Photo Papers for Photo Printers
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Using the right photo paper plays a great role in printing high quality true photographic pictures, postcards, invitations and many other colorful documents as photo papers are especially designed for this purpose. Photo papers generally have more opacity, brightness, weight and caliper (thickness) than the multi-purpose plain papers. |
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Using the right photo paper plays a great role in printing high quality true photographic pictures, postcards, invitations and many other colorful documents as photo papers are especially designed for this purpose. Photo papers generally have more opacity, brightness, weight and caliper (thickness) than the multi-purpose plain papers. With the wide variety of photo papers to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right one for your printer. Opacity, brightness, weight, caliper (thickness) and finish are the main differences in the photo papers.
Opacity |
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Brightness
When
photo papers
are considered, there are a lot of different levels of whiteness or
brightness. Brightness is usually stated as a number from 1 to 100.
Photo papers
are generally in the high 90s. The brightness of the photo paper may not be
mentioned on the packaging, so the best way to find out brightness is
basically to put
photo papers
side by side and compare.
Weight
Paper is stated
in pounds or as grams per square meter. Different types of paper have their
own weight scale. Most inkjet photo papers are in the 24 to 71 lb. range.
Caliper
Photo papers are heavier and thicker than plain papers. This
thickness, known as caliper, is needed to hold the gr
eater
ink coverage found in photos. Typical plain inkjet paper will be between 4.3
mil and 10.4 mil. Photo papers are typically 7 to 10 mils.
Glossy finish
The
coating on photo papers provides a look and feel of true
photographic prints. The coating keeps the paper from absorbing the ink and
this causes some glossy photo papers to dry slowly. Yet,
quick-drying glossy photo papers are common today. The finish
is generally defined as high gloss, gloss, soft gloss, or semi-gloss
according to the amount of shine they have. Satin is a less shiny finish.
Matte finish
Photos printed on matte photo papers look
soft and non-reflective. Not shiny as the glossy ones. Matte finish
photo papers are not the equivalent of regular inkjet papers. Matte photo papers are thicker and are specially designed for
printing photos.
There are a wide range of finishes on offer including glossy, semi-glossy, soft gloss and matte. Selecting the right finish dictates the look and feel of a photo print. For example, glossy finish is commonly chosen on color images for its mirror-look appearance and matte finish for black and white images for a subtle look.
Branded photo papers such as
HP, Epson or Canon photo papers offer good quality. If you are looking for
something less expensive, go for the known paper manufacturers that provide
equivalent quality as such Sepoms, Kodak, Prinart or InkTec.
Other than plain and photo papers, paper manufacturers also make a variety of other paper forms such as post cards, note cards, envelopes, labels, iron-on transfers (for t-shirts, bags, caps or mouse pads) project papers and banner papers.
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Using Heavier Paper
The weight and thickness of the paper may not have a significant effect on
the quality of the printed image. On the other hand, thicker papers feel
more important and can provide a project some visual weight.
Heavy paper can bring an impression of importance and significance not found
in lightweight papers. This is especially the case for business cards. Often
lightweight paper feels cheap.
Another advantage of thicker paper is that it holds up much better when
there is heavy ink coverage. Thick inkjet photo papers are the best option
for full color photos. Yet, some desktop printers might not be able to
handle thicker papers well, particularly if the printer does not have a
straight paper path.
Choose a paper that feels right to you and that will work with your printer.
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How To Avoid Paper Jams
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Do not Overload Your Paper Tray
This can cause paper jams. If you get paper jams frequently, load the paper tray with less paper even though the printer's capacity is higher. For example if your printer's capacity is 200, try feeding 175 sheets. -
Check the Paper
Too thick or too thin paper can also cause jams. Check the minimum/maximum paper weights that your printer is able to handle. -
Check the Manual
If you are still getting frequent jams, your printer rollers or some other part of the hardware may need adjustment. Check the user's guide and manufacturer's Web site for directions or (if your printer has warranty) call your manufacturer's help line.
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What To Do When You Get a Paper Jam
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Pull Paper Carefully
If the paper is visible at the output slot of the printer (in other word, if it stopped on its way out), try pulling it out carefully. If it pulls smoothly, then carefully pull out the rest of it. If it resists, stop and try the next step. -
Open the Cover
Open the printer cover and wait (only if you have an inkjet printer) till the carriage stops moving. Slowly pull out any paper that is stuck there. -
Take Care
Never pull paper out from where it was feeding into the printer. The rollers on your printer can go only in one direction. If you force them the wrong way, you could give the machine damage. -
Be Careful with Lasers
If you have a laser printer, as laser printers can get hot, you need to be very careful when pulling the paper out. -
Paper Shreds
If any paper tore, during the jam or while you were pulling them, remove any appliances that you can (paper trays, etc.) and collect the shreds of paper. Try not to leave anything behind.
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