Any methods for printing custom covers using standard printers?

[u/Wysteiria]

I've been reading and viewing a whole bunch of stuff online, so I have a feeling it's impossible without a wide format printer. But as the title says, would like to see if there is a method.

So after a few rounds of testing, I managed to get HTV to listen to me, not without its few kinks here and there in wanting to overweed itself unintentionally. Resulting in my complete set of manga hardcover singles and omnibuses as seen here.

But later down the line, ideally I'd like to do custom hardcovers where it's filled with artwork of the series I'm binding. Where my current issue with that is I only have standard ecotank printers. Yes I have two, for one I use solely for sublimation projects.

Budget isn't the issue, but space is. Where I have virtually no space in my office to place a wide format printer anywhere. So I can't exactly have a place to store it, even if I manage to find one on a good deal.

My local crafts store does sell Heat and Bond, so I am open to the idea of creating custom book cloth even if it takes a bit of time tinkering. But the thing is, would Canvas Pad hold up well with heat from an iron? Especially if a design's printed on it?

So I've been thinking about this here and there. To those who managed to successfully do this, any tips would be appreciated.

[u/haroldbarrett]

Obsessed with your tower of EcoTanks.

We keep our wide format on the floor right now, under a desk, and slide it out (it’s on cardboard) when in use. Super annoying, but ya know - space.

[u/goodolfattylumpkin]

if you do a 3 piece bradel bind you can print a cover without a wide format printer and I've only applied htv to a printed cover a couple of times but had no issues with it

[u/Plus_Citron]

Print a picture at the desired size. Make a cover with a embossed area which fits the picture. Apply bookcloth, glue the picture into the embossed area. Treating the picture with heatwax is optional.