Printers have made crafting with paper a lot more efficient. In the past, you had to flip through magazines before finding an image you liked, then cut it out with scissors if you wanted to create a collage. Now you can find the exact image you want on the Internet and print it almost any size you want in a matter of minutes. If you want to use one of your own photos for a project, you can print one immediately instead of waiting for your order to be ready at the local pharmacy.
Today, home hobbyists are using printers for greeting cards, scrapbooking, book covers and much more. Finding the best home printer to meet your crafting needs is an important step in the creation process. Factors to consider include:
Paper weight
You will want a printer that can handle a variety of paper weights and sizes. For example, if you intend to create greeting cards with card stock paper, which is thicker than typical office paper, you will want a printer that can handle a heavier or thicker paper weight.
Inkjet
For most kinds of crafting, you will want to use an inkjet printer. Inkjet printers are more accommodating to different kinds of paper than laser printers. Plus, you can use cartridges containing pigment ink, which has several benefits, including:
- Vibrant colors
- Long-lasting because it is fade resistant
- Water resistant
- Photo-like quality
Depending on what you want to do, there are three kinds of inkjet printers to consider – basic document printer, photo printer and all-in-one printer that copies and scans as well as prints.
Often Recommended Best Home Printer
There are many printers that meet a variety of home hobbyist needs. Several crafting websites endorse the Epson SureColor P400 and the Canon PIXMA Pro 100 as quality crafting printers. Key features for each are:
- Epson SureColor P400
- Capable of printing 13 inches wide
- Produces sharp images and text on a variety of surfaces, including satin, luster and glossy
- Can print from paper rolls
- Prints an 8” X 11” photo under three minutes
- Ideal for printing 12” X 12” sheets, greeting cards and other projects
- Canon PIXMA Pro 100
- Can handle paper weight up to 110 pounds
- Accommodates most card stock papers sizes
- Prints cardstocks without bending or folding thanks to loading design
- Vivid colors
- Grayscale links for sharp black and white photos
- Airprint and mobile devise printing
Don’t Forget About 3D Printing
The popularity of 3D printing is growing among hobbyists. There are four options to consider when purchasing a 3D printer – build your own from scratch, purchase a kit to build, buy an assembled kit or purchase a factory-built printer. You will also need special software to design and print objects.
While 3D printing is becoming more mainstream, printers tend to be more expensive than printers for 2D projects. According to PCMag.com, the best 3D printers for 2017 range from $270 to $3,500.
Local Experts
We are here to help with local, friendly advice. Our experienced and impartial staff will take the time to understand your printing needs and recommend the right printer and supplies for you – whether you’re creating DIY greeting cards or photo collages. Find a Cartridge World store near you.
