Top 10 Best Printers For Cardstock (Reviews)

For those who are in need of a top-quality cardstock printer, we’re reviewing the top ten best printers for cardstock to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Because printing projects involving the creation of wedding invitations or other cardmaking projects featuring a broad range of cardstock weights become a reality, it’s critical to select a printer that won’t jam and will produce flawless results.

No matter if you’re printing photographs for a scrapbook project or materials for a large-scale marketing project, there’s a printer that will provide optimal results.

Epson Artisan 1430 – Best Printer For Large Cardstock Prints

For those who are seeking high-quality results when printing on cardstock, this printer will do the job.

In addition to having high resolutions, it’s also capable of producing borderless printing.

Users should take note of the fact that this printer utilizes paper dimensions of 13″ by 19″ and, therefore, the paper of that size should specifically be in use.

Users are typically impressed with the outcome regarding the quality of printing the Epson Artisan 1430 delivers.

Not only are the color display and sharpness optimal but the gloss quotient is excellent.

DELL H625CDW Colour Cloud 23PPM – Excellent Value for Small Office Use

Not only does this printer feature optimal convenience but also high-performance and versatility for your cardstock printing needs.

Because of its multi-functionality, it’s growing in popularity and quickly becoming one of the most sought-after brands in the market.

The DELL H625CDW Colour Cloud 23PPM is excellent for small office use not only because it’s affordable but also because it features the sharpest colors and high-gloss finishes.

These kinds of printers are most optimal for those who are looking to create photography prints, flashy marketing materials, and other materials whereby the results need to feature high-quality results.

HP Laserjet Pro M281fdw – Professional Results Featuring High-Impact Color

HP has a reputation for delivering optimal results regarding how their printers perform.

Therefore, we can expect a lot from the HP Laserjet Pro M281fdw regarding durability, precision printing results, and convenience of use.

Not only does this printer feature a smaller size allowing it to fit into a home or office spaces easier, but it also delivers seamless printing options.

For those who are looking for no signs of folding or scratching when printing on cardstock, this wireless printer is optimal for serving your needs.

Not only is this exceptional for those who are need of delivering flawless materials, but it’s also an excellent option for anyone with print projects including creating invitations, signs, flyers, and scrapbook projects.

Canon PIXMA Pro-100 – Professional and Affordable Wireless Printing

When your project calls for you to print on the thickest pieces of cardstock, the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 is an optimal choice.

In addition to producing optimal results without yielding any hassles, this printer does so with high-quality results.

The way it does this is through the use of an optimizer that’s designed to ensure every print is scratch and fold-free.

Featuring an 8-dye base for its color printing, the Canon PIXMA Pro-100 provides every print receives a unique output.

The fact that this printer provides such professional results helps it stand apart from many others in the industry.

Because users typically have to use an outside vendor to print on thick cardstock, use of this printer offers convenience and cost-savings in those regards.

Epson WorkForce WF-100 – Mobile Printing Yeilding Top-Quality Results

For those who are seeking a sleek design and portability, the Epson Workforce WF-100 doesn’t disappoint.

Not only does it feature all the hard working elements those who are taking their businesses on the go are seeking, but also the optimal results they need when printing on cardstock and other thick papers.

Because of its lightweight and durable design, the Epson Workforce WF-100 easily travels with you no matter where you want to go.

Printers such as these are optimal for business people who are printing on heavyweight paper during business meetings, presentations, and consultations whereby the need for high-quality materials are a necessity.

Users are also finding these printers useful regarding their portability during scrapbook conventions, cardmaking parties, and other activities whereby they need a printer close by.

Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer – Convenience and Affordability You Can Trust

In addition to being easy to connect and compact, the Brother Wireless All-in-One Inkjet Printer is one that’s loaded with functionality for those working at home or in the office.

Not only does it deliver high-quality and reliable print results, but this all-in-one printer also offers copying, faxing, and scanning.

For those who are looking for high-quality results when printing on cardstock, this printer is a recommendation.

In addition to delivering the results users are seeking when creating invitations or other high-quality materials, it’s possible to do so from mobile devices quickly and conveniently.

