Best Printers for Cardstock and Thick Papers

Cardstock printing is often as easy as general paper printing that you do using a home inkjet printer. But when you are running a business or focusing on DIY vlogging, you need something better, something professional to assist you. This is where buying a printer for thick paper becomes practical. It gives you more control over the design, customization, and editing aspects.

But hunting for the best printer for cardstock online can be a struggle. But not if you follow our buying guide. Here, we take you through the 7 top printers so that you can compare and choose.

• Canon Pixma iX6820
• Epson Expression XP-15000
• HP DeskJet Plus 4155
• Brother HL-L6200DWT
• HP LaserJet Pro M29w

Go with a Canon printer that allows you to print both matte and glossy cardstocks. Or maybe an HP model for high-quality monochrome cardstock printing? Or are you an Epson or Brother loyalist?

Whatever be your preference, choose the one that best suits your needs. We will help you find that one.

Best Printers for Cardstock Reviews 2024

A deeper, technical look into the seven best printers for printing cardstock. Go through these reviews to know if they align with your specific requirements.

#1 – Canon Pixma iX6820 Printer For Cardstock

Everyone knows about Canon and its printers. We all know that Japanese technology never lets you down and that is true for this high-quality cardstock printer too.

Best Overall

Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Printer Best Printer For Cardstock Invitations

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Printer Review

This is a silent machine that will sit in the corner of your office and print out high-quality cardstock designs without affecting the consistency in the color.

The vivid color is the highlight in Pixma iX6820, thanks to its 1-picoliter sized ink droplets, which provide a resolution of up to 9600 x 2400 dpi. It produces the best print outputs we have ever seen. Add to that the borderless option that is perfect for greeting cards, marriage invitation cards, and posters. Sweet!

Wired or wireless, the Pixma can receive print commands through a variety of media. Sitting with a customer and want to send out a sample print right now? Use the AirPrint or a cloud-enable service while on the go. Have an urgent requirement? Send a command directly from your iPhone and this Canon machine will receive it the next second and print it even if it was switched off.

The automatic turn-on is a lifesaver. So is the size range. While it is a printer for 11 x 17 size, it can also take in cardstocks with a size of up to 13 x 19 inches.

The range of thickness is also an advantage. It easily takes in 140-pound cover stock and prints it out in less than 30 seconds. This means you can print anything from thick business cards to posters without worrying about jamming or incompatibility.

The high-speed printing, coupled with its range and fine-printing technology (photolithography inkjet nozzle engineering), makes it a top-rated inkjet printer even for thicker cardstocks and heavyweight papers.

It also has a back-feed option with capacity for 50+ sheets, and is supported by 5 individual ink tanks for better output.

Then there are the usual Canon complementary features like My Image Garden to give a push to your creativity. It will help you kickstart your business regardless of your experience. The lack of scanning and faxing is actually a blessing to you, because who uses them anyway in this day and age?

Save for heavyweight maintenance (because of the complex make) required here, this Canon will be the perfect addition to your work desk. It will last you for years, just like the cardstocks that you will print with it.

#2 – Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000

Epson is another Japanese player in the cardstock printer market that is as good as Canon, and sometimes even better. The XP-15000 is an example where it focuses on cardstock, canvas, and fabric-based papers.

Printer Review

Running a business selling fancy cardstock prints? Or operating a super-active, viral channel on YouTube with DIY designs on fabric-based papers? If yes, then what you need is a printer for 110-lb cardstocks and we are talking the low side. The good thing is that the Expression XP-15000 can handle weight of more than 140 pounds.

The print quality is the USP here, processed by Epson’s superior 6-ink system called Claria photo HD ink. Give it a heavy cardstock or canvas paper and it will print out bright, spotless, and colorful designs in seconds.

With a size range from 4×6 to 13×19, it can cover everything: greeting cards, business slips, certificates, posters, and fancy home décor items. You name it.

When compared with the Canon model, this Epson printer wins in two areas: wide-format printing and easy maintenance. Remember the complex setup that we spoke about in the above review. That’s not the case here because Epson has a fairly simplistic design; it’s like a good-looking and precious partner with low maintenance.

