In the past few months we’ve shared tips for how to maintain your ID card printer and how to get the best quality color prints for your ID program. Without a doubt, ID card printer maintenance is an important factor in how your ID cards turn out, but maintaining the cards you print on can be just as crucial. Any flaws or marks that are on the cards themselves can be magnified once the print process is complete. Here are a few simple steps for ensuring your blank PVC card stock stays flawless:

Keep the cards free from dust and debris. Dust and debris can not only cause flaws and imperfections on the surface of the card, but they can also damage internal printer mechanisms like the printhead.
To make sure blank PVC cards stay clean, keep them in the case they came in or store them in an airtight or watertight container that will protect them until you’re ready to use them. It’s s good idea to keep a dust cloth handy to wipe down the cards if any dirt, dust or debris spring up.
You will also want to be mindful of the card storage environment. Any temperature extremes – heat or cold – can damage PVC ID cards. Cards can become more brittle, which makes them more susceptible to snapping or breaking in half. Ideally, blank ID card stock should be stored in a temperature controlled environment where you can be sure that the cards will not undergo extreme temperature fluctuations.
For more maintenance tips check out AlphaCard’s Learning Center