Printing sentiments inside cards

[christinesmom2004]

Hi everyone! I have so many stamps, but sometimes I want to print a specific sentiment on the inside of the card. How would I best do that? I have tried sending cardstock through my laser printer, but it warps the paper. When I've tried this on my inkjet, I sometimes get ink smudges, not the crisp look that I want. Should I be using a specific cardstock weight? Something besides a traditional printer? I've resorted to printing the sentiment, then mounting it, and then adhering it to the card. It looks pretty, but adds too much bulk to my cards, which I always mail.

Thanks so much for any ideas!

[GypsyRoseStamper]

Try out different cardstock as well as different type of paper settings in the inkjet. I expect lots of us are using inkjets for sentiment printing and are happy with the results; so there should be something out there that will work well for you.

[christinesmom2004]

Thanks! I’ll check the settings on my Canon printer. I hadn’t thought of that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GypsyRoseStamper

Try out different cardstock as well as different type of paper settings in the inkjet. I expect lots of us are using inkjets for sentiment printing and are happy with the results; so there should be something out there that will work well for you.

[Scrapjanny]

I create a text box in Word that is the size I want inside my card. I print it out and then cut it down to size with my paper trimmer. I stick it in place with tape runner/ATG.

I might try printing it onto the actual card base because my printer handles cardstock pretty well. I've printed out certificates on medium-weight cardstock with no problems and no smearing. I have a Canon TS6320, and I use standard print settings.

[harvestmoon]

Does your printer accept the cardstock through the back of the printer, or does the cardstock have to be turned as it feeds in, to print on it?
I bought an HP printer specifically for back feed. I can print on 65 lb., 85 lb and some 110 lb cardstock. Sometimes it smudges some letters, or may drop some ink at the very bottom of the page (which I can easily trim off). Because I don't want to waste the 'good cardstock' (outer shell) I usually print on lighter weight and cut and paste inside.
Practice on scrap paper with each printing and you can usually tell if the sentiment will print properly before you waste the good stuff.

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by harvestmoon

Does your printer accept the cardstock through the back of the printer, or does the cardstock have to be turned as it feeds in, to print on it?
I bought an HP printer specifically for back feed. I can print on 65 lb., 85 lb and some 110 lb cardstock. Sometimes it smudges some letters, or may drop some ink at the very bottom of the page (which I can easily trim off). Because I don't want to waste the 'good cardstock' (outer shell) I usually print on lighter weight and cut and paste inside.
Practice on scrap paper with each printing and you can usually tell if the sentiment will print properly before you waste the good stuff.

I feed it through the back, since that's the way I have to do it with heavy paper settings.

[hockeymum13]

My hints for printing on cardstock... 1. Check the paper settings in your printer, I often use the photo matte setting because it's the thickest paper choice. 2. Choose the "Best" printing mode to eliminate smudging. It uses more ink and can be slower, but it prints crisper. 3. Use the printer's brand of ink, not after market brand.

[Jackie]

I've messed up my printer trying to get cardstock through. I have started using a label maker and really like that option. You can print on different ribbon colors, so can use white print on black ribbon for the sentiment on the front of the card

[MN_Stamper]

I use my Canon ip8700 series printer to print on just about anything. I have even printed successfully on 300 gsm watercolor paper that was 11" x 14", The trick is to play with your settings and make sure it matches to paper as well as possible. It loads the paper from the top and feeds straight through which also helps.

[La Fonz]

I print my sentiments on text weight copy paper. Print to the right side of the page & fold it in half
Have invested in a deckle edge blade for my trimmer. Use it to trim the sentiment insert a bit smaller than the card. Position it in the open card, apply tape runner or glue stick to the folded edge & close. Open card & press where glued to firmly affix insert. Text weight paper will not add much weight to a finished card. Many store-bought cards have sentiments done this way.

i also print sentiments on the card. I use Walmart’s cardstock. Heavier weight cardstock will not go through my HP7855 printer. My old printer held paper in a tray, not a “drawer” like my newer printer. I was able to print on heavier cardstock with old printer by gently pushing on the cardtock as it began the feed process.

[AussieJenny]

Labelmaker labels are really thin, too.

[mshatzma]

I print out all my inside card messages. I have an older Canon MX410 inkjet. For thicker CS i remove all plain paper from the feeder first, so only have the CS in. Then when I hear the printer start to pull the paper in, I keep a fingertip at the top of the CS and give it a little push.

Sometimes I'll create a nice boxed effect around the sentiment, or add clipart of a fancy frame, etc and (using powerpoint) overlay that over sentiment.

[christinesmom2004]

Thanks so much everyone! I'm working my way through all of your suggestions, trying them one by one with my printer.