A 200-sheet paper tray allows you to hold about 50 cardstocks of 140-pound weight. Plus, you don’t have to worry about replacing the sides because this Epson also allows two-sided printing with no limitation on the surfaces. Matte, flossy, metallic, or rough – feed cardstocks with any finish to this printer and it will perform.

The speed is slightly on the low side here but you can still get prints in less than a minute. Naturally, wide-formats (A3, for instance) will require more time but you don’t have to worry about jams or stuck paper.

Do note that the highest resolution is 5760 x 1440 dpi, which is lower than the Canon model above. But compare their outputs, and we bet you won’t find any difference. That’s where Epson’s Claria ink beats Canon’s nozzle-based ink supply.

Note: This machine cannot print on screen films or fabrics.

#3 – HP DeskJet Plus 4155 All-in-One Printer

Another leader in the printer arena, Hewlett-Packard has been around since 1939 and is known for its innovative products, including this easy-to-use printer for cardstock.

Printer Review

If you are on a budget but still need a handy printer to work on cardstocks, envelopes, and card paper, the Plus 4155 is your best bet.

A top-quality replacement of the best-selling HP OfficeJet 3830, it allows printing, faxing, copying, and scanning. While you can’t expect the stars from this DeskJet series printer, you will be able to print on cardstocks of most common weights easily.

Set it up the usual way or through the easier method using the HP Smart mobile app and start printing wirelessly. It just takes a few minutes if you are the tech-savvy kind, and off you start with your creative work.

The automatic document feeder is a lifesaver, but it holds less volume of cardstocks, especially when compared to the Canon and Epson models above. But it will do the trick for most cardstock printing jobs, and will give you high-quality color and BW printouts in a jiffy. The HP Instant Ink Ready system is what works here.

The low price does take away some essentials, which you should know before buying. While it has a flatbed scanner (super useful if you are installing this in your office), there is no option for dual-side printing. Nor is it fast like the two models above. The Plus 4155 takes a full minute to print out one color cardstock print, which we think is a long time. Prolific users should reconsider even if the budget is low.

But we still recommend this to beginners, DIYers, hobbyists, and home users as a starter kit because it’s an all-in-one machine that also acts as a desktop cardstock printer.

We believe that affordability shouldn’t come at a higher price i.e. in using low-quality products. This cheap printer for cardstock by HP is the perfect example of a machine that is both affordable and useful. It does the job while also saving the environment (because it’s made using 20% recycled plastic).

#4 – Brother HL-L6200DWT Laser Printer For Cardstock

Brother is already a pioneer in the field of tools used for creativity. You may already know this American brand from its wide range of stitching machines and sewers. Soon it will also be known for high-volume cardstock printers for office use.

Printer Review

If there is one thing that all the three inkjet models reviewed above commonly lack, it is speed. With an output of an average of eight pages per minute, none of them are good enough for office use. This is why we recommend the HL-L6200DWT, a laser printer with toner ink, that boasts of a printing speed of up to 48 pages per minute (ppm). How fast is that?

We are talking really, really fast and highly efficient, even by the office printing standards held by manufacturers like Canon and HP. But this monochrome Brother printer for cardstock also has all the kinks that you usually find in this type. Wireless and Ethernet connectivity, ability to send print commands from a mobile device, or via third-party services like AirPrint, Mopria, and Cortado Workplace, ensure secrecy while printing confidential documents, and support for a wide range of paper types.

While the monochrome-only printing can be a serious limitation for many, this Brother workhorse makes it up with a large paper tray (with a capacity of 1,610 sheets), dual-side (duplex) printing, and easy control.

Have an intern handling the rudimentary admin duties at work? No problem, because this beast can be operated by anyone with basic tech knowledge. It’s that easy, efficient, and powerful. But it is also bulky (at 35 pounds) and can take up considerable space.

The print quality is good across paper types, including cover stock and pasteboard. Crisp, clear, and detailed graphics can be impressed on all types of surfaces, giving you a reliable machine for all types of businesses. Need a top printer for notary loan signing business? Or a DIY boutique store? Or a stationery shop? Get this one and leave all your worries behind.

#5 – HP LaserJet Pro M29w Monochrome Cardstock Printer

Another doozy from HP, the M29w is marketed as the world’s smallest laser printer.

