I suggest doing a test print with your file and your printer to determine the papers that will show off your creation best. To help you select the best papers, I’ve added some tips & hints to help you plan your DIY printable project.
Cardstock (cupcake wrappers & picks, favor boxes, party pennants)
I look for a high white cardstock that is at least 65lb weight
For invitations you may choose to select a printing company such as VistaPrint or Staples to print on a higher grade cardstock with full digital printing. Simply upload your custom file online and have your items delivered to you or pick up a store near you.
Sticker Paper (collage sheets, labels & stickers)
Avery and Staples both have ‘full sheet’ sticker pages you can print. Select the full sheet style so that you don’t have to try to line up your printer to our designs. While the backing is still on, use a paper punch, scissors
Photo Cards (announcements, save-the-dates, photo invitations)
Are best printed through a photo processing company such as London Drugs, Costco, etc
COMMON PRINTING PROBLEMS
* There are streaks on my printed design *
Look in your printer manual and clean your printer heads. If cleaning doesn’t fix it, and you haven’t frequently used your printer, purchase new printer ink cartridges and do another alignment and head cleaning
* The design doesn’t fit on the page *
Check your computer/printer page format. If you select ‘print with preview’ you’ll be able to see if your design fits. If it doesn’t fit, view your ‘page setup’ and change between portrait and landscrape settings until you find which one fits your full file. You may also need to see if your printer margins are set to 0.5″ to allow the full design to fit on the page.
* do not set your printer to ‘fit to page’ setting – this will warp your document
* My file only prints in black & white & grey *
Chances are your printer is only a black & white printer. You require a color printer to print color files. If you do not own a color printer, you can take or upload your file to a printer or copy shop to print on cardstock or photo paper for you.
