Why Your Printer and Cardstock Might Need a Bit of a Chat

If you’ve ever loaded a new pack of card into your printer, hit “Print”… and immediately questioned all your life choices — you’re not alone.

Printers are wonderful machines. They’re also picky, temperamental, and occasionally dramatic. And when you introduce new cardstock or a new printer, things don’t always go smoothly on the first try.

That doesn’t mean anything is broken. It just means your printer and your paper are getting to know each other.

Printers Don’t All Behave the Same

Even printers from the same brand can behave differently. Add in:

• Different paper weights

• Different finishes

• Different feed paths

• Different driver settings

…and suddenly what worked perfectly yesterday might need a small tweak today.

This is especially true when:

• You’ve just bought a new printer

• You’re trying a new card stock

• You’re moving up to thicker card

• You’re switching finishes (silk, gloss, uncoated, textured, etc.)

New Cardstock = New Settings (Usually)

Cardstock isn’t “one size fits all” — and printers don’t treat it that way either.

When using a new card for the first time, your printer may need:

• A different paper type setting

• A slower print speed

• Manual feed instead of the tray

• A rear feed path if available

This isn’t a fault with the card or the printer — it’s just part of the setup process.

Think of it like breaking in new shoes. Sometimes they fit perfectly straight away. Sometimes they need a short walk first.

Even Your Trusted Printer Can Have an Off Day

You might have a printer you’ve used for years with no issues… until you try something new.

That’s normal.

Printers are designed to handle a range of materials, but thicker or specialist card can sit right at the edge of their comfort zone. A small adjustment is often all it takes to get perfect results again.

Our Honest Recommendation

Whenever you’re:

• Using a new printer

• Trying a new card stock

• Printing on heavier paper than usual

We always recommend printing a small test batch first.

This lets you:

• Dial in the right settings

• Check colour and finish

• Make sure your printer is happy before committing to a larger run

It’s quicker (and less stressful) than troubleshooting halfway through a big print job.

A Final Word (From One Printer Survivor to Another)

If your printer hesitates, complains, or feeds a little differently with new card — that’s normal. It doesn’t mean the card is unsuitable, and it doesn’t mean your printer is on its last legs.

It just means they’re still figuring each other out.

Once they do? Smooth sailing.