How Do I Get the Best Print Quality from My Card Stock?
Getting the best print quality from your card stock – whether PVC cards, Composit cards, or Prox cards – is determined by several factors. Follow the tips below to get the best quality output from your cards.
1. Start with Quality Card Stock
You want to be sure that you are getting quality plastic card stock that is free from defects like jagged edges and small blemishes on the surface of the card. Your card printer can only print properly on a smooth card surface.
2. Use Proper Storage
Another factor to consider is how you store your card stock. Excessive dust, lint, or hair can get past the cleaning roller in any card printer. Although 95% of us don’t run our printers in a “clean room,” we should take care to ensure that we protect our PVC card stock the best we can.
Once the cards are unwrapped, try storing them in a zip-lock bag. This will significantly cut down the amount for dust, lint, and hair that could come in contact with the cards.
3. Limit Handling
Lastly, you want to do your best not to touch the surface of your card stock with your bare hands. The oils on your hands, once transferred to the card surface, will inhibit the printer ink from sticking to the card. It is okay to handle the edges of the cards, but if you do need to touch the surface be sure to wear rubber gloves.
The key to getting the best print quality is to have clean card stock.
This applies to all plastic PVC card and proximity (prox) card stock – whether you’re printing on blank, magnetic stripe (for swipe cards) or adhesive cards.