Best Printer For Card Stock (2025 Update)

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If you’re looking for a printer that can handle printing on cardstock, there are certain factors to consider before making a purchase. Cardstock is thicker and heavier than standard printer paper, so not all printers are equipped to handle it.

One of the most important factors to consider is the printer’s paper handling capabilities. Look for a printer that has a straight paper path, which means the paper doesn't need to make any turns inside the printer before it comes out. This will prevent the cardstock from getting jammed or damaged. Another important factor is the printer's ink system. Opt for a printer that uses pigment-based ink, which adheres better to the rough surface of cardstock.

When shopping for the best printer for cardstock, you may want to consider these questions. How much cardstock do you plan on printing at once? Are you looking for a printer that can handle large volumes of cardstock, or just occasional printing jobs? Do you need a printer with a specific feature, such as wireless connectivity or the ability to print double-sided? Answering these questions can help you narrow down your options and find the best printer for your needs.

10 Best Printer For Card Stock

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
Ideal for printing high-quality documents, cards, invitations, and other multipurpose uses with a professional finish.
2
The product is ideal for school supplies, kids art and crafts, invitations, business card printing and comes with extra thick 100 lb card stock.
3
Ideal for creating tri-fold brochures and pamphlets for restaurants or businesses with a bright white finish on sturdy cardstock.
4
Ideal for high-quality color printing and professional documents that require durability and vibrant colors.
5
Ideal for high-quality printing and professional documents requiring vivid color and sharp clarity with a weight of 60 lb.
6
Ideal for printing high-quality cards, flyers, invitations, and other professional-grade documents with a super smooth finish.
7
Ideal for printing business cards with a professional look and feel using an inkjet printer.
8
Ideal for printing heavy-weight projects such as brochures, flyers, and presentations with vibrant colors and crisp text.
9
It is ideal for printing your own greeting cards with envelopes.
10
Ideal for colorful and durable index cards or dividers to organize office documents, recipes, notes, and more.
Ideal for printing high-quality documents, cards, invitations, and other multipurpose uses with a professional finish.
The product is ideal for school supplies, kids art and crafts, invitations, business card printing and comes with extra thick 100 lb card stock.
Ideal for creating tri-fold brochures and pamphlets for restaurants or businesses with a bright white finish on sturdy cardstock.
Ideal for high-quality color printing and professional documents that require durability and vibrant colors.
Ideal for high-quality printing and professional documents requiring vivid color and sharp clarity with a weight of 60 lb.
Ideal for printing high-quality cards, flyers, invitations, and other professional-grade documents with a super smooth finish.
Ideal for printing business cards with a professional look and feel using an inkjet printer.
Ideal for printing heavy-weight projects such as brochures, flyers, and presentations with vibrant colors and crisp text.
It is ideal for printing your own greeting cards with envelopes.
Ideal for colorful and durable index cards or dividers to organize office documents, recipes, notes, and more.

1. Neenah Wausau Paper Premium Printable Multipurpose Card Stock – 30%

The Astrobrights Color Cardstock is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add some vibrant color to their projects. This cardstock is perfect for color-coding, menus, posters, and other similar applications. It is compatible with copiers and laser/inkjet printers, ensuring that you can print high-quality images and text with ease.

One of the standout features of this cardstock is that it is acid-free and lignin-free. This means that it is safe for use in archival applications and will not yellow or deteriorate over time. You can trust that your projects will look great for years to come.

To make your projects even brighter, pair this cardstock with Astrobrights color paper (sold separately). This will help your projects stand out and grab people's attention. With a wide range of colors available, you can create eye-catching designs that are sure to impress.

If you need help getting started, templates are available online. This makes it easy to create professional-looking projects without having to spend hours designing them yourself. Simply download the template, customize it with your text and images, and print it out on your Astrobrights Color Cardstock.

2. Thick & Heavy White Cardstock For All Uses.

The heavyweight 100lb cover stock (270 gsm) cardstock measuring 8.5 x 11 inches is an ideal paper choice for impactful presentations. It is perfect for scoring and folding, cutting down to custom sizes for brochures, menus, photo mats, and more. This premium quality paper makes an ideal addition to any office setting, offering durability and high-quality for personal use, school supplies, art projects, business communications, posters, and printing documents.

