The paper prints can be tricky. One moment your design is stunning on screen, the next your printer jams or the ink smears. Whether you are making greeting cards, invitations, or custom packaging, it’s important to know what to do. Staysure Packaging, your trusted custom printed boxes manufacturer, explains everything from cardstock to professional results.
Understanding Cardstock: Weight and Thickness
The first step is to choose the right cardstock. It is thicker and stronger than regular paper, making it ideal for high-quality prints and custom cardboard boxes, but if mishandled it can snag printers. Weight of cardstock can be measured in pounds (lb) or GSM (grams per square meter).
- 65 lb / 176 GSM: Light cardstock for flyers, light greeting cards, or inserts. Works with most home printers.
- 80 lb / 216 GSM: Medium weight, perfect for invitations, postcards, and moderate packaging.
- 110 lb / 300 GSM and above: Heavyweight cardstock for premium cards, brochures, and Corrugated Boxes inserts. Requires careful feeding or commercial printers.
Pro Tip: Use this cardstock thickness guide to match your project’s needs. Heavier sheets look more luxurious but need careful handling. For custom cardboard boxes, heavier cardstock ensures sturdiness and durability.
Paper Grain Direction: Why It Matters
Paper grain is a small, but essential, feature that is often overlooked. Cardstock has fibers that are traveling in certain directions. Folding along the grain creates a clean, even edge; folding against it can damage the paper.
Quick Test:
Fold the sheet gently in both directions. The grain can be seen easily on the side that bends. Fold in this direction when folding cards, invitations or custom printed boxes.
Tip: Short-grain cardstock is generally best served in home printers, while long-grain is best served on larger sheets or commercial presses. Knowledge of the grain helps reduce jams and clean folds.
Printer Settings: Getting It Right
Not all printers are good at handling thick paper. Setting up is key.
- Use the correct tray: Rear-feed or manual single-sheet feeding keeps cardstock straight. Avoid standard trays for anything over 80 lb.
- Select the proper paper type: Most printers allow “Cardstock” or “Heavy Paper” settings. This lifts the print head slightly and reduces smudging.
- Print one sheet at a time: Especially for 110 lb or heavier cardstock.
Custom Paper Sizes and Alignment
Printers default to standard Letter or A4 sizes. For custom prints like 5×7 cards:
- Windows: File → Print → Printer Preferences → Paper/Quality → Paper Size → Custom
- Mac: File → Print → Paper Size → Manage Custom Sizes
Adjust side guides so the sheet fits snugly without forcing it. For anyone wondering how to print 5×7 cardstock, this step ensures accurate alignment.
Choosing the Right Ink and Resolution
Quality is a function of ink choice and resolution.
Inkjet printers
It’s perfect for bright colors, photos, and glossy cardstock. Avoid over-inking to avoid smudges.
Laser printers
Ideal for text-laden designs and Corrugated Boxes inserts. They come out clean and have fine edges.
Set your screen resolution at 300 DPI or higher for sharp text, crisp lines and crystal clear color reproduction.
Double-Sided Printing Tips
Double-sided printing on thick cardstock can be tricky:
- Print a test sheet to see how your printer flips pages (short-edge or long-edge).
- Keep scaling at 100% to prevent misalignment.
- Let ink dry completely before flipping.
- Feed the sheet manually for thicker cardstock.
Tip: For professional results, small runs of double-sided cards or inserts for custom cardboard boxes are best printed with commercial printers.
Advanced Printing Techniques
Make your prints stand out:
- Borderless prints: Mark a small hole around your design to prevent white edges and cut carefully.
- Specialty cardstock: Holographic, pearlescent, or textured cardstock may not work well with inkjets at home. Laser printing is better.
- Color control: Configure your monitor and printer so that on-screen colors match print colors.
Printing for Custom Packaging
Printing on cardstock isn’t just for cards. High quality prints can also be very useful to custom printed boxes and Corrugated Boxes:
- Boxes and sleeves: Heavy cardstock provides sturdy protective packaging.
- Branding impact: Crisp, vibrant prints make your boxes feel premium and professional.
- Presentation: The unboxing experience is enhanced by custom inserts or cards that can be put into the packaging.
Using custom cardstock packaging, Staysure Packaging offers the answer. Every sheet is printed, cut, and folded to make your brand stand out.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even pros face printing challenges. Here’s how to solve them:
- Paper jams: Check the feed tray, fan sheets to prevent sticking, and align properly.
- Smudges: Choose the correct paper type, avoid excessive ink, and allow sufficient drying time.
- Faded colors: Increase ink saturation, check DPI, or use a commercial printer for thick cardstock.
- Misalignment: Test with scrap sheets and feed heavy paper manually.
Conclusion
Printing on cardstock doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right cardstock thickness guide, printer settings, and handling, you can produce professional-quality prints every time. From invitations and greeting cards to premium custom cardboard boxes and Corrugated Boxes, cardstock elevates your designs and packaging.
For businesses, working with a custom printed boxes maker like Staysure Packaging ensures your prints and packaging are flawless. We help select the right cardstock, achieve perfect prints, and deliver packaging that protects your products while boosting your brand image.
Whether for personal projects or commercial packaging, following these tips saves time, reduces errors, and guarantees prints you’ll be proud of. Start printing smarter today with Staysure Packaging. Read more: Custom Product Boxes Canada
FAQs: How to Print on Cardstock
What is the best cardstock weight for printing?
The best cardstock depends on your project. Light cardstock (65 lb / 176 GSM) works for flyers, medium (80 lb / 216 GSM) for invitations, and heavyweight (110 lb / 300 GSM) is ideal for custom printed boxes or premium Corrugated Boxes inserts.
How do I know the grain direction of my cardstock?
Gently bend the sheet in both directions. The side that bends easily shows the grain. Folding along the grain ensures smooth edges and prevents cracking.
Can I print double-sided on cardstock?
Yes, but always print a test sheet first to check how your printer flips pages (short-edge or long-edge). Allow ink to dry completely before printing the second side.
How can I print 5×7 cardstock without alignment issues?
Use the custom paper size option in your printer settings and feed one sheet at a time. This ensures your 5×7 prints are centered and aligned perfectly.
Should I use inkjet or laser printers for cardstock?
Inkjet printers are ideal for vibrant colors and photos, while laser printers are better for text-heavy designs or printing on Corrugated Boxes and specialty cardstock.
What is the recommended resolution for printing on cardstock?
Set your printer to 300 DPI or higher. This ensures crisp text, sharp images, and accurate color reproduction for both cards and custom cardboard boxes.
How can I prevent paper jams with thick cardstock?
Use a rear-feed or manual single-sheet tray, fan the sheets before printing, and avoid overloading the tray. Heavier sheets like 110 lb require careful handling.
What types of cardstock work best for custom packaging?
Heavyweight and textured cardstock works best for inserts, sleeves, and custom printed boxes, adding a premium feel to your products and Corrugated Boxes packaging.
Do I need a bleed for borderless prints on cardstock?
Yes, adding a small bleed ensures there are no white edges after trimming. This is especially important for cards, invitations, and packaging designs.
Where can I get high-quality custom printed boxes?
Staysure Packaging is a trusted custom printed boxes maker, offering premium printing and professional finishing for all your cardstock packaging needs.