Vellum envelopes are only slightly more difficult to print on than regular paper envelopes. Vellum varies from brand to brand in terms of printer compatibility, so check the specifications of the vellum before committing to a purchase. There are vellum envelopes suitable for inkjet printers, laser printers, and sometimes both.

In general, printing on vellum is a delicate process because it is not porous like standard printing paper. This means it does not absorb ink easily, and when printing with an ink jet printer it is best to allow for a long drying period. We recommend choosing the Transparency setting for paper type, as this will minimize the amount of ink used during printing. Some printers allow you to adjust the ink output, and choosing a lower output will decrease drying time and reduce smearing. If you are using a heavyweight vellum, consider embossing your envelopes instead. This is easily done with thicker vellum and produces highly professional results.

It is highly recommended to test samples before purchasing a large quantity of vellum envelopes. There is no simple answer to the problem of smudging and smearing, since vellums vary and so do printers. It is best to play it safe and test the envelope on your printer before purchasing.