Therefore, if users have a project they’d like to attempt but aren’t connected to their computer, they can do so from any other device so long as it’s connected to Wi-Fi.

Brother MFC-L8900CDW – All-in-One Features for Hard-Working Offices

Because sometimes the requirements that need meeting include high-performance, top-quality results, and connectivity that’s consistently reliable in work environments, that’s where all-in-one printers including the Brother MFC-L8900CDW come into play.

When you need to produce high-quality marketing materials on cardstock, as well as other heavy-weight papers, the print and copy speeds this unit features are cutting-edge

In addition to producing those kinds of materials, this printer is also optimal for use in homes or small home offices for creating invitations, working on scrapbooking projects, cardmaking, producing flyers, signage making, and working on other products where heavyweight paper is a necessity.

Lexmark MX517de – Rich with Features and Flexibility

When fast printing jobs are a requirement, the Lexmark MX517de does the job seamless and with top-quality results.

For those who are looking for a powerful printer for their cardstock printing needs, Lexmark is one that will deliver up to 45 pages per minute.

Also, it’s optimal regarding affordability featuring up to 2,000 sheets per cartridge.

When you’re working on wedding invitations, and your guest list is lengthy, the need to print a substantial amount of sheets quickly becomes a priority.

The same holds true for printing thank you notes, bridal shower cards, and other cards related to the wedding or following the activities.

Therefore, selecting a printer such as this one is optimal for your needs. Not only will it produce the best results, but it will do so without jamming or running out of ink quickly.

Canon imageCLASS MF244dw – Black & White Laser Printing

For those who are in need of an excellent printer to use in their home or small office to achieve their cardstock printing goals, the Canon imageCLASS MF244dw is an optimal choice.

Not only does it work wirelessly to deliver professional quality results but it does so with an LCD panel, mobile capabilities, and energy saving solutions.

These features in combination with the fact that the unit is compact helps users utilize the printer even if they’re working in small areas.

Because this printer works well with heavy-weight paper, users can create a wide variety of projects including signage, flyers, wedding invitations, and display signs.

Dell C3760dn – Color Computer Printer You Can Trust

Featuring affordability with professional quality, the Dell C3760dn helps users achieve their cardstock printing goals with optimal results.

Not only does this printer produce high-quality results but it also does so with eco-friendly printer cartridges.

For those who are seeking energy efficiency, as well, the touch-screen features sleep mode and a power save button.

Because it can print on heavyweight paper in an affordable manner and is also a low-cost printer, these two features are winning points with users across the board.

One of the downsides of printing on cardstock is that it uses a considerable amount of ink when creating high-quality color prints.

However, this isn’t the case when using the Dell C3760dn thanks to its eco-friendly printer cartridges.

Not only does this printer produce the results users are seeking when working on cardmaking projects, marketing presentations, signage, or other projects are necessary on heavyweight cardstock, but it does so quickly.

Buyer’s Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most inexpensive printer that will handle cardstock thickness?

At the time of this writing, the most affordable in comparison to this printer is the Epson Expression ET-2750 and, according to its description and reviews, it will handle cardstock thickness.

The printer itself is not not cheapest you can find, but the cost of ink replacement and printing will be a lot lower than other solutions.

We generally recommend it for different types of use and it would work for cardstock printing as well.

These kinds of printers are optimal for those who are looking for professional print quality and need to use thicker, heavyweight paper in comparison to the lightweight cardstocks.

It’s optimal for creating a broad range of projects using various weights of paper ranging from light to medium. Heavier weights of paper are best used with a commercial printer.

Can you recommend the best printer for commercial cardstock printing?

When heavier weight and thicker papers are the requirement for print jobs, commercial printers are optimal for the jobs.

HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M553dn is one that’s currently coming in as highly recommended for commercial use.

The main reason is that it’s a multi-functioning unit that features optimal security, exceptional results, high-capacity toner yields, large paper tray capacities, and fast printing and scanning results.

Also, this printer does an incredible job producing top-quality results for those who are looking to develop large-scale projects on heavyweight papers.

What is the weight range of cardstock paper?

65 lb Cover Weight

This type of cardstock is typically used where lighter weight papers are necessary. However, it’s heavy enough for use with postcards.

