Cardstock Printing: Best Printers for Craftsmanship Today

As an artist, I know the struggle to find printers that can print on cardstock. Because sometimes, standard paper just doesn’t cut it. 

You want your artwork or documents to look impressive. Then, printing on cardstock at home will give the best results. 

So, I’ve spent lots of time researching the best printer for heavy cardstock. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to print cardstock. 

I’ve put together a buying guide for choosing the right printer. Plus, I’ll share my top recommended printers for cardstock below.

But if you’re short on time, I recommend going for the  Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer. It ticks all the right boxes, and offers a lot of benefits for crafters and artists!

Here’s what you need to know before you buy a printer for cardstock! 

Brother® International Compact MFC-J497DW Wireless Color Inkjet All-In-One Printer
  • When you need 1 device that can handle a variety of tasks, an all-in-one, such as the Brother International compact wireless printer, is the way to go. This all-in-one color printer, copier, scanner, fax prints and copies at high speeds, and even allows mobile printing, so you can start jobs from your smartphone or tablet.
  • Wireless-N (802.11n) technology lets you connect devices to the unit without cables. Mobile printing via AirPrint, Mopria, Wi-Fi Direct and Brother iPrint & Scan.
  • Prints up to 12 pages per minute (PPM) in black and up to 6 ppm in color. Based on one-sided printing. Change from default setting required.
  • Up to 6000 x 1200 dpi resolution for crisp images and text.
  • Copies up to 6 ppm in black and 3 ppm in color. Copy resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi.
Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer, 12X12 Printing, White, Amazon Dash Replenishment Ready
  • The PIXMA TS9521C has 5 Individual Inks that are ready for craft projects & everyday needs; ChromaLife100 protects photos from fading; 100 years; Album, 30 years; Behind glass, 20 years; Without glass
  • Print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a smartphone, tablet, memory card or computer; With Air Print, Morea Print Service, and Wi Fi the PIXMA TS9521C is ready for all your devices
  • With 12'x12 inches paper support, booklet layout copy, oversized scanning and Auto Document Feeder for multi-page documents, the PIXMA TS9521C is extremely versatile and ready to handle lots of projects
  • For numbers listed in product description see “Specification sheet” in technical specification section below
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Color Printer, HP Instant Ink, Works with Alexa (K7V40A)
  • The main functions of this HP color inkjet photo printer: copy, scan, fax, wireless printing, AirPrint, touchscreen, Instant Ink ready so you'll never run out of ink, and more
  • The power of your printer in the palm of your hand: The HP Smart app allows you to easily set up your printer, scan from your smartphone, order toner, and print from the cloud—such as iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive
  • Ink delivered to your home: Get your first 2 months free when you enroll in HP Instant Ink (optional) during printer set up; plans starting at 0.99 dollar per month after the trial period, shipping and recycling included
  • Print laser-quality documents and lab-quality photos from your smartphone or tablet
  • Optional quiet mode helps keep noise to a minimum
Epson SureColor P600 Inkjet Printer
  • Brand Epson, Model C11CE21201
  • Packaged Quantity: 1 Pack, Product Type: Inkjet Printer, Recommended Use: Photo/Disc Print, Print Color Capability: Color, Maximum Print Resolution: 5760 x 1440 dpi,
  • Wireless Print Technology: Epson iPrint, Wireless Print Technology: Apple AirPrint, Wireless Print Technology: Wi-Fi Direct, Wireless Print Technology: Google Cloud Print, Duplex Printing: Automatic, Color Cartridge Type: Individual Color Cartridge,
  • Number of Colors: 9, Mobile Device Printing: Yes, USB: Yes, USB Standard: USB 2.0, Ethernet: Yes, Ethernet Technology: Fast Ethernet, Wireless LAN: Yes, Wireless LAN Standard: IEEE 802.11n, Screen Size: 3.5", Display Screen Type: LCD, Borderless Printing: Yes,
  • Media Type: Plain Paper, Media Type: Photo Paper, Media Type: Canvas, Media Type: Cut Sheet, Media Type: Fine Art Paper, Media Type: Panoramic, Media Type: Roll Paper, Media Type: Glossy Photo Paper, Media Type: CD/DVD,

The Top 3 Printers for Cardstock: Quick Comparison

Before we dive into the reviews, here’s a quick summary of the top three printers for printing on cardstocks! 

Product ImageCanon TS9521CHP OfficeJet 3830HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
Product NameCanon TS9521CHP OfficeJet 3830
HP OfficeJet Pro 9015
Printing TechnologyInkjetInkjetInkjet
BrandCanonHPHP
Printer OutputColorColorColor
Connectivity TechnologyWireless, Bluetooth, USB, EthernetUSB; Wi-FiWi-Fi, USB, Ethernet

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Printer for Cardstock Printing

What cardstock and paper can it handle?

The first thing to look at when buying a printer for cardstock is the thickness of the paper it can handle. You need to double-check it’s capable of the job! 

Cardstock can range from anywhere between 135-200g/m2. Not every printer can handle the thickest cardstock. 

