Brother inkjet printers are generally reliable, versatile machines, but one common frustration many users experience is paper jamming when printing on thicker media. If you’ve ever tried to run heavy card or premium photo stock through a Brother inkjet and ended up wrestling with a stubborn paper jam, you’re not alone.
Why Thicker Paper Causes Jams
Many Brother inkjet models feed paper from a tray located underneath the printer. The paper is pulled upwards, then turned almost 180 degrees before it reaches the printhead. While this curved paper path works perfectly for standard office paper, it can become problematic when using thicker media.
Here’s why:
- Thick paper is less flexible, making it harder to bend around the tight internal rollers.
- Heavier stock increases friction, which can slow feeding or cause it to skew.
- The rollers may struggle to grip dense paper, particularly if the stock has a smooth or coated finish.
These factors combined make jams far more likely on printers with a tight, U-shaped feed path.
Our Recommended Maximum Thickness: Under 210gsm
Over time, we’ve tested a wide range of paper types across Brother inkjet models. Consistently, the most reliable experience comes from using paper thinner than 210gsm. Anything above this weight tends to feed inconsistently or jam outright—especially on printers with bottom-loading trays.
If you need to print on thicker media, consider the following:
- Check whether your printer has a rear manual feed slot. This allows nearly straight-through printing, ideal for card stock.
- Always consult the printer’s paper specifications, as each Brother model differs slightly in what it supports.
- Try a lighter alternative—many premium papers offer excellent print quality without requiring very high gsm.
Tips to Reduce Paper Jams
If you must print on thicker paper, try these steps to increase your chances of success:
- Load fewer sheets so the feed rollers only grab one at a time.
- Fan the stack to reduce static and sticking.
- Ensure the paper guides are snug, but not tight.
- Print one sheet at a time if using very heavy stock.
- Use Brother’s recommended media settings in the print driver for better roller alignment.
Final Thoughts
Brother inkjet printers are excellent all-rounders, but their curved feed path can make them finicky with thicker paper. Sticking to media below 210gsm greatly reduces the likelihood of jamming and ensures smoother, more reliable printing.
If you regularly print on heavy card, it may be worth choosing a model with a straight-through paper path or rear manual feed. Otherwise, following the tips above should keep your Brother inkjet running smoothly.
