Best Cardstock Printers for 2026
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
110 lb/300gsm, 8 inks, 13x19" borderless
~$550
Canon PIXMA TS9521C
12x12" scrapbook paper, built-in patterns
~$200
Epson XP-15000
13x19", 140 lb cardstock via rear feed
~$350
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Low ink cost, 90 lb cardstock, rear feed
~$230
Key to Cardstock Success: Rear Feed Tray
The #1 reason cardstock jams is being forced through curved paper paths. Printers with a rear (straight-through) feed tray let thick paper travel in a straight line, eliminating most jams. All our picks have this feature.
Canon PIXMA Pro-200
The Gold Standard for Cardstock
The Canon PIXMA Pro-200 is designed specifically for heavy media. It handles cardstock up to 300 gsm (110 lb cover weight) through its rear manual feed tray - that's thicker than most wedding invitation stock. The straight paper path means zero jams with proper loading.
The 8-color dye ink system produces incredibly vibrant, saturated colors that make invitations and cards pop. Borderless printing up to 13x19" gives you room for large format invitations, menus, and signage. Color accuracy is excellent right out of the box.
Perfect for Wedding Invitations
DIY wedding stationers consistently praise the Pro-200 for handling premium cardstock without issues. Print 100+ invitations in a single session without a single jam when using the rear feed.
Pros
- Handles 110 lb cardstock (300 gsm)
- 8-color vibrant prints
- 13x19" borderless printing
- Straight rear feed path
- Excellent color accuracy
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Expensive ink cartridges
- Print-only (no scanner)
- Large footprint
Best For:
Wedding invitations, premium greeting cards, professional quality prints on heavy cardstock. Worth the investment for serious crafters and small businesses.
Canon PIXMA TS9521C
The Crafting-Specific Printer
Canon designed the TS9521C specifically for crafters and scrapbookers. Its standout feature is support for 12x12" paper - the standard scrapbook page size that most printers can't handle. Load your cardstock in the rear tray and print full-page designs.
The built-in pattern printing feature lets you create patterned paper directly from the printer's controls - no computer needed. Print coordinating patterns for your scrapbook layouts, card backgrounds, or gift wrap on demand.
Pros
- Prints on 12x12" paper
- Built-in pattern printing
- Handles 300 gsm cardstock
- All-in-one with scanner
- Affordable for crafters
Cons
- 5 inks vs Pro-200's 8
- Cartridge-based (higher ink cost)
- Slower than photo printers
- No borderless 12x12"
Best For:
Scrapbookers, card makers, and crafters who need 12x12" capability. Great for creating custom patterned paper and project components.
Epson Expression Photo XP-15000
Wide Format Cardstock Champion
The Epson XP-15000 brings wide format printing (13x19") to a compact form factor. User reviews confirm it handles "very thick 140 lb cardstock in the back feed" - heavier than most home printers can manage.
The 6-color Claria ink system produces excellent photos and graphics, and the compact design means it doesn't dominate your workspace like larger wide-format printers. Auto duplex works for regular paper, though cardstock should use the rear manual feed.
Pros
- Handles up to 140 lb cardstock
- 13x19" wide format
- Compact for its size
- 6-color Claria ink
- Dual paper trays
Cons
- Expensive cartridges
- No scanner
- Rear feed is manual
- Can be finicky with setup
Best For:
Large format invitations, posters on cardstock, and anyone who needs 13x19" prints on thick paper. Good balance of capability and desk space.
Epson EcoTank ET-2800
Economical Cardstock Printing
The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 handles lighter cardstock (up to about 90 lb index weight) through its rear paper feed. While it can't handle the heaviest stocks like the Pro-200, it's perfect for greeting cards, business cards, and lighter invitation stocks.
The real advantage is ink cost: at about 1 cent per page, you can print hundreds of card prototypes and tests without worrying about ink expense. This makes it ideal for crafters who iterate on designs before committing to premium cardstock.
