Printer mechanism to control pen-to-print medium spacing during printing is described. The preferred embodiment of the mechanism includes a printhead, a platen positioned adjacent the printhead to define a print zone therebetween, and the print zone having an entrance region and an exit region. The print mechanism further includes a feed mechanism positioned generally adjacent the print zone entrance area and a height limiter positioned downstream of the print zone exit area. In the preferred embodiment, the platen includes a generally flat region and a generally inclined region. The generally inclined region includes a relatively downstream edge which contacts a sheet of print medium along a line of contact. In operation, the edge and the feed mechanism suspend the sheet material such that the sheet is generally concavely curved relative to the printhead between the edge and the feed mechanism, thereby ensuring proper pen-to-print medium spacing during printing.