TIPS FOR PRINTING LASER CARDS
July 3, 2019- ALWAYS PRINT 3 UP and 4 UP POSTCARDS FROM THE FEED TRAY WHICH PULLS OUT FROM THE FRONT OF YOUR PRINTER. The front feeder tray is designed to pull heavier paper stocks. The feed tray under the printer is specified for regular copy paper which isn’t as thick as our laser postcard stock. Pulling laser postcards from this bottom tray will work BUT quickly wears out the rollers that pick up the paper, thus, shortening the life of your printer.
- UPDATE YOUR PRINT SETTINGS TO “HEAVY STOCK” or “CARD STOCK” WHEN PRINTING laser postcards. The fuser in your printer heats up the toner so it will adhere to the paper. For the toner to adhere to the laser postcard stock, the fuser must get hotter than it does for regular copy paper. Generally, the postcards will still print without changing this setting. Keep in mind, though, that eventually the fuser will wear out and not changing this setting will lead to smeared toner. You may notice this issue right away if your printer is older.
- DON’T PRINT ON LASER POSTCARDS TWICE WITH A LASERJET PRINTER. LaserJet printers use a fuser to heat toner so it will adhere it to the paper. If the toner is heated again during a second printing it will smear rather than staying in its original place.
- TEST, TEST, TEST! If you’re new to the world of laser postcards, try printing messages and return addresses on less expensive copy paper or scrap paper before using your new laser postcards. Try different settings in your software and on your printer, too. Then you can print with confidence when it’s time to send out those reminders!
Feel free to call MBS Communications if you have questions!