All about Print Then Cut!
Print then Cut Tips and Tricks
One of the questions I get asked a lot is how to get the best quality print then cut. I have a few tips and tricks and no it doesn’t mean buying the most expensive home printer!
Use photo paper, either glossy or matte. The ones I use are linked on my Amazon Store Front.
Use the system dialogue tog on your print make it screen. This video shows this in detail. Depending on your printer you will have different option. However you should have a "paper or material type" so select photo paper or similar. Then for "quality" select "standard or high"
Optional step but a massive game changer to add layers to your print then cut image. This video shows you how to do this on Cricut design space. This means you can add cardstock with different colours/textures to add more detail. Also this is great when you don't want to cut out lots of pieces for an intricate design. Or you may have run out of colour of cardstock or want to match a colour to a theme, then this is the way to go. The cake topper below shows how I used this technique.
Astronaut Cake Topper
These first two steps will make such a massive difference to the quality of your print then cut. The third one is just the icing on the cake.
Which printer do you have? I get asked this so often and I will be honest I don't think it really matters. I upgraded to an Epson Eco Tank ET 2826 (there have been a few more updated versions since I got this one) I did not upgrade to improve my print then cut quality. I used to have a H.P printer that cost me £39.99 and the quality was great, as long as I followed step 1 and 2 above. I decided to upgrade to save me money on ink. The Eco Tanks although are a bigger upfront cost they save you a lot in ink costs. It's been 2 years and I still have the same ink and haven't had to change it. With my H.P I was probably spending about £30-40 per month on ink when I used to sell cake toppers.
If you are business who does lots of printing then investing in an Eco Tank or similar printer, may be better cost wise for you. However if you are a hobby crafter then a cheap home printer may be the way to go.
There is even a way to use print then cut with no home printer! Did you know you can print your print then cut with "Print to PDF" which should be an option on your printer drop down. You can then save the PDF and then print at work or in a library. This is a great tip if your home printer ever stops working and you need to do a print then cut asap or if you just don't have one.
If you have issues with your print then cut not cutting the outline correctly (we have all had this) here are some tips:
Make sure you have the most up to date Cricut Design Space software
If it's still not working contact Cricut Member Care
I hope this blog has been helpful and gets you more confident and less frustrated with print then cut.