The double-sided smooth finish surface and 96 brightness rating make it perfect for designing eye-catching presentations and making your artsy designs pop. It holds colors well, delivering rich, vibrant colors, and sharp images with flawless results. With 50 sheets of acid-free and lignin-free cardstocks, your documents, arts, and print works won't turn yellow and brittle, preserving the paper, texts, and images and keeping them last long. This sturdy paper is also made with SFI wood fibers.

Please note that this stock is very thick and heavyweight. Though it is mostly compatible with Inkjet, Laser, and multi-function printers and copiers, it is best to consult your printer's manual before ordering, ensuring that it can handle 100lb cover (270 gsm) cardstock.

3. Tri-Fold Restaurant Menu Card Stock.

This high-quality tri-fold brochure cardstock is an ideal choice for impactful presentations. Measuring 8.5 x 11 inches, it is made from heavyweight 80lb cover stock (216 gsm) that ensures a sturdy finish. The cardstock is scored to fold to 8 1/2” x 3 2/3” which makes it perfect for tri-fold brochures.

Businesses looking for cost-effective marketing tools will find tri-fold brochures to be a great option. These brochures are compact, informative, and can fit in regular envelopes. They take up less space as they are folded and potential customers are more likely to hold onto them.

This multi-purpose cardstock is suitable for creating restaurant menus, travel guides, company product and service offers, business marketing and promotions, educational pamphlets, and more. It is an ideal addition to any office or school supplies collection.

The double-sided smooth finish surface and 98 brightness rating make it perfect for designing eye-catching presentations. It holds colors well and delivers rich, vibrant colors and sharp images with flawless results. This cardstock is compatible with both Inkjet and Laser printers.

Each pack contains 50 sheets of blank tri-fold brochure cardstock. It is archival safe which means that it will last for a very long time. This sturdy paper is also made with SFI wood fibers, ensuring that it is environmentally friendly.

4. Premium Usa Bright Cardstock – 8 Packs!

Hammermill 8.5” x 11” 80lb Premium Color Cardstock Paper is a high-quality cover weight sheet designed to produce consistently reliable results for color copiers and color laser printers. This premium color copy cover paper features a super bright finish of 100 brightness, providing excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface can withstand the heat and heavy application of toner while producing photos in high-quality.

This paper is sustainably made in the USA and is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. This certification guarantees that the paper is made using renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.

Premium Color Copy Cover Paper is acid-free, making it ideal for double-sided printing, photographic reproductions, full-color presentations, design proposals, direct mail, menus, and more. This feature ensures that the paper does not yellow over time, allowing for a long-lasting and durable finish.

This Hammermill premium color copy cover paper is perfect for those seeking a reliable and high-quality product for their printing needs. With its super bright finish and acid-free paper, it produces exceptional image quality and color reproduction. Additionally, its sustainably sourced materials make it an environmentally friendly option for conscientious consumers. Choose Hammermill 8.5” x 11” 80lb Premium Color Cardstock Paper for all your color printing needs.

5. Premium Usa-Made Bright White Cardstock

Introducing Hammermill 8.5” x 11” 60lb Premium Color Cardstock Paper – a reliable and durable cover weight sheet that guarantees consistently excellent results for your color copiers and color laser printers.

With a super bright 100 brightness finish, this copying paper is perfect for those who require excellent image contrast and true color reproduction. The super smooth paper surface can withstand high heat and heavy toner application while producing stunning photos.

Not only does this paper provide top-notch quality, but it is also sustainably made in the USA. It is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which ensures that it is produced using renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.

This acid-free paper is ideal for double-sided printing, photographic reproductions, full-color presentations, design proposals, direct mail, menus, and more. Its acid-free composition also prevents yellowing over time, ensuring that your documents will stay fresh and vibrant for a long time.

Choose Hammermill 8.5” x 11” 60lb Premium Color Cardstock Paper for your color printing needs and experience the difference in quality.

