If you have ever tried printing on handmade paper and wondered why it is so much harder than it looks, you are not alone. I have spent years figuring this out, through plenty of trials, errors and many long hours at the printer and I want to share what I have learned.
This blog is a general introduction to digitally printing on handmade paper. For the full detail, including printer settings, maintenance, troubleshooting and my complete step by step process, I have put everything together in my Stationer's Guide to Digitally Print on Handmade Paper.
Disclaimer: Like all my blog posts, this is only for guidance and reference. The tips shared are personal experiences with the materials I use, which will differ from everyone else. Affiliated links are included in this blog.
The Printer
Not all printers handle handmade paper well. The printer I use and have built my entire workflow around is the Canon PIXMA Pro 200. (If the Pro 200 is unavailable,the Canon PIXMA Pro 200s is the direct equivalent.)
What sets it apart for handmade paper is its vacuum feed system, which uses air suction to pull the sheet flat against the platen. This is essential for keeping deckled edges from lifting and causing excessive ink smudges.
Before investing in a new printer, always try the one you already have first. Many standard inkjet printers are more capable than you might expect. A few test prints will tell you a lot.
The Paper
The handmade paper I use is 250 gsm. For digital printing, mid-weight handmade paper works well. Always buy seconds sheets or samples first so you can test print before committing to a full order.
The smallest standard size I print on is A6. Anything smaller than A6, I print on a larger size paper, then hand tear to size instead, as feeding very small sheets through the printer is not something I would recommend.
Preparing Your Sheets
Before printing, I go through each sheet individually to assess whether it is print worthy. Then flatten the deckled edges using a low temperature hair straightener before every print run. If you have not read my blog on how to achieve flat handmade paper deckled edges, it is worth reading before you start.
Handmade paper is sensitive to moisture and humidity, so store your sheets flat in a dry environment away from direct sunlight and heat. Allow paper that has been stored in a damp environment to acclimatise in a dry room before printing.
During Printing
Feed one sheet at a time. Feeding multiple sheets risks the printer grabbing another mid-print, leading to a jam or two sheets printing on top of one another. Stay close to the printer throughout the entire print run and check each sheet as it comes out.
After Printing
Ink drying time varies depending on paper weight, texture and ink coverage. I always leave printed sheets overnight to dry fully before handling. If you are working to a tighter deadline, allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours. Ink smudges on deckled edges are normal and straightforward to remove once the ink is fully dry.
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Want the Full Guide?
This blog covers the essentials but there is so much more to digitally printing on handmade paper. My Stationer's Guide to Digitally Print on Handmade Paper goes into full detail across 26 pages, covering everything from printer settings and paper sourcing to maintenance, troubleshooting and my complete printing process.
I hope this was a helpful starting point. As always, be patient with yourself and remember that printing on handmade paper is a labour of love. The results are absolutely worth it.
Happy printing, Keth ♡
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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.