It’s possible to layer this weight of paper on invitations and cards without it becoming too bulky. Die-cutting, folding, and paper punching is simple using 65 lb card stock.

It’s possible to use most home printers to print on this light-weight card stock. You’ll find that, when you see cardstock with a 90 lb index weight on the label, it’s similar to the 65 lb weight.

80 lb Cover Weight

This is the most commonly used cardstock weight.

Even though it has a medium weight, it will still go through just about any type home printer.

Most often, this weight of cardstock is used for business cards, card making, craft projects, die-cutting, DIY invitations, flyers, menus, programs, and scrapbooking.

The recommendation is to score 80 lb weight cardstock before folding it to prevent it from bending or cracking.

A weight that’s similar to 80 lb is 110 index weight cardstock.

100 lb cover weight

We’re starting to get into heavier weight cardstock now.

You’ll find that this heavier weight paper is most often used for invitations, invitation backings, flyers, and signs.

A heavy-weight cardstock that’s similar to 100 lb paper is 140 lb index cardstock.

For those who have an interest in printing on this weighty of a paper must first check the specifications of their printer regarding paper weights.

130 lb cover weight

This is what’s referred to as a cardstock featuring a heavyweight.

It isn’t uncommon for standard printers not to be able to handle cardstocks featuring this weight.

However, professional printers can handle these heavier stocks.

Laser vs. inkjet for invitations?

While each has their advantages and disadvantages, consumers should take note of the fact that color laser printers have experienced a decrease in their pricing in comparison to some inkjet models.

Therefore, for those who prefer them for their invitations, they’re no longer priced too high.

The quality of inkjet printers has improved dramatically over the years whereby the dots on the paper have become smaller, and more of them are on the page.

In doing so, it’s possible for these printers to produce photo-quality results affordably.

However, if the images become moist, they’ll bleed.

Because laser printers don’t use ink, but toners instead, they don’t experience bleeding.

While this will produce optimal results for graphic designs, you’ll find less than exceptional results regarding photographs. The main reason is that the photographs don’t produce smooth results.

Due to the technology they use whereby they utilize heat and electrostatic charges to produce sharp images, they’re priced higher than inkjet printers.

Inketjet (pros & cons)

Pros of Inkjet Printers:

• Excellent selection for image-heavy documents and photographs. These printers bland the smooth edges and colors very well in comparison to laser printers.
• There’s a low start-up cost for inkjet printers.
• It’s possible for inkjets to print on a broad range of papers, including cardstock.
• Inkjets require minimal warm-up time before use.
• Under most circumstances, inkjet printers are smaller, lighter, and simple to maintain.

Cons of Inkjet Printers:

• The ink is quite expensive and needs to be replaced often when printing on papers with heavy weights.
• Because the ink is waterbased, it’s susceptible to fading, bleeding, and water damage.
• Cartridges need frequent cleaning.
• In comparison to laser printers, inkjets are slow.
• Home inkjet printers have low-capacity paper trays.

Laser (pros & cons)

Pros of Laser Printers:


• They’re faster regarding printing than inkjets
• The black text is a perfect sharp black result
• They’ll handle large volume print jobs better
• Laser-toner cartridges print more than inkjets

Cons of Laser Printers:

• Laser printers require time for warming up despite working faster than inkjets
• Upfront costs for toner are higher than inkjets despite being cheaper in the long run
• It’s a nightmare if the toner leaks
• In comparison to inkjets, laser printers have difficulty handling a wide variety of weights of paper
• It’s a challenge for laser printers to create smooth images
• Laser printers tend to be large, bulky, and heavy

Final Words

Are you going to create invitations or are you working on scrapbook projects featuring cardstock?

When selecting your cardstock papers and inks, it’s critical to take into consideration your project’s needs and the overall outcome.

In doing so, you’ll be able to better determine which printer will serve your needs best. For example, if you’re creating wedding invitations, you won’t want them to bleed.

So, it may be optimal to select a laser printer and 100 lb cardstock. However, scrapbook projects will feature optimal results with lightweight cardstock and an inkjet printer.

Related Buying Guide