Photo Paper & Printer Settings for Fridge Magnets: 130 GSM Printing Guide
September 19, 2026 · by ShopShip
A good fridge magnet is not only about the press. Print quality, image sizing and clean cutting have a major effect on how professional the finished magnet looks. This guide covers a practical workflow for printing photo inserts, including 130 GSM photo paper used in ShopShip's square starter combo.
Is 130 GSM photo paper suitable for fridge magnet inserts?
130 GSM photo paper is light enough for many small print workflows while still giving photos and artwork a coated presentation. The important part is compatibility with your printer and the magnet system you are using. Always check the printer's supported paper types and make one test print before producing a batch.
Useful printer settings to check
Printer menus vary by model, so there is no single setting that is correct for every Canon, Epson, HP or other printer. Start by checking these options:
- Paper type: select the closest supported photo-paper setting for the paper you are actually using.
- Print quality: use a higher-quality mode for customer photos and detailed artwork when your printer supports it.
- Scaling: avoid automatic “fit to page” scaling when the insert needs an exact physical size.
- Orientation: confirm portrait or landscape before printing a full sheet.
- Borderless printing: use it only when your layout requires it; for cut layouts, accurate sizing is more important than removing printer margins.
Get the image size right before printing
Do not rely on the printer driver to fix a badly sized design. Crop the image to the correct aspect ratio, keep important faces and text away from the cutting edge, and export at enough resolution for the physical print size. For repeated orders, use a template so every design sits in the same position.
Printbot is one option for arranging magnet, badge and keychain designs into repeatable print layouts.
A reliable test-print workflow
- Prepare one or two sample designs.
- Print at the intended final size.
- Allow the print surface to dry according to the paper and printer instructions.
- Cut one insert using the correct cutter.
- Place it into the matching magnet blank or machine workflow.
- Check colour, sharpness, crop position and edge clearance.
- Only then print the full customer batch.
Common printing problems
The image looks dull
Check that the selected paper type matches the paper, the print-quality mode is appropriate, and the source image is not already low-contrast.
The insert is the wrong size
Check for “fit to page”, “shrink oversized pages” or other automatic scaling. Print a measurement test before using expensive media.
The print smears
Confirm that the paper is compatible with the printer and ink system, and give the surface enough drying time before cutting or pressing.
Faces or text get cut off
Keep important content inside a safe area instead of placing it close to the cutter edge.
Pair the print with the correct magnet setup
For a matched beginner workflow, see the Square Fridge Magnet Making Combo. If you are replenishing a compatible 50×50mm setup, compare the 50×50mm Fridge Magnet Blanks.
Frequently asked questions
Should I print one sample before every large order?
Yes. A single sample can catch scaling, colour and crop problems before they affect an entire batch.
What resolution should I use?
Use an image with enough detail for the intended physical size and avoid enlarging a very small image. The exact requirement depends on your design dimensions and printer.
Can I use regular office paper?
Use media appropriate for the appearance and construction of your magnet. Photo paper is generally chosen when a glossy or photo-focused result is required, but always follow the requirements of the specific machine and blank.