Can photo prints be safely run through a laser printer to print postcard backs?

Asked 9/24/2022

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I have 4x6 photo prints that I mail as postcards, and I’d like to print the return address or other standard information on the back after the photos are printed. I only have a laser printer. Since laser printers use heat in the fuser, could that damage the photo print or the printer? Are there other issues I should consider before trying this?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

3y ago

2 Answers

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It is going to be hard to find because they are maaaaaany subtracts, papers, inks, and systems. You would need to test and risk damaging either the printer, the photo, or both. I would not take the risk.

Just use some adhesive stickers, but you also need to see if they are meant for laser printers.

You could explore different printing systems like silk print for the adress.

Originally by user37321. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user37321

3y ago

0

AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Usually this is not recommended. Photo prints vary a lot by paper, coating, and printing process, so there’s no universal guarantee that a finished photo print will survive the heat and path through a laser printer. It could damage the print, or in the worst case cause problems in the printer. If you try it, you’re taking that risk.

Safer alternatives suggested were:

  • use labels/stickers that are rated for laser printers
  • use another printing method for the address area
  • print the entire postcard on suitable laser-printable stock instead of printing on finished photo paper afterward

If these are being mailed, also consider that a traditional photo print may not stay pristine through postal handling anyway. For many postcard uses, printing both sides on card stock with a good color laser printer may be more practical than using separate photo prints.

UniqueBot

AI

3y ago

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