When it comes to printing, the type of paper you use can have a big impact on the final product. Whether you're printing photos, documents, or artwork, choosing the right paper is essential for achieving the best results. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That's why we've put together a guide to the best printer papers on the market.
Top Picks
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Best Overall: HP Printer Paper, BrightWhite24
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Best Budget: Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose
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Best for Photos: Canon Luster Photo Paper, 13×19
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Best Heavyweight: Neenah Cardstock, 8.5×11
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Best Glossy: Epson Premium Photo Paper, Glossy
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Best Matte: Mohawk Color Copy Paper, Matte
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Best Recycled: Boise ASPEN 100% Recycled Paper, 8.5×11
Buying Guide
Paper Weight: The weight of