If you’ve ever wondered how I get my Print & Cut designs to look so vibrant, crisp, and just a little bit extra shiny—you’re not alone! One of the most common questions I get is, “How do you make your printed designs look so good?” The secret? I use gloss photo paper and a high-quality inkjet printer—and it makes a huge difference.
In this post, I’ll walk you through why gloss photo paper is my go-to for Print & Cut crafts, how it compares to regular cardstock, and why your choice of printer (inkjet vs laser) also plays a big role in the final result.
If you would like to check out some of the designs in my store used in the photo to the right, check out my store here. I specialise in watercolor print and cut designs.
What Makes Gloss Photo Paper So Special?
Gloss photo paper is specifically designed for high-quality image printing. It has a smooth, coated surface that enhances colours, contrast, and detail. Here’s why it’s a game changer:
Vibrancy: The glossy coating helps the ink stay on the surface instead of being absorbed into the paper fibres, which means richer, brighter colours.
Sharp Detail: Photo paper gives you cleaner lines and finer details—great for intricate designs or watercolour textures.
Professional Finish: That shiny, polished surface gives your project a more finished and professional look. Think sticker-quality prints without the need for extra lamination.
Quick Drying: High-quality photo papers are quick-drying and smudge-resistant, which is ideal for Print & Cut projects where precision matters.
Gloss Photo Paper vs Regular Cardstock
Cardstock is thick and sturdy, which makes it great for structural elements like cards or boxes. But when it comes to image quality—especially for decorative elements like florals, labels, or illustrations—it doesn’t stand a chance against gloss photo paper.
Feature
Gloss Photo Paper
Regular Cardstock
Colour Vibrancy
High
Moderate
Print Detail
Crisp and defined
Slightly muted
Surface Finish
Glossy & smooth
Matte or slightly textured
Ink Absorption
Minimal (stays on top)
High (absorbs into paper)
Best Use
Decorative print elements
Card bases, sturdy pieces
Inkjet vs Laser Printers: What’s the Difference?
This one often surprises people: inkjet printers and laser printers use entirely different methods for printing, and each affects your output in different ways—especially when printing on photo paper.
Inkjet Printers
Use liquid ink droplets
Best suited for photo-quality, full-colour prints
Ideal for glossy or coated papers
Produces vibrant, rich colours and subtle gradients
Best choice for Print & Cut when using photo paper
Laser Printers
Use toner (powder) fused with heat
Better for high-speed, high-volume text printing
May not bond well with glossy surfaces
Can result in flaking, dull colours, or blurred images on photo paper
Not ideal for glossy photo paper—results may be patchy or prone to smudging
Tips for Using Gloss Photo Paper in Print & Cut Projects
Use the right print settings: Select “photo paper” or “glossy paper” in your printer settings to optimise ink distribution.
Let it dry: Even quick-dry paper needs a few minutes before handling—especially if you’re layering or cutting straight away.
Use a light tack mat: Glossy paper can stick too well to high-tack mats and may tear when removing.
Cut settings: Adjust your Silhouette or Cricut blade settings for thicker coated paper—do a test cut first.
Final Thoughts
If you’re aiming for that wow factor in your Print & Cut designs, switching to gloss photo paper and an inkjet printer is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. The difference in print quality is instantly noticeable—more vibrant colours, sharper details, and a gorgeous glossy finish that truly elevates your projects.
So if your prints have been looking a little dull or flat, give photo paper a try. Your crafts will thank you—and so will your followers!
When it comes to precision cutting machines for crafting, two names dominate the market: Cricut and Silhouette. Their flagship models—the Cricut Maker 3 and the Silhouette Cameo 5—are both powerful, versatile tools, but which one is right for your creative needs? Below, we compare the machines head-to-head, including a deep dive into their respective software: Cricut Design Space and Silhouette Studio.
Machine Comparison
The Cricut Maker 3 is celebrated for its ability to cut over 300 materials, from delicate fabrics to dense materials like balsa wood and leather. It works with Smart Materials, enabling matless cutting up to 12 feet in length. Its adaptive tool system supports a wide range of specialist tools, including rotary blades, knife blades, foil transfer tips, debossing tips, engraving tips, and scoring wheels, providing flexibility for intricate and professional projects. While the Maker 3 does not have a built-in roll feeder, a separate Cricut Roll Holder accessory is available to feed Smart Material rolls easily for longer cuts.