So, keep this in mind if you’re shopping for the best printer for thick paper. You’ll need to look up the minimum/maximum paper thickness for each printer.

Laser Vs Inkjet Printer?

If you’re not sure how to print on cardstock, you might not know what type of printer. Generally, most laser printers aren’t designed for thick paper and cardstock.

So, your options for the best laser printer for cardstock are limited. I always recommend inkjet printers when you’re printing on thicker paper. 

There are some high-end laser printers suitable for cardstock. But these tend to be more expensive and best for large businesses.

Image Resolution & Quality

Your highest priority is going to be the quality of your images. So, you want a printer that has a high resolution and creates crisp, sharp prints.

Connectivity

Make sure to find out how easy it is to hook up your devices and print documents. Most printers will offer USB connectivity so that you can connect your laptop.

But WiFi connectivity is an excellent feature. It allows you to print from anywhere in your house. You don’t need to be right next to your printer. Even better if you can print from your phone!

Printing Speed

The printing speed of a printer is an essential feature to look up before you buy. It’s crucial if you need to print off large volumes of pages. 

Some printers can handle as many as 25 pages per minute (also referred to as ppm). But a printer that can only produce five pages per minute can feel frustratingly slow.

But if you only print a few pages or use this printer occasionally, this might not be a critical factor for you.

Ink Configuration

The ink configuration refers to how many ink cartridges the printer has. You might think that the more ink cartridges, the more money you’ll spend replacing them.

But buying a printer that has several cartridges (5+) can be better for your wallet! The reason for this is that you should only need to replace one ink at a time. You’ll run out less quickly than if you only have two cartridges.

Size

Don’t forget to check out the dimensions of the printer. While modern printers can be compact in size, that’s not true for all models. You’d be surprised at how hefty some printers are!

If you’re buying a printer for your home office, you might not have a lot of space. 

If possible, measure up the area where your printer will go to compare against the specs. Then, you can rule out any printers that are too large.

The Best Printers for Cardstock

What is the best printers for printing on cardstock at home

Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer

Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer

(Image credit: Borther)

This inkjet printer is ideal for printing on cardstock from your home office. It’s compact and won’t take up too much space. 

But at the same time, it offers advanced printing options like duplex printing. This feature allows you to print on both sides of the paper at the same time.

It’s affordable and has all the features you need for home printing! With scan and copy capabilities, it’s versatile and suitable for all office tasks.

As for image quality, it’s fantastic. Your prints will come out brightly colored, in high resolution, and with every detail clear to see.

It’s effortless to connect to any device. You can send documents via WiFi or use a USB cable to hook up your computer to the printer. 

A bonus is that the printer also has cloud connectivity. You can save scans directly to your Google Drive or Dropbox from this printer.

The Brother brand is well-known for its quality and reliability. You can produce beautiful designs on cardstock if you buy this model!

  • Printing Technology: Inkjet
  • Brand: Brother
  • Printer Output: Color
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless

Pros:

  • Wide range of features including copying and duplex printing
  • The image quality is superb

Cons:

  • It’s not the fastest printer

Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer

Canon TS9521C All-In-One Wireless Crafting Photo Printer

(Image credit: Canon)

The Canon TS9521C is specially designed with crafters and artists in mind. You can print on all types of media from craft paper to cardstock, envelopes and CDs. 

It can handle paper up to 12 x 12 inches, making it very versatile. There are no limits to what you can print and create with this specialized printer.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, you should snap up the Canon TS9521C now! It’s the perfect printer for any crafty person. 

You won’t risk paper jams or wasted paper with this model. Plus, it’s simple to use. You can connect via Bluetooth, Wifi, or USB to print from any device.

The print speed is respectable too, at 15 ppm. It takes 5 different ink cartridges. The ink is of excellent quality, so your photos will last for long without fading.

Hands down, these features and specs make this the best inkjet printer for cardstock!

  • Printing Technology: Inkjet
  • Brand: Canon
  • Printer Output: Color
  • Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Bluetooth, USB, Ethernet

Pros:

  • Superb printer for craft projects and printing on cardstock
  • Speedy printing and great connectivity options

Cons:

  • It uses a lot of ink

HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One

HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One

(Image credit: HP)

If you’re looking for the best printer for heavy cardstock, the HP OfficeJet 3830 fits the bill! It can handle cardstock right up to 300g/m2, which is impressive.

Images and graphics printed by the 3830 come out looking intricate in detail and vivid in color. That’s down to the impressive max resolution of 4800 x 1200 pixels (for color).

You can produce all sorts of fancy designs flawlessly with this OfficeJet printer. There’s no limit to what you can create.

It’s not the fastest printer, maxing out at 8.5 ppm. But it has plenty of other handy features, like the 2.2-inch touchscreen and optional quiet mode.

With excellent connectivity, this printer is easy and intuitive to use. Connecting via WiFi from your smartphone or computer is quick and straightforward.

The printer itself has a sleek, black design and is compact. But the ink for this printer isn’t the cheapest, so it will soon add up. So, it might not be the best option for printing large volumes. 