6. Super Smooth White Cardstock: Perfect For Crafting!

The Accent Opaque heavy card stock paper is a premium quality paper that offers a high bright-white shade and a super smooth near-matte finish. This paper is perfect for printing jobs that require heavy ink and images, as it makes colors bolder, brighter and more realistic. It also has excellent printability, proper ink holdout and minimal show-through, ensuring vibrant prints every time.

With superior strength for die-cutting, scoring and folding, this premium card stock printer paper is versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. It is thick, durable, and can withstand the rigors of handling and mailing without getting damaged.

The Accent Opaque heavy card stock paper is sustainably sourced and 100% made in the USA. It is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means that when you buy Accent card stock paper, you are helping replant forests and support sustainable forestry jobs for landowners in America.

To achieve a consistent look to your project, the Accent Opaque heavy card stock paper pairs well with other Accent paper products. For example, you can pair this 80lb card stock with Accent text weight copy paper to get a cohesive look and feel. The Accent paper line includes a complete range of text weight and cover weight papers in super smooth, smooth and vellum finishes, providing you with a wide range of options to choose from.

7. Avery Printable Business Cards, Inkjet Printers, 400 Cards, 2 X 3.5, Clean Edge, Heavyweight (8877)

Introducing the perfect solution for those in need of personalized business cards – Printable Cardstock from Avery. This premium product offers Clean Edge(R) technology which allows for easy card separation without leaving behind any rough edges. Compared to other printable business cards, Avery's Clean Edge(R) technology provides the smoothest and cleanest edges on the market.

Designed for inkjet printers, this product guarantees jam and smudge-free performance, ensuring high-quality results every time. The cardstock is optimized to produce crisp text and vibrant images, making it ideal for professional business cards, gift cards, coupons, or customer loyalty cards. Additionally, the back of the card can be used for photos, maps, or notes, providing versatility and convenience.

Customers can personalize their white business cards with their own unique designs, or choose from thousands of free templates and designs available on the Avery site. This feature offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing individuals to create truly unique cards that reflect their personal style and brand.

8. Project Pro Paper: Heavyweight. Printing Perfection.

Looking for a reliable and affordable printing solution that delivers consistent, high-quality results with a matte finish? Look no further than this high-performance printing paper. Ideal for use in both professional and personal settings, this versatile paper is perfect for printing 2-sided business documents, school projects, and more.

With its vibrant colors and crisp, black text, this paper is sure to impress. And thanks to its advanced ColorLok Technology, it delivers more vivid colors, bolder blacks, and faster drying times for superior print quality. Whether you're printing a report, creating a presentation, or producing a marketing flyer, you can count on this paper to deliver excellent results every time.

One of the best things about this printing paper is its compatibility with the HP Smart app. This powerful app allows you to easily print documents and create high-quality scans from virtually anywhere, using your smartphone or tablet. So whether you're on the go, at home, or in the office, you can stay connected and productive with ease.

So why settle for subpar printing results when you can have the best? Choose this premium printing paper today and experience the difference for yourself!

9. Matte Greeting Cards With Envelopes: 50 Sheets

Introducing the Instant Dry Blank Greeting Cards, a versatile and efficient solution for your printing needs. These cards are designed to provide a hassle-free experience with no smears, allowing you to handle them immediately after printing.

Unlike other greeting cards, these blank cards come with no watermark or logo on either side, providing a clean and professional canvas for your designs. What's more, you can print on both sides of the card, with the outside coated side providing the best color gamut and sub-tone reproduction for photographic paper quality, while the uncoated internal side is perfect for simple graphics and text in normal quality.

To make things even easier, these greeting cards are machine pre-scored, allowing you to effortlessly fold the card in the middle after printing. This saves you time and ensures a neat, professional finish every time.

The Instant Dry Blank Greeting Cards are compatible with a wide range of printers, making them a versatile choice for your personal or business needs. So whether you're printing invitations, announcements, or just want to send a thoughtful message to your loved ones, these greeting cards are the perfect solution.

With their high-quality parameters, specifications, and facts, you can rest assured that you'll be receiving a reliable and durable product. Order your Instant Dry Blank Greeting Cards today and experience the convenience and quality for yourself!

10. Colorful Acid-Free Index Paper (250 Pack)

Looking for an eco-friendly option for your printing needs? Look no further than this pack of 250 sheets of white paper, made from recycled materials! Not only is this paper better for the environment, but it also works beautifully with laser and ink jet printers as well as copiers.

