Inkjet vs. Laser: The Ultimate Printer Showdown for DIY Greeting Cards

So, you’ve decided to dive into the wonderful world of DIY greeting cards—congratulations! Say goodbye to overpriced shop-bought cards with their generic messages and say hello to custom, heartfelt, and possibly slightly wonky creations made with love. But before you start, there’s one major question standing between you and your future card-making empire:

Should you use an inkjet or a laser printer?

Both printers have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on what kind of greeting card mogul you want to be. So, let’s break it down and see which machine deserves a permanent spot on your crafting table!

Round 1: Print Quality – Who Delivers the Best Looking Cards?

Inkjet Printer:

Inkjet printers are basically the Picasso of home printing. They’re great for high-quality colour printing, making them ideal if you want your greeting cards to feature vibrant images, watercolour-style designs, or detailed illustrations. They blend colours beautifully, which is perfect if you’re printing delicate floral designs or a dramatic sunset behind your “Happy Birthday” message.

BUT… inkjet ink is water-based, which means if your card gets even a drop of moisture on it, your beautiful design could turn into an accidental modern art masterpiece (read: a smudgy mess).

Laser Printer:

Laser printers, on the other hand, are like the sharp-dressed businessperson of the printer world—clean, professional, and efficient. They produce crisp, clear text and graphics, and the toner doesn’t smudge, so your “Merry Christmas” won’t turn into “Merry Chrltsmns” just because you touched it too soon.

However, they’re not the best at handling vibrant colours. If your greeting cards are mostly text or feature simple graphics, a laser printer could be your new best friend. But if you’re going for bright, bold designs, an inkjet might win this round.

Winner: Inkjet, if you want top-tier colour quality. Laser, if you prefer sharp text and durability.

Round 2: Paper Compatibility – Will It Handle the Thicc Stuff?

Inkjet Printer:

Inkjet printers tend to be pretty forgiving when it comes to cardstock thickness. Many home inkjet printers can handle up to 250gsm without too much protest, and some can even manage 300gsm if they’re feeling brave. If you’re planning on using luxurious 350-500gsm cardstock, though, an inkjet might wave a white flag and refuse to cooperate.

Laser Printer:

Laser printers are designed for efficiency and speed, but they can be fussy about thick cardstock. Most standard home laser printers max out at around 220-250gsm, while heavy-duty office models can handle 300gsm and beyond. So, if you’re planning on making super sturdy, premium-feel greeting cards, you might need to check your printer’s specs before shoving a thick sheet of cardstock into the tray and hoping for the best.

Winner: Inkjet, for its willingness to handle thicker cardstocks without throwing a tantrum.

Round 3: Cost – Which Printer Won’t Drain Your Wallet?

Inkjet Printer:

Inkjet printers are generally cheaper to buy, which is great! But then you realize that the ink costs more than liquid gold, and suddenly your budget-friendly printer isn’t looking so cheap anymore. Plus, because inkjet printers use liquid ink, they need frequent refills, especially if you’re printing full-colour greeting cards all the time.

Laser Printer:

Laser printers cost more upfront, but toner cartridges last WAY longer than inkjet ink. If you’re printing lots of cards and don’t want to be financially ruined by ink cartridges, a laser printer might actually save you money in the long run.

Winner: Laser, if you’re playing the long game.

Round 4: Speed – How Fast Can You Print a Stack of Cards?

Inkjet Printer:

Inkjet printers are not the fastest machines on the planet. If you’re printing a high-quality, full-colour Christmas card with a lovely snowy scene, you may have time to make yourself a cup of tea (or two) before it’s done.

Laser Printer:

Laser printers spit out pages like a caffeine-fueled office worker on a Monday morning. If you’re mass-producing greeting cards, a laser printer will get the job done way faster.

Winner: Laser, by a mile.

Final Verdict – Which Printer Should You Choose?

• Choose an Inkjet if:
  ✅ You want bright, vibrant colours for artistic, photo-heavy greeting cards
  ✅ You’re working with thicker cardstock (250-300gsm)
  ✅ You don’t mind slower printing times for better quality
  ✅ You like the thrill of hunting for ink refills on a regular basis

• Choose a Laser if:
  ✅ You’re making simple, text-based cards with bold, sharp graphics
  ✅ You need to print cards quickly and in large quantities
  ✅ You want ink that won’t smudge or run if it gets damp
  ✅ You don’t want to sell a kidney every time you need new ink

And the Overall Winner Is…

It depends on what kind of greeting card maker you want to be! If you’re all about eye-popping, artistic designs, go for an inkjet. If you want crisp, clean text and super-fast printing, a laser printer is your best bet.

Or… if you’re really serious about greeting cards, get both! Because who doesn’t need two printers, right?

Now go forth and create some epic greeting cards—whether it’s a vibrant inkjet masterpiece or a sleek laser-printed design, your friends and family are going to love them.