  • Printing Technology: Inkjet
  • Brand: HP
  • Printer Output: Color
  • Connectivity Technology: USB; Wi-Fi

Pros:

  • Suitable for all cardstock up to 300g/m2
  • Fantastic image quality and resolution

Cons:

  • The ink is quite pricey

Epson SureColor P600

Epson SureColor P400

(Image credit: Epson)

Another great option for printing on cardstock is the Epson SureColor P600. This printer can handle all types of paper and media, from photo paper to fine art paper and cardstock.

The printing resolution is outstanding at 5760 x 1440 pixels. So, your photos and prints will look spectacular in all their glory and detail. The image quality is consistent and reliable.

Plus, you can create larger designs up to A3 with the SureColor P600. This feature opens up even more possibilities for what you can produce.

But as a result, the printer itself takes up more space, measuring 61x37x23 cms. Make sure that it will fit in your room before you buy it!

The P600 takes nine different ink cartridges. Overall, it’s a fantastic color printer for cardstock! 

  • Printing Technology: Inkjet
  • Brand: Epson
  • Printer Output: Color
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet

Pros:

  • You can print anything up to A3 size
  • Color images come out in superb detail and high resolution

Cons:

  • It’s big and bulky

Check price on


HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One

HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 All-in-One

(Image credit: HP)

If you need to print a lot of pages, the OfficeJet Pro from HP fits the bill! This printer is ideal for a small office, but can also be useful as a home printer. 

The OfficeJet Pro 9015 can churn out 22 ppm, which is impressive and will save you a lot of time!

It also comes with a lot of advanced features that are designed to make your life easier. These include extra security, automatic double-sided printing, and self-healing WiFi.  

The color touchscreen is a handy addition to help you select the right tool you need. Plus, printing remotely from your laptop or phone is easy with the HP Smart App.

The paper tray can hold up to 250 sheets of paper, which is helpful for big print jobs. 

You can print on any media up to 105g/m2. So, it’s not suitable for very heavy cardstock but does great with lighter cardstock. Keep this in mind if you need to print on the thickest paper.

With all these features, you’d expect a larger machine that takes up a lot of space. But the OfficeJet Pro is surprisingly compact.

This printer will save you time and can handle heavy-duty printing, up to 25,000 prints per month. It’s ideal for normal paper to medium-thick cardstock, making it very versatile.

  • Printing Technology: Inkjet
  • Brand: HP
  • Printer Output: Color
  • Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, USB, Ethernet

Pros:

  • A great printer for large volumes
  • Comes with a wide range of advanced, time-saving features

Cons:

  • Not suitable for very thick cardstock

The Wrap Up

So there you have my roundup of the best printers for cardstock right now. 

There’s a good range of options, from basic printers to specialized printers for art projects.

It’s not always easy to know whether a printer is suitable for cardstock. So, I’ve done the hard work for you! You can be sure that each of these models ticks all the right boxes.

Once you’ve found your ideal printer, click through to find out more and check the price! 

Let me know if you have any questions or comments below.

This post contains affiliate links. Proactive Creative may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Author

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.


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8 thoughts on “Cardstock Printing: Best Printers for Craftsmanship Today”

  1. Thank you for this article. I have had problems with all of my printers when using card paper. I have had 2 of the expensive A3 Epson printers and had the same problem. I am an amateur painter and enjoy making my own cards using bought card paper. The problem I find is that after the second or third card the printer will not take the card through. To me it seems as though something on the surface of the card leaves a film on the printer rollers and they can’t take the paper. I mustn’t be the only person to experience this. I am now in the market for a new printer that does not have this fault. I would appreciate your help. Thank-you Loraine Bessant

    Reply
    • Hi Loraine,

      Sorry to hear that kind of mishap happen to you. Until someone else in the same situation as you, comes forward to provide any advice. Unfortunately, the only solution is to contact the printer manufacturer to give you reliable assistance with this problem you are experiencing.

      Good luck,
      Outmane

      Reply
    • Hi Loraine,
      I remember reading somewhere (I think it was on the Hahnemuhle paper website) that coated paper can cause issues like that. Their suggestion was to feed a regular piece of printer paper through your printer after every few sheets of coated paper. It would be tedious, but might help the issue you’re having. I think I run into a similar situation when I print. I have an Epson SureColor P600, and when printing on thick coated paper it sometimes has a hard time grabbing the paper, when using the sheet feeder. Overall though, it’s a great printer for greeting cards, art prints, and other stationery or fine art products.

      Reply
  2. Hi
    Thanks for the comprehensive guidance to the printers that take care stock.
    I have 1 question… which print all the way to the edge of the card (borderless) without having to trick the machine in the printer settings to achieve this.
    I have tried several printers and although I have found several that can cope with thick card stock none of them really print borderless images right to the edge the card and I don’t want my images to have a white border around them.
    I look forward to your answer.
    Thanks.
    All the best
    Mat

    Reply
  3. This was very interesting article. I only need a B&W printer for adding copy to greeting cards that are 90-92# stock (11-11.2pt). Any suggestions?
    Thanks,
    Peggy

    Reply

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