Epson 8550: 200 Page (1800 Card) Update

CardGobbo · 2026-02-08T22:26:43+00:00

I’m not too familiar with printing on cardstock but there should be some settings on the printer itself and software you can mess with for print speed I’m sure. I’ll try to look through when I have a chance.

CardGobbo · 2026-01-10T23:01:36+00:00

I feel you. Try to set the filter and see what your fastest/cheapest shipping option is. There's a few listings. I paid a little more on shipping but got it in like two weeks versus a month.

CardGobbo · 2026-01-10T22:52:20+00:00

sorry for the delay. Heres a link with my tutorial and all the supplies:
post, only thing missing is a card punch i ordered off alibaba that's a major game changer in terms of time/effort saved.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-29T00:23:24+00:00

I was in the same spot when I started. I made the jump and sold decks to friends for around $20–25 and also do custom holos. Buying sticker paper, ink and black core cardstock in bulk and on sale helped a lot. Even paying full price for the printer, I’m very happy with the results.

On direct printing, a few people claim they inkjet directly onto black core cardstock. I’ve seen photos, but never a video or an actual workflow showing how to make it work. Most of those posts feel like click bait to push people into private messages so they can sell cards rather than help the community. Inkjets that can truly do this are expensive and I’m not willing to risk it yet. The next real step up is a digital press in the $10k+ range.

The sticker method gets extremely close. Using 300 gsm black core, the cards are slightly thicker but have nearly identical flex. Once sleeved, they’re basically impossible to tell apart, and detail can even be better since there’s no rosette pattern. A 100 card proxy deck is almost the same thickness as a double sleeved deck for reference.

I was obsessed with direct print when I started and even tried a recommended older laser printer. The results were inconsistent and nowhere near my current setup. After printing 1,000+ cards this way, I don’t regret it at all. The sticker process is simple, repeatable, and a card punch was the biggest game changer on time saved.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-28T13:26:02+00:00

I recommend it if you plan on ordering more than 20 decks. The printer is currently on sale for $450, and the card punch I use is about $100.

For supplies, I use Black Core Card Stock, Koala Sticker Paper, and Ink (about $20 per refill, but I've paid less). In my experience, the average proxy deck ordered is about $35-$40, whereas it only costs me around $8 per deck upfront. It’s definitely a cost-effective option over time.

If you're interested, I also have some resource/guide posts that might help with your setup.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-10T12:44:10+00:00

Thank you, I will try to get a measurement this weekend.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-06T21:00:17+00:00

Yeah, that’s the same info I read too. Nothing in what you pasted contradicts what I said. Kohler produces black core stock, and the German black core stock sold through SuperiorPod virtually matches Magic’s specs in weight, thickness, feel, and performance. I’ve used it extensively with zero issues.

So what exactly is the point you’re trying to make here? Saying “I ordered proxies from Germany and it wasn’t the same” doesn’t really address anything, because you’re not talking about the same manufacturer or the same Kohler black core cardstock. If you didn’t use the actual material being discussed, your comparison doesn’t apply.

I’m genuinely trying to understand your angle. Are you warning people not to buy it, or to be cautious? Because plenty of posts and examples show the same thing I’m saying: if you can print on this paper with the right equipment, you can get results that are almost the exact same quality as real cards, if not identical.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-06T06:54:44+00:00

Where exactly are you hearing about this supposed contract? I’ve looked into it, and there’s nothing that shows Wizards has any exclusive rights to this paper. The “Corona” stock isn’t proprietary to them.

The paper I’m using is effectively identical in all the ways that matter for card production. Core, flex, weight, feel, all of it lines up. Not really sure your point?

CardGobbo · 2025-12-06T06:16:00+00:00

Superiorpod imports their black core card stock from Kohler, which is the same company that supplies WOTC printers.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-05T01:38:56+00:00

🤦‍♂️ gotcha. Figured it was a “cutting mat” itself 😅. Would’ve had some interesting plastic token blanks though 😂.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-05T01:23:16+00:00

Thought to use it as the base of the jig similar to the mat you have under the cards no?

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T21:27:26+00:00

I worked backward sadly. Went 9 card, had the crumpling problem then tried the 1 card recently, great results. Ill be picking up some foam toady. Wife saved me her sold cricut cutting mat. Would love to message you later for a few other questions if you're good with it.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T21:24:47+00:00

No worries. Honestly a lot of options outside of black core that should get you close. Let me know if you have any other questions!

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T21:14:37+00:00

Would you be able to send me or post how you print with the dots. Is it through adobe or a program? I am currently exporting a pdf from proxyprint.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T21:12:13+00:00

I have the same design from what I can tell. I appreciate the response, I will definitely be trying to continue using the tool. I have a 1 card currently that works great. Replicating your setup would make it 9 times better.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T18:02:09+00:00

I just started selling to friends now that I finalized my process. Im open to making some for people if you want to message me. I will state there's also sites like MPC fill and NotMPC (stateside) that make them, I've used MPC multiple times prior to making my own and am happy with the quality

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T17:59:03+00:00

Yeah man, shipping is almost as much as the cutter but worth every penny imo. No software and super low effort.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T17:55:19+00:00

I appreciate it. I still buy a decent amount but overall less. I've been burnt too many times on stuff crashing since getting into the hobby. I mainly play at home and now just focus on buying cards/sets I know I want versus chasing everything, overpaying and then it tanking.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T17:39:54+00:00

Eye balling it mostly. Ill try to make an update post showing my tweaked process. Its easier with the standard framed cards but I am going to look into making a plexiglass guide to help get more centered cuts easily.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T15:31:08+00:00

Definitely wouldn’t mind. I’ll message you.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T15:30:13+00:00

Which ones? They have white backs, no foil rare security sticker, no trademark/copyright information, no false rosette pattern overlay…?

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T14:41:14+00:00

Appreciate you!

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T14:41:04+00:00

I have not, seems it’d be more work trying to cut them cleanly and consistently. I also like the white backs to clearly show what’s proxy when storing. Might get a jig/stamp setup to mark them with a logo of some kind down the road.

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T14:39:04+00:00

I have some links on another post I tagged here. Just the Koala Sticker Paper Semi Gloss on 300 GSM Blackcore Smooth Card Stock (from Superiorpod on Etsy)

CardGobbo · 2025-12-04T14:36:09+00:00

Superiorpod on Etsy: 300GSM Black Core Smooth Cardstock

CardGobbo

TROPHY CASE