liquid ink may not dry quickly enough on the smoother surface of some cardstock, causing it to smear.
- Curling: The heat from a laser printer can cause thick paper to curl or bend as it comes out.
- Cracks in folds: Heavier cardstock can crack when you fold it. So, make sure you make a light crease along the fold line.
- Bad feeding: Sometimes the cardstock will not feed properly into the printer. This can happen if the rollers are dirty or worn out.
What to Consider When Printing on Cardstock?
To help you avoid the problems above, here are some factors to consider and additional tips to ensure that your cardstock printing gives the result you desire.
- Print only a few pages at a time to avoid printer jams
- Let the printed papers sit for a few minutes, especially if you are using an inkjet printer, to ensure the ink is dry and there are no spots or blurred areas.
- Once dry, gently fold the cards along the perforated lines to separate them.
- Printer compatibility: Look up your printer’s manual to find the maximum paper weight it can handle, as some home printers may only support lighter cardstock.
- Adjust settings: Remember to select the “cardstock” setting.
- Load paper carefully: Place cardstock paper one sheet at a time and ensure the paper is aligned properly in the tray to prevent jams.
In Summary
So, if you’re a business owner who needs business cards, promotional items, or product packaging, printing on cardstock can be your best option. By following the easy steps we revealed above, you can print on cardstock without any hassle. Remember to avoid potential problems that may occur when printing by considering all relevant factors.
FAQs
What can you print on cardstock?
This type of paper can be printed on different materials, such as invitations (for weddings, birthdays, parties, etc.) and business cards. marketing materials (table tents, brochures, and more), scrapbooking and crafts, as well as custom packaging.
How to print on cardstock?
To properly print on cardstock, consider the thickness of the cardstock paper, pay attention to the coating, and then adjust your printer settings accordingly.
Can I print on cardstock with a regular printer?
If you are using a regular or an at-home printer, you must choose the suitable card paper that fits your printer’s recommended specifications. In most cases, home printers can handle cardstock of 80 pounds or smaller.
What to consider when printing on cardstock?
When printing on cardstock, you must consider some factors to prevent issues, such as printer compatibility, adjusting settings, and loading the paper carefully.