The smooth finish of this paper ensures superior print results, delivering sharp and clear text and images. Whether you need to print business documents, school assignments, or personal projects, this paper is sure to meet all your printing needs.

So why choose this pack of recycled paper? Not only does it offer high-quality printing results, but it also helps to reduce waste and lessen your environmental impact. And with 250 sheets in each pack, you'll have plenty of paper to tackle all your printing projects!

Best Printer For Card Stock FAQs

Are there any affordable printers that can print on card stock without compromising quality?

Yes, there are many affordable printers available in the market that can print on card stock without compromising quality. The key is to look for printers that have a high paper weight capacity and can handle thicker paper types. Inkjet printers are generally better suited for printing on cardstock as they have a higher resolution and can create vibrant colors. However, some laser printers are also capable of printing on cardstock, though they may not produce the same level of detail as inkjet printers.

When looking for an affordable printer that can handle cardstock, consider the paper weight capacity, type of ink or toner used, and the printer's resolution. Some popular options include the HP Envy 4520, Canon PIXMA TS9120, and Epson SureColor P400. It is also important to note that while these printers may be affordable upfront, the cost of ink or toner cartridges should also be taken into consideration when making a purchase.

Can a laser printer print on card stock or is an inkjet printer better?

Yes, a laser printer can print on cardstock, but it is important to check the specifications of the printer to ensure that it can handle the thickness and weight of the cardstock you want to use. Some laser printers have a manual feed tray that can accommodate thicker paper materials, including cardstock. However, it is important to note that not all laser printers are designed to print on cardstock, and attempting to do so may cause damage to the printer.

In contrast, inkjet printers are generally better suited for printing on cardstock due to their ability to handle thicker paper materials. Inkjet printers use a different printing process that allows for more precise control of ink application and can handle a wider range of paper weights and thicknesses.

Ultimately, the choice between a laser printer and an inkjet printer for printing on cardstock will depend on the specific requirements of your printing project. It is important to research and compare different printer models to determine which one is best suited for your needs.

Can a regular printer handle printing on card stock or do I need a special printer?

A regular printer may or may not be able to handle printing on card stock depending on the printer and the thickness of the card stock. Most printers are designed to handle standard paper weights, which is typically around 20-24 lb. cardstock is usually between 50-110 lb. If you have a printer that has a straight paper path, it might be able to handle thicker cardstock. However, if you have a printer that has a curved paper path, it may not be able to handle thicker paper weights.

If you are unsure whether your printer can handle card stock, it is recommended to check the printer manual or contact the manufacturer's customer support. Alternatively, you can invest in a specialized printer that is designed specifically for printing on card stock or other thick paper types. These printers have a specialized paper feed system that can handle thicker paper stocks and produce high-quality prints.

What are the key features to look for in a printer for printing on card stock?

When looking for a printer to print on card stock, there are a few key features to keep in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to look for a printer with a straight paper path. This means that the printer feeds the card stock through the printer in a straight line, rather than making sharp turns. This helps prevent jams and misalignments.

Another important feature is adjustable paper trays or a manual feed slot. Card stock is thicker and heavier than regular printer paper, so you'll need to be able to adjust the paper tray to accommodate the card stock. Many printers also have a manual feed slot that allows you to feed the card stock directly into the printer.

In addition, you'll want to look for a printer with a high print resolution. This will help ensure that your text and images come out clear and crisp, even on the thicker paper. Look for a printer with a resolution of at least 1200 x 1200 dpi.

Finally, consider the ink or toner type. Some printers use dye-based ink, which can bleed or smear on card stock. Others use pigment-based ink or toner, which is more stable and less likely to smudge.

Overall, a printer with a straight paper path, adjustable paper trays or a manual feed slot, high print resolution, and pigment-based ink or toner is ideal for printing on card stock.

What are the pros and cons of using a dedicated card stock printer versus a regular printer?

Dedicated card stock printers are designed to handle thicker media, such as card stock, and are often used for printing business cards, invitations, and other specialty items. One of the main advantages of using a dedicated card stock printer is the quality of the prints. These printers are designed to produce high-quality, vivid prints that look professional and are resistant to smudging and fading.

