ET 8550 greeting cards - using different types of card and how they affect quality

Summary

In this video, Keith Cooper from Norflight Images shares his expertise on printing greeting cards with the Epson EcoTank 8550. He covers various types of inkjet-friendly paper, printer settings, and key tips for achieving high-quality results. Keith emphasizes the importance of using the right paper for optimal prints and offers advice on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as using cheap cardstock. While the EcoTank 8550 is ideal for small-scale projects, Keith highlights its limitations for high-volume production. Overall, this video provides valuable insights for hobbyists and small business owners looking to produce professional-looking cards.

Takeaways

• 😀 High-quality inkjet paper is essential for printing greeting cards with the Epson EcoTank 8550 for optimal results.
• 😀 The printer supports A4 and A5 borderless printing, but A5 borderless printing requires custom setups.
• 😀 Always use paper specifically designed for inkjet printers to avoid poor print quality.
• 😀 For multi-card printing, consider using A4 sheets that can be folded and cut into smaller sizes like A6.
• 😀 Avoid using the printer’s duplexer for double-sided printing with thick or heavy paper—it will cause jams.
• 😀 The Epson EcoTank 8550 is capable of printing high-quality images on various paper types like matte, semi-gloss, and cotton rag.
• 😀 Custom ICC profiles should be used for accurate color reproduction, especially when working with different paper types.
• 😀 While great for personal use or small-scale projects, the printer is slow at high-quality settings, making it less efficient for large print runs.
• 😀 The printer handles thicker papers well, but large solid black areas can scratch certain matte papers, affecting quality.
• 😀 Investing in good-quality paper is crucial—cheap cardstock will result in subpar prints, regardless of the printer's quality.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is printing greeting cards using the Epson EcoTank 8550 printer, covering paper types, print settings, and best practices for achieving high-quality results.

Why is it important to use inkjet-specific paper for printing cards?

Using inkjet-specific paper ensures better print quality, as it is designed to handle ink absorption properly. Cheap cardstock or non-inkjet paper can result in poor prints, such as color bleeding or smudging.

Can the Epson EcoTank 8550 print A5 borderless cards?

No, the Epson EcoTank 8550 does not support A5 borderless printing directly. However, you can print A6 borderless cards by folding A4 sheets in half.

What happens if you try to print double-sided cards using the duplexer on the Epson EcoTank 8550?

Attempting to print double-sided cards using the duplexer on the Epson EcoTank 8550 will result in paper jams, as the duplexer is designed for thin papers only. For thicker cardstocks, manual double-sided printing is recommended.

What paper type does Keith recommend for printing high-quality greeting cards?

Keith recommends using thicker papers like 300g matte or semi-gloss papers for better print quality. He also suggests using double-sided matte paper for cards requiring printing on both sides.

Why is it not a good idea to use cheap cardstock with the Epson EcoTank 8550?

Cheap cardstock will lead to poor print quality, with issues like color distortion, ink smudging, or poor adhesion. The printer performs best with paper designed for inkjet printing, which ensures sharp, clear images.

What are ICC profiles, and why are they important for printing greeting cards?

ICC profiles are custom color profiles designed to ensure accurate color reproduction for specific paper types. Keith created custom ICC profiles for different media types to improve the print quality when using the Epson EcoTank 8550.

What paper type does Keith recommend for printing photos on greeting cards?

Keith suggests using glossy 240 paper for printing photos on greeting cards. This paper provides vibrant colors but is single-sided, so it's not ideal for printing text or intricate designs inside the card.

How does the print speed of the Epson EcoTank 8550 affect its suitability for business use?

The Epson EcoTank 8550 is relatively slow when printing at high quality, which may make it unsuitable for large orders. Printing hundreds of cards would require significant time and attention, which may not be efficient for a business.

Can the Epson EcoTank 8550 handle heavy paper or poster board?

Yes, the Epson EcoTank 8550 can handle heavy paper and poster board. However, Keith recommends using manual printing methods for thicker materials to avoid issues with automatic paper handling.