Any tips on printing?

[Carrie]

I know this isn't technically a Pub question. But, I'm setting up notecards
in Pub (2000) to print, after first resizing, brightening, etc. usually in
Paint Shop Pro 7 (I also have PS 7, but I'm used to PSP)

I can get them bright and clear on the screen, but- printed on cardstock
they come out flat and dull looking. Right now I'm using white, 110 lb
cardstock from Staples. I'd like to use this because of the price and it's
easy for me to get. Each piece makes 2 note cards.

I'm using a Canon ip42000 printer. Tried various quality settings, from
standard to best.

I've tried printing on cardstock that has a semi gloss on one side, and
it's better, but expensive (and I can only get it from online, so shipping
doubles the cost).

There's so much plain cardstock around, it must be good FOR making cards
(LOL)

I've tried using a really light picture, which shows the details better,
but is still dull looking, and extra bright/contrast, which looses details.
I've tried photos, and scenes (these come out the worst I think) photos of
flowers, clip art (enlarged to fit the card). I can make photos into art or
sketches, etc. using Photoshop. I think the problem is, the ink seems to
sink into the cardstock too much. Or, maybe I am expecting something better
that's not possible? I know someone who prints notecards on plain cardstock,
but uses bright (colored in with marker or on the computer) drawings for it.

Picking certain pictures helps- for example, a black dog or cat isn't
going to show up with good detail. But, a bright red flower (darker colors)
loses detail and seems flat and hard to see.

The pictures look excellent on my monitor! Of course, it's bright with
light.

Just thought someone who is experienced with printing might have some
tips.

I'm using mainly 200 resolution, and 4 or 4.5" wide pictures.

Thanks,
Carrie

 

[Mary Sauer]

It is going to be the paper quality...Canon has papers, maybe the shipping won't
be as much since you are a Canon owner. Have you looked at this site?
http://cp.c-ij.com/english/index.html

Canon has a consumables web site that talks about media.
http://www.usa.canon.com/html/consumables/media.html

 

[drc023]

As Mary stated, this is a problem with the card stock being used. It will
naturally have a dull finish since it doesn't have an ink receptive coating.
Questions about inkjet printing are what http://www.nifty-stuff.com/forum/
and comp.periphs.printers newsgroups specialize in. You will get the most
assistance (troll free) on nifty-stuff.

 

[Carrie]

Thanks for the leads, I'm going to look into them.

I thought it must be the paper, but, since it seems to be sold so much
(plain cardstock) it seems like people must be using it for cards. I've been
experimenting a lot, and seems like drawings (even photos made into art-
look) print best on it.

I've never done much with printing, I'd take pictures (or find them, or
do stuff with them in PS) then upload them to webpages.

Printing on paper (and resolution, getting colors right, paper, etc) is
sort of new to me.

~ Carrie