If you have ever wondered which printer I use to print on handmade paper, this blog might be helpful to you. It is the question I am asked most, and the answer is not as simple as a model name.
I only share the printer I use myself and below I show you how to research the rest.
Disclaimer: Like all my blog posts, this is only for guidance and reference. The tips shared are personal experiences with the materials and setup I use, which will differ from everyone else. Affiliated links are included in this blog, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My Printer
I print on handmade paper with the Canon PIXMA Pro 200 and have done since 2022. What sets it apart for handmade paper is its vacuum feed system, which holds the sheet flat while it prints. It is not without its challenges, but once you get to know it, it is an incredibly capable machine.
My first printer was the Canon PIXMA iP8750, shown below on the left. It struggled with heavier paper which made things a little challenging because my handmade paper is 250gsm. After some research, I decided to try the Canon Pro 200 which was the updated version of the Canon Pro 100S at the time. The Pro 200 is the one I use for handmade paper only.
The photo above shows my Canon iP8750 on the left and Canon Pro 200 on the right. © Kethstudio All Rights Reserved
Do Your Own Research
I would never want you to take my word as the final answer. Information has never been so accessible, so do not ever hesitate or forget to use it.
Search keywords like “printing on handmade paper”, “digital printing deckled edge paper” or a printer model followed by “handmade paper” on search engines and social media platforms such as Ecosia, Google, Instagram and TikTok. Look at what working stationers are saying and showing. Their real prints, their honest reviews and the comments sections will tell you far more than anyone else.
I would lean towards stationers who print on handmade paper regularly over general DIY content. Someone printing the occasional craft project is in a very different position to someone printing client orders, so weigh advice accordingly. DIY voices can still be useful for spotting common problems, but check them against people who work with handmade paper day to day.
Whatever you find, treat it as a starting point and test on seconds sheets before committing to anything.
What a Printer Alone Will Not Tell You
Research will help you shortlist a printer, but it takes time to piece everything together from scattered posts and videos. Most of my own trial and error was not about the machine at all. It was about the settings, the quality of the paper, how I prepare and feed each sheet, and how I look after the printer afterwards. The quality of your paper and consistent maintenance are extremely important, something I stress and never skip.
Piecing that together took me years, so I wrote it all down in one guide.
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Inside the Guide
My Stationer's Guide to Digitally Print on Handmade Paper covers the printers stationers have tested on handmade paper, the settings I use on my Pro 200, my full before, during and after printing process, maintenance and troubleshooting, all in 26 pages.
TAKE ME TO THE GUIDE
I hope this was a helpful starting point. Bookmark this blog so you can come back to it, and tag me on Instagram or Tiktok if you end up giving it a try.
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If you follow me on Instagram or Tiktok, you will find reels covering the print guide in this blog. For instance, below is one of the Instagram reels for the guide. Feel free to leave a comment or get in touch if you have any questions.