A few years ago, I wrote a blog called, The Best Printer for Heavy Cardstock Paper after a search to find a printer that would fit my crafting and business needs. Since then, I have gotten many questions asking if there are other printers that can do the job, what printers print on 130 lb cardstock, and so on. So I did a bit more research to find out what’s out there now, and here are The Best Printers For Heavy Cardstock Paper.
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Why Most Printers Won’t Print on Heavy Cardstock
As you may know, from my previous YouTube Video around printing on heavy cardstock, many standard inkjet printers don’t have the capability of printing on very heavy cardstock paper. And the reason behind this is because most inkjet paper is anywhere from about 24 to 72 lbs. Therefore, most printing companies create their printers for standard paper weight.
What is the difference between LB, GSM, G/M2 and G/M²?
This whole paperweight thing is confusing. I found this great article that helps a little to help you figure your paper weight needs.
How I Found A Printer That Would Print on Heavy Cardstock
I was looking to print on heavy cardstock paper, like the 110 lb cardstock paper that you get at Michaels. And after much frustration, I realized that the heavy paper wouldn’t feed through my standard printer. So I went on the hunt for a printer that would suit my needs.
During my search, I found the information out there to be quite confusing. So let me sum it up for you.
First you have to find a printer’s weight specifications. You can do this by searching online for the printer you own or are thinking of buying. Then you’ll want to review that printer’s specification sheet – alternatively called “product documentation”. (See below screenshot.)
Once you open the specification document, you need to find the “Media Weight Supported” section. See on the screenshot below that this printer (the HP ENVY Photo 7855 All in One Photo Printer) only supports up to 72 lbs of paper weight. Meaning that this particular printer isn’t a good printer for printing on heavy cardstock.
The Best Printers For Heavy Cardstock Paper
After scouring the internet, I FINALLY found a heavy cardstock printer that has worked well for me for 7 years, which I will include below! However, since that time, I have found a few other printers that can work for heavy cardstock paper. So I’ve provided them below.
What is the Best Printer for 110 lb Cardstock?
1. Canon Pixma Pro-100:
The Canon Pixma Pro-100 is the one I have had for 7 years and it’s still kicking. I use it for my business, printing large photos for my home-decorating projects, and for regular everyday printing. This printer prints on up to 110 lb. cardstock paper, it loads large paper from the back so it doesn’t crease the paper, prints borderless, and prints as small as 5 x 7, all the way up to 13 x 19. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do automatic two-sided printing. Since it has been discontinued by the manufacturer, it seems to harder to find and slightly pricey. However, you can still get it on Amazon from a few sellers, or you could try to get it used. (**Please note that this is the only printer I can really vouch for because it’s the only one I own personally.)
2. HP Office Jet 3830 Printer
The HP Office Jet 3830 Printer is a good find because it prints AND scans! I really didn’t think that was possible with a heavy cardstock printer. According to the specification sheet, it says that it can print index cards with a maximum weight of 110lbs, and photo paper up to 280 g/m² (75 lb). When looking through the Amazon reviews, someone asked, “Does this printer work on printing cardstock? I use 65 -110 lb cardstock for card making. Will it jam?” And the answer received was, “Yes, it prints card stock very well. I would say the lighter weight works better, but the heavy works also.” So this one might be a good option!
3. Canon PIXMA iP8750
Here’s another Canon printer that seems to do the job. The Canon Pixma iP8750 says that it can print up to 300gsm, which is the 110 lb paper that you find at Michaels. (This is another large printer that is not under $500.
What is the Best Printer for 130 lb Cardstock?
In my original article, I only discussed printers that could print up to 110 lb cardstock. But since then, some of my readers have asked if I have any recommendations for printers that will print on up to 130 lb cardstock. I had no idea they made paper that heavy, but it’s true! So here’s what I found!
1. Epson XP 15000
The Epson XP 15000 seems like a really interesting possibility to me because it’s so small! (Very different than the other ones listed here!) That alone would make me want to try it out! According to the specs, this printer prints 13 inches by 19 inches and offers auto 2 sided document printing. According to one Amazon review it says, “This printer does take my very thick 140 lb cardstock in the back feed.” So I would say this one could be worth a try!
2. Canon Pixma Pro 200
The Canon Pixma Pro-200 is the newer version of the pro-100 and is a little more compact than the 100. Additionally, it looks like it has an updated digital screen, which is a nice upgrade. This printer prints up to 13” by 39″, which is pretty large! When asked on Amazon, “Will this printer print on 130lb cardstock?” Someone answered, “My guess is yes based on calculation and specification.” One of my readers did confirm that they are using this printer to print on 130 lb cardstock.
The Drawbacks of The Best Printers For Heavy Cardstock Paper
Printers for heavy cardstock are generally created with photographers and artists in mind. Because of this, there are going to be a few drawbacks of these heavy cardstock printers. For example, most -if not ALL- of these printers are HUGE. Additionally, these printers don’t typically scan or copy. Lastly, these printers (and their ink!) tend to get pricey – we’re talking up to $900 and higher in some cases! I do give a great ink knockoff suggestions in my other article.)
Does this help you? I sure hope so. Comment below or send me a DM on Instagram to let me know! xo
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