Pros
- Incredibly low ink costs
- Rear feed for cardstock
- 2 years of ink included
- Great for prototyping
- Scan and copy included
Cons
- Max ~90 lb cardstock
- Letter size only
- 4 inks (less color range)
- Not for heavy cover stock
Best For:
Budget-conscious crafters, card makers using lighter cardstock, and anyone who wants to print lots of designs economically before final production.
Cardstock Printer Comparison
| Model | Max Weight | Max Size | Inks | Rear Feed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PIXMA Pro-200 | 110 lb (300gsm) | 13x19" | 8 | Yes | $550 |
| Canon PIXMA TS9521C | 110 lb (300gsm) | 12x12" | 5 | Yes | $200 |
| Epson XP-15000 | 140 lb | 13x19" | 6 | Yes | $350 |
| Epson ET-2800 | ~90 lb | 8.5x14" | 4 | Yes | $230 |
Cardstock Weight Guide
Understanding Paper Weights
| Weight (lb) | GSM | Common Uses | Printer Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 lb Cover | 176 gsm | Basic greeting cards, postcards | Most printers |
| 80 lb Cover | 216 gsm | Standard cardstock, business cards | Most printers |
| 90 lb Index | 163 gsm | Index cards, lightweight invites | Any with rear feed |
| 100 lb Cover | 270 gsm | Premium invitations, announcements | Premium printers |
| 110 lb Cover | 300 gsm | Luxury invitations, thick cards | Pro-200, TS9521C, XP-15000 |
Pro Tip: "Cover" weight is thicker than "Text" or "Index" weight at the same pound number. A 65 lb Cover is much thicker than 65 lb Text. Always check GSM for accurate comparison.
Cardstock Printing Tips
Avoid Jams: The Rear Feed Method
- 1. Always use rear/manual feed for cardstock over 65 lb. Front trays curve paper, causing jams.
- 2. Feed one sheet at a time for heavy cardstock. Don't stack multiple sheets.
- 3. Fan the paper first if feeding multiple sheets. This prevents sticking.
- 4. Adjust paper guides so they touch the paper without squeezing it.
- 5. Select correct paper type in print settings (cardstock, matte, or heavyweight).
Get Better Colors on Cardstock
- Use coated cardstock for the most vibrant colors. Uncoated stock absorbs ink and dulls colors.
- Let prints dry completely before handling - cardstock takes longer to dry than regular paper.
- Print a test page on cheaper cardstock before using premium stock.
- Select "Best" quality in print settings for final prints. Draft modes look washed out on cardstock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight cardstock can printers handle? ▼
Most home printers handle 65-80 lb cardstock through normal trays. Premium models like Canon PIXMA Pro-200 and Epson XP-15000 handle up to 110-140 lb (300+ gsm) through their rear feed trays. Always use the rear/manual feed for thick media.
Should I use inkjet or laser for cardstock? ▼
Inkjet is better for cardstock in most cases. It produces vibrant colors and doesn't use high heat that can warp thick paper. Laser can work for lighter cardstock (65-80 lb) but the fusing heat may curl heavier weights. For 100+ lb cardstock, stick with inkjet.
Why does my cardstock jam? ▼
Most jams happen because cardstock is fed through curved paper paths in front-loading trays. Use the rear/straight feed tray if your printer has one - this provides a straight path that heavy paper can navigate without bending. Also ensure you've selected "cardstock" or "heavyweight" in your paper settings.
Can I print wedding invitations at home? ▼
Yes! With the right printer (Canon Pro-200, TS9521C, or Epson XP-15000), you can print professional-quality invitations on premium cardstock. Use the rear feed tray, select high-quality print settings, and let prints dry completely. Many DIY brides print 100+ invitations without issues.
Our Recommendation
For serious cardstock printing, the Canon PIXMA Pro-200 handles the heaviest stocks with stunning color. Crafters should check out the TS9521C for its 12x12" capability. Budget option? The Epson ET-2800 handles lighter cardstock at 1¢ per page.