There are so many benefits of plastic ID cards. Not only are they durable, but they’re also weatherproof and easy to read. Plastic ID cards are also typically used in schools as well as businesses that require protection against counterfeiting.

If you’re looking to print a plastic card, it can be quite a complicated process with many factors to consider. Here, we’ve put together a list of 9 tips for ensuring that you’ve got a quality print job.

1. Make Sure That You’ve Got High-Quality Card Stock

It’s important that your card stock is of great quality. Not only should it have a smooth and clean surface, but it should also be of the right size and come with clean edges.

2. Colour Accurateness

The colours on your monitor may not be the same as when you’ve printed your cards so make sure that you’re adjusting your printer’s settings to achieve similar results as your monitor.

3. Proper Storage

Your card stock should be stored properly – ideally in a clean place and in a zip-lock bag. This will limit dust and lint gathering on your ID cards and minimise any issues that you might encounter with your print.

4. Limit Handling

Try to avoid touching the surface of your ID cards with your bare hands as the oil on the cards will impact ink adhesion. If you do have to touch an edge, be sure to wear rubber gloves.

5. Choose the Right Card Printer

Make sure that you’re Choosing a high-quality card printer as it does matter! If your card has high image quality or requires embedded technology features, it’s also worthwhile considering a reverse transfer printer.

6. Test Prior to Printing

Make sure that you’re testing your printer and designs prior to printing a large quantity. It’s also important to ensure that your images are consistent, and that all data can be read successfully. Testing problems early will minimise any difficulties that you may face in the future.

7. Printer Driver Options

If you want to print at a higher quality, you can consider adjusting the printer driver options. Some options that you would be able to modify include colour correction, print speed, colour adjustment and more.

8. Determine the Layout and Orientation of your ID Card

Make sure that you’re exploring both landscape and portrait orientations. Make sure that you’re exploring all of your options before determining what looks best.

Some questions to take into consideration include:

• How will my card be displayed?
• Will the card require a hole punch?
• Does the card contain vital information that could potentially be lost due to swipe friction?

9. Take Photographs of Cardholders

Make sure that you’re taking photos of your ID cards. The picture should be clear and also come with a proper focus – avoid taking headshots against a white background where possible. Instead, try and use natural light.

Printing High-quality ID Cards

As seen from the above, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration when printing high-quality ID cards. Most importantly, however, is choosing a good printer and ensuring that it caters to your needs.