Silhouette Cameo 5 excels in precision cutting and offers standout innovations. It handles over 100 materials and cuts up to 3mm thick, making it ideal for thicker media such as foam, leather, and chipboard. The Cameo 5 introduces an improved roller and pinch grip system for enhanced material control and alignment, contributing to cleaner, more consistent cuts. It also features quieter operation than previous models, includes a built-in roll feeder for vinyl, and is compatible with the Electrostatic Mat accessory for delicate materials like paper and vellum. The Cameo 5 also allows users to pause and resume cutting jobs, offering additional flexibility for larger or multi-step projects. Combined with precise print and cut registration, these features make it a favourite among detailed craft enthusiasts and small business owners.
Software Showdown
Cricut Design Space is a cloud-based platform that’s beginner-friendly and designed to help users jump into crafting quickly. It has an intuitive interface and allows free uploads of SVG files and images. While Design Space itself is free, some designs and fonts are part of Cricut Access, a monthly subscription service offering expanded content and convenience for frequent users. For advanced users, however, Design Space may feel slightly limited in terms of fine-tuned design flexibility compared to traditional graphic design programs.
Silhouette Studio offers a robust set of design tools even in its free version. It supports precision editing, advanced layering, and custom path creation for users who want greater creative control. Some premium features, like SVG import and advanced rhinestone tools, require paid upgrades, but these are one-time fees rather than ongoing subscriptions, providing lasting value for those who design frequently.
Pros and Cons
Cricut Maker 3
Pros:
Beginner-friendly and easy to use
Compatible with a wide range of tools and materials
Matless cutting with Smart Materials
Supports a variety of specialty tools (engraving, debossing, scoring, etc.)
Ideal for quick, professional-looking results
Cons:
Limited offline functionality
Less design flexibility for complex projects
Subscription needed for full access to Cricut Access content
Roll holder requires additional purchase
Silhouette Cameo 5
Pros:
High design precision and control
Excellent print and cut registration
Cuts up to 3mm thick materials
Improved roller and media handling system
Built-in roll feeder for vinyl projects
Compatible with Electrostatic Mat for delicate media
Pause and resume cutting jobs
Free software with powerful tools
One-time fee for software upgrades (optional for advanced features)
Cons:
Steeper learning curve for beginners
Paid upgrades required for some professional features
Final Verdict
Choose the Cricut Maker 3 if you want a user-friendly, highly capable machine that offers excellent versatility across a wide range of materials and tools. It’s an ideal choice for hobby crafters, educators, and small business owners who value ease and speed.
Opt for the Silhouette Cameo 5 if you’re looking for maximum design control, detailed precision cutting, flexible media handling, and software that can grow with you. Its robust feature set makes it an excellent choice for professionals, serious hobbyists, and businesses needing greater creative freedom.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Silhouette’s range of cutting machines offers something for every maker—from casual hobbyists to professional creators. Whether you’re crafting stickers, large decals, or dimensional artwork, choosing the right machine depends on what materials and sizes you work with. This comparison of the Silhouette Cameo 5, Portrait 4, Curio 2, Cameo 5 Plus, and Cameo Pro MK-II includes feature highlights, compatibility, and maximum cut lengths to help you make the best decision.
Screenshot sourced from Silhouette America website.
Silhouette Cameo 5
A versatile machine suited for most crafters, the Cameo 5 supports matless cutting and works with Smart Materials. It offers a cut width of 12 inches and a cut length of up to 16.5 feet with a roll feeder, making it ideal for large vinyl signage, decals, and banners. It also features dual carriage support and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless cutting.
Silhouette Portrait 4
This compact machine, the Portrait 4 is perfect for smaller spaces and projects. With an 8-inch cut width and a cut length up to 60 feet when using compatible roll materials, it punches well above its size for projects like labels, planner stickers, and short vinyl runs. It also supports matless cutting and AutoBlade adjustments.
Silhouette Curio 2
The Curio 2 is made for specialty projects requiring depth and detail, such as embossing, debossing, etching, and stippling. It features a cutting width of 12 inches, but cut length is limited to 12 inches due to its flatbed design and electrostatic media hold system. It isn’t intended for long materials but excels in layered and textured work.