Printer Review

The claim is true because it is the lightest and most compact printer on this list, weighing just above 10 pounds. Add to that it’s multiple functionalities such as one-click copying, color scanning, Wi-Fi Direct option, and Amazon Alexa connectivity. It makes for a handy printer for home use as well as for DIYers and YouTubers who have infrequent use.

HP has put all its strength into the quality of the prints. Compare it with the Brother model above, and you clearly see a difference in the quality of the print. Of course, the M29w takes a bit longer to print, but it still has a speed of up to 19 pages per minute. That’s not bad for a small desk printer that allows operation on all types of cardstocks.

The weight is limited (compared to the first two models on this list), but this printer can still pack a punch when you throw thick envelopes, business cards, and posters at it.

Print using your Wi-Fi connection or send PDFs via mobile. Or maybe use Wi-Fi Direct if you don’t have connectivity. Its ability to receive requests from a variety of sources further makes it an ideal choice for busy vloggers and businesspersons.

However, this printer for cardstock and envelopes does have some critical drawbacks. You cannot print in color or fax (which is not really a demerit if you think about it), there is no Ethernet networking option or print via USB option, or dual-side printing. You will have to manually change the sheet for that. These are not deal breakers but when it comes to size, speed, and convenience, there really is no better option than this little kid.

#6 – Epson WorkForce WF-7720 Inkjet Printer

Sometimes you just want everything but still want affordability and reliability. Epson has found an answer there.

Printer Review

This Epson printer a strong competitor to the advanced all-rounder machines above. But where it triumphs is in the sheer versatility. Anything and everything that has been invented in printers? This compact printer has.

Let’s start with color printing with photographic quality. Does it have this feature? Yes. Automatic feeder, special feeder for cardstock, back and front trays, and dual-side printing? Yes. Borderless printing support for the widest size (13″ x 19″)? Yes. A good-capacity feeder? Yes; can hold 500 sheets (front output tray can hold 125). Ability to fax, scan, and copy easily? Yes. Wireless connectivity with additional support for all popular operating systems and media such as Google Cloud Print, Alexa, Wi-Fi Direct, and Ethernet capabilities? A big yes.

What’s more? This Epson model uses 80% less power than most inkjet printers in the range and has a pretty useful color touchscreen. It’s a beast that manages to have all the features and still provides high-quality prints at the end of the day, which is what matters.

Just know that it drinks ink a bit too much than its competitors, but it should be fine for moderate usage. Otherwise, we see you running to the ink shop more frequently. Versatility does have a price.

#7 – HP OfficeJet Pro 9025 Printer For Cardstock

Another fantastic offering by HP, this time targeting office users with a budget.

Printer Review

Sometimes you want everything. But sometimes, affordability takes a higher priority for you while you still desire all the basic features. The OfficeJet Pro 9025 is your best for a budget color printer. Work on glossy paper or matte cardstock, this one will take care of all your printing needs.

It has the usual kinks including wireless connectivity, an automatic feeding system, and dual-printing. Plus, it has a good speed of about 20 pages per minute, which is a decent paper even by HP standards.

Install this in your office and never worry about printing. Send commands from different devices or directly from the Internet, forget about ink refilling for months, execute other office tasks like copying and scanning without any hassle.

The HP 9025 is like a low-priced thing that keeps on giving. The giving printer that does not ask anything in return. Except for some ink refills from time to time.

Cardstock Printing FAQs

Some quick answers to some basic questions about printing on card.

Conclusion

We know that the answer to the question “what is the best printer for cardstock?” can vary from user to user. That is why we featured these top 7 models that we think are capable enough to take care of any need arising out of a cardstock printing business.

Best Overall

Canon Pixma iX6820 Wireless Printer Best Printer For Cardstock Invitations

See at Amazon →

But if you are like us and can’t make up your mind when you are shopping or are confused between two models, here’s what we’ll go for if we have very specific needs.

• Canon Pixma iX6820 – most advanced and fastest, wireless connectivity, highest dpi output
• Epson XP-15000 – HD color printing, fast operation, supports wide formats
• HP DeskJet Plus 4155 – All-rounder with scan and copy options; environment-friendly, modest price

Get one of these and thank us later.