As a custom game cards printing manufacturer, I often get asked: “What’s the best printer for creating custom board game cards and components?” After all, anyone who has ever tried making their own game pieces knows that what printer is best for printing board game cards is crucial for professional-looking results.
The good news? Thanks to advances in consumer printing technology over the past few years, there are now many great options for hobbyist board game designers and developers.
In this complete guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about what printer is best for printing board game cards.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Printer for Board Game Components
Here are the most important criteria to weigh when deciding which device is right for your specific board game cards printing needs:
Print Quality
Arguably the most significant consideration is print quality and resolution. For sharp, vibrant graphics and text, you’ll want to aim for at least 600 x 600 dpi. 1200 dpi is even better for capturing fine detail.
Keep in mind print quality depends largely on the quality of the printer itself —as opposed to ink or specific media. In other words, a lower-end consumer printer will never achieve the same results as a professional photo printer, regardless of paper stock used.
Printer Size Format
Standard sheet sizes for most consumer and prosumer printers fall somewhere between 8.5 x 11 inches (U.S. letter size) on the small end to 13 x 19 inches on the larger end.
If your game requires larger components like boards or tiles exceeding these dimensions, you may need to ‘tile’ artwork across multiple sheets. Then use spray adhesive to firmly bond the pieces once printed. Large-format plotter printers are required for very oversized game assets.
Media Compatibility
Pay close attention to what print media a printer supports when selecting a model. Most consumer inkjets, for example, can only handle lightweight-to-medium weight paper stocks between 60-120 gsm.
Specialty board game card paper, by comparison, starts around 250 gsm. So you’ll want to choose a printer specifically capable of handling these thicker paper weights without jamming.
Color Printing Technology
There are three main printing technologies currently available: inkjet, laser, and dye-sublimation. Inkjets offer the best print quality for board game uses thanks to their ability to print high-resolution color graphics and photos.
Lasers and dye-sub printers have more limited color capabilities by comparison.
Cost Per Print
With board game development, you’ll likely be printing hundreds if not thousands of cards during testing and refinement. So calculating cost per print is helpful for estimating longer-term operating expenses.
Inkjet printers tend to have the lowest cost per print while still providing excellent print quality. However, do factor in ink replacement costs over time.
Print Speed
For quickly playtesting card revisions, print speed is worth considering. Some desktop inkjet photo printers can spit out 4×6 photos in as fast as 10 seconds. Though for everyday printing, 1-3 minutes per 8.5×11 page is more typical.
The 5 Best Printers for DIY Board Game Cards
Based on the criteria above—and firsthand testing of numerous models—here are my top recommendations for printing stellar board game prototypes affordably from home:
1. Canon PIXMA iP8720 Wireless Printer
With its 6-color individual ink system, this Canon model consistently produces gallery-quality photographic prints. It can also handle cardstock media up to 53 lb. —perfect for printing cards or tiles.
Integrated wireless connectivity makes printing directly from devices convenient. Just be prepared to pay more for ink over time.
2. Epson Expression ET-5850 EcoTank Printer
Epson’s EcoTank line features large-capacity external ink tanks versus pricey cartridges. This translates to an ultra-low cost per print—less than 1 cent for B&W and 7 cents for color. The ET-5850 prints up to 13 x 19 inches, has wireless/mobile printing, and auto 2-sided printing.
3. HP OfficeJet Pro 9010e All-in-One Printer
This surprisingly affordable HP OfficeJet checks off all the boxes: Wireless connectivity, auto document feeder for sheets, copying/scanning, borderless printing on media up to 8.5 x 14 inches, and even fax functionality. It supports cardstocks up to 53 lb. weight also.
4. Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000
On the higher end, the Canon PRO series are full-fledged professional photo printers. The PRO-1000 model boasts a 17-inch max paper width, prints as fast as 1.5 minutes, and captures detail with remarkable accuracy. Red inks boost gamut range and black density. Worth the investment for top-tier quality!
5. Primera LX1000 Color Label Printer
While technically a label printer, the LX1000 prints full-bleed, photo-realistic color onto glossy papers, films, card stocks, vinyl, and other media types. It can output 4 x 3 or 5 x 3 panels for game cards, has integrated cutters, and supports roll or sheet feeds.
Quick Printing Tips for Exceptional Game Prototypes
Using the right printer is step one. But proper technique is equally key to stellar results:
- When printing cards, choose premium cardstock paper optimized for photo printing between 250-350 gsm thickness. Avoid textured stocks that can interfere with ink absorption.
- For best color accuracy, be sure to print from a properly color calibrated screen and enable color management in your printer software. Most models have built-in calibration, too.
- Give newly printed pieces sufficient time to fully dry before handling to prevent accidental smudging or offset. 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient.
- Use spray fixative like Krylon Clear Coatings for improved durability of printed game components through repeated gameplay. Apply a light mist coating once ink is dried.
- When trimming printed sheets into cards manually, invest in high-quality tools like titanium scissors or guillotine cutters. Use an alignment grid and metal rulers to guide straight cuts. Take it slow!
Wrap-Up
Ultimately there is no single, perfect printer for DIY board games. Needs and budgets vary. But choosing from one of the capable models above will ensure stunning, cost-effective prints.
Remember to select equipment suitable for the media thickness required by your particular game. And don’t skimp on high quality inkjet photo paper stocks to do your artwork justice!
With some patience and the right printing techniques, transforming your tabletop game vision into reality has never been more attainable thanks to today’s consumer printing technologies. Just take precautions to allow sufficient drying times and protect delicate print finishes for best results.
What printer (or printers) have you used when developing homemade board games? I welcome your recommendations in the comments below!