When it comes to printer paper, what you don’t know won’t directly harm you, but it might inflict damage on your printer and jeopardize the quality of your print jobs. So, let’s take a closer look at the essential factors to consider when shopping for the perfect printer paper.
Paper Weight Printer paper comes in a delightful variety of weights, and in this context, weight refers to the thickness of individual sheets in a ream. The most commonly used printer paper weight is the trusty 20-pound variety, also known as 20#.
You’ll find this type of printer paper readily available at local office supplies stores and even at your neighborhood grocery store. It comes in different package sizes, ranging from smaller bundles of 50-100 sheets to full reams containing 500 sheets. For those in need of bulk quantities, the “bale” option comes with 10 reams and typically costs between $25 and $30. While this 20# paper works wonders for swift draft prints, if you crave superior output, opting for a weightier paper is the way to go.
Typical paper weights dance in the range of 20# to 32#, and for card-stock aficionados, it can extend as high as 110#. If your printer is destined to craft professional documents, newsletters, signs, and flyers, abide by the general rule: the heavier the paper, the better the overall finish and quality. Not to mention, colors show up brilliantly on heavier paper, making it ideal for double-sided printing without any annoying bleed-through. Keep in mind, though, that too-thin paper can lead to irksome paper jams, particularly during high-volume print jobs, leaving you with a pile of wasted paper and precious time.
Picture-Perfect Prints In the modern era, color printers boast the remarkable ability to produce high-quality digital photographs. However, don’t underestimate their capabilities by resorting to low-quality paper. If you have a penchant for printing photographs, ensure you acquire the right kind of paper. Glossy finish paper is a popular choice, but if you fancy vibrant colors and well-defined shadows, matte photo paper is the way to go. Notably, matte paper is renowned for its long-lasting photo prints, but ultimately, the choice lies in personal preference.
Advantages of Wood-Free Paper Apart from its resistance to yellowing with age or sun exposure, wood-free printer paper flaunts impressive longevity. For those striving to print high-quality images, opting for wood-free paper guarantees extended print life and reduces the need for frequent reprints.
Mind the Thickness of Photo Printer Paper Bear in mind that photo printer paper boasts a thicker build compared to standard printer paper. As a result, feeding more than one sheet at a time into your printer might lead to pesky paper jams. The best practice is to manually feed single sheets when printing photographs, saving you from unnecessary headaches.
Inkjet vs. Laser Printer Paper The great debate rages on between inkjet printers, which utilize ink spray, and laser printers, which rely on toner powder. However, there’s one point of agreement among the knowledgeable – the crucial need to match each printer type with the paper specifically designed for it.
Using laser printer paper on an inkjet printer can yield slightly blurred or fuzzy edges, as the ink tends to soak and spread. To prevent such mishaps, inkjet printer paper boasts a special coating that prevents excessive ink absorption, facilitating faster drying and guarding against unsightly smudges on your otherwise professional documents.
Laser printers, being the heat-generating champs they are, require paper that can withstand higher temperatures. Thus, opting for laser printer paper ensures a smooth performance without any potential damage from melted coating, which can happen if you decide to use coated inkjet paper on your laser printer.
Choose Wisely The key to selecting the perfect printer paper lies in understanding how you intend to use it. So, before parting with your hard-earned money, carefully consider these factors to avoid any future regrets and ensure your printing experiences are nothing short of smooth sailing.