Silhouette Cameo 5 Plus
All the power of the Cameo 5 with a wider 15-inch cutting area and a maximum cut length of 16.5 feet with matless materials. The Cameo 5 Plus is ideal for larger designs like wall decals, signs, and oversized HTV applications. Perfect for serious hobbyists or side-hustlers needing more space and flexibility.
Silhouette Cameo Pro MK-II
The largest and most powerful machine in the lineup, the Cameo Pro MK-II supports 24-inch-wide materials and cut lengths of up to 60 feet, making it ideal for commercial applications, bulk orders, or large-format work. It includes dual carriage support, Bluetooth, and compatibility with Smart Materials and roll feeders.
If you’re a beginner, the Portrait 4 offers value and surprising power for its size. If you’re focused on textured and specialty media, the Curio 2 is unmatched. For general versatility, the Cameo 5fits most creative needs. For larger projects, the Cameo 5 Plus and Pro MK-II offer extensive width and length, ideal for pros and business owners.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Silhouette Studio is the powerful design software that drives all Silhouette cutting machines, including the Cameo, Portrait, and Curio (US links). While the Basic Edition is free and comes with every machine, Silhouette also offers three paid upgrades—Designer, Designer Plus, and Business Edition—each unlocking more advanced tools and functionality. Choosing the right edition depends on your crafting style, file preferences, and whether you’re creating for fun or for a business. Scroll on for more info and don’t miss the feature comparison at the end of the article.
The Basic Edition is the default version and includes all the essential tools you need to get started. You can draw basic shapes, use text tools, trace images, access Print & Cut features, and send projects to your Silhouette machine. You can import file types such as JPG, PNG, BMP, and DXF, but SVG files are not supported in this edition—one of the biggest limitations for users who want to use purchased or custom SVG designs from third-party sources.
This edition is perfect for casual crafters who primarily use Silhouette’s own Design Store or create simple designs within the software itself.
Designer Edition
The Designer Edition is a popular upgrade for hobbyists ready to expand their design options. One of its most important features is the ability to open and import SVG files, which allows you to use a much wider range of digital cut files beyond Silhouette’s proprietary formats. This edition also unlocks:
Advanced knife and eraser tools for more precision editing
The layers panel for better control over multi-element designs
Rulers, guides, and alignment tools for perfect layout
Nesting feature to reduce material waste
Sketch tools for drawing and editing
If you purchase SVG designs from marketplaces or other designers, the ability to import and work with them makes the Designer Edition an essential upgrade.
Designer Plus Edition
The Designer Plus Edition is tailored to users who craft with a variety of materials and media. It includes everything in Designer, with the addition of:
Rhinestone tools, allowing you to create custom rhinestone templates
Embroidery file import support (such as PES, DST, EXP)
Advanced fill options like gradient and pattern fills
Flexishapes tools for customizable shape creation
This edition is ideal for crafters who work with fabric, embroidery, or mixed media, and need more versatility in their designs.
Business Edition
The Business Edition is the most feature-rich and is designed with commercial users in mind. It includes everything in the previous editions and adds:
SVG, PDF, and JPEG file export, great for sharing designs or using them in other software
Multi-cutter support for managing multiple Silhouette machines at once
Automated tiling, useful for large designs split across multiple mats
Media layout tools, including weeding lines and barcodes
Enhanced nesting tools for optimising material use
Matrix copy and object-to-path tools for fast duplication and layout
If you’re running a craft-based business or need to streamline high-volume production, the Business Edition provides powerful tools to increase efficiency and expand creative control.
Which Edition Should You Choose?
If you’re a beginner, the Basic Edition is a great way to start exploring the Silhouette ecosystem. However, if you want to use SVG files, the Designer Edition is the most cost-effective upgrade and unlocks major design flexibility. For those working with embroidery or rhinestones, Designer Plus is a smart step up. And for anyone running a craft business, the Business Edition is the clear choice, offering commercial-grade functionality.
Each edition builds on the one before it, so upgrading is seamless. Choose based on your current needs, but also consider what features you may want access to in the future.
The chart below gives you a comprehensive list of features for each edition of Silhouette Studio.
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