Another advantage of using a dedicated card stock printer is the ability to handle thicker media without jamming or damaging the printer. Regular printers may not be able to handle card stock or may cause damage to the printer if used with card stock.

On the other hand, dedicated card stock printers can be more expensive than regular printers and may require additional maintenance and upkeep. Additionally, they may not be as versatile as regular printers, which can handle a wider range of media and printing projects.

Overall, the decision to use a dedicated card stock printer versus a regular printer depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. For those who frequently print on card stock or need high-quality prints, a dedicated card stock printer may be the better choice. However, for those who need a more versatile printer for a variety of media and printing projects, a regular printer may be the better option.

What is the maximum thickness of card stock that a printer can handle?

The maximum thickness of card stock that a printer can handle depends on the type of printer being used. In general, most inkjet printers can handle card stock up to 110 lb, which is equivalent to 200 gsm (grams per square meter). However, it is important to note that some inkjet printers may have trouble feeding thicker card stock through their paper feeders. Laser printers, on the other hand, are typically able to handle thicker card stock up to 140 lb, or 300 gsm. It is always recommended to check the printer's specifications before attempting to print on card stock to avoid any potential damage to the printer or the paper. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the printer has a straight paper path to avoid any potential jams or misalignments when printing on thicker paper.

What is the optimal resolution for printing on card stock?

The optimal resolution for printing on card stock depends on various factors, such as the type of printer, the quality of the card stock, and the desired print quality. Generally, a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher is recommended for printing on card stock. This ensures that the text and graphics are crisp, clear, and sharp. However, some printers may require a higher resolution for optimal results, such as 600 DPI or even 1200 DPI. It's also important to consider the thickness and finish of the card stock, as this can affect the printing process and result in smudging or blurring. It's always a good idea to perform a test print before printing a large batch of cards to ensure that the print quality meets your expectations.

What kind of ink should I use for printing on card stock?

When it comes to printing on card stock, it is important to use the right type of ink to achieve the best results. The most suitable ink for printing on card stock is pigment-based ink. This type of ink is known for its durability and resistance to fading, making it perfect for printing on high-quality paper like card stock. Pigment-based ink is also less likely to bleed or smudge, ensuring that your prints come out clean and sharp.

On the other hand, dye-based ink is not recommended for printing on card stock as it tends to bleed and smudge easily. This is because dye-based ink is designed to be absorbed by the paper, which can cause it to spread and blur on thicker paper like card stock.

It is also important to consider the printer you are using as some printers are not compatible with certain types of ink. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check your printer's manual or consult with a professional to ensure that you are using the right ink for your card stock printing needs.

What type of printer is best for printing on card stock?

When it comes to printing on card stock, not all printers are created equal. The best type of printer for printing on card stock is a laser printer. This is because laser printers use toner instead of ink, which is better suited for printing on thicker materials like card stock. Inkjet printers, on the other hand, use liquid ink, which can bleed and smear on card stock, resulting in a less-than-perfect print job.

When choosing a laser printer for printing on card stock, it's important to look for one that has a straight paper path. This means that the paper feeds through the printer without making any tight turns or bends, which can cause the paper to jam or wrinkle. You'll also want to make sure that the printer is capable of handling the thickness of the card stock you plan to use.

Overall, a laser printer with a straight paper path and the ability to handle thick card stock is your best bet for achieving professional-quality prints on card stock.

Which printer brand offers the best quality for printing on card stock?

When it comes to printing on card stock, there are a few printer brands that are known for offering excellent quality. In my opinion, the best printer brand for printing on card stock is HP. HP printers are known for producing high-quality prints with rich colors and sharp details. Their printers also offer a wide range of paper handling options, including the ability to print on thicker paper stocks like card stock.

Another printer brand that is worth considering is Epson. Epson printers are also known for producing high-quality prints and have a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting. Many of their printers offer advanced paper handling features like automatic duplex printing and multi-purpose tray for thicker paper stocks.

Ultimately, the best brand for printing on card stock will depend on your specific needs and budget. It's important to research different printer brands and models, as well as read reviews from other users to determine which printer will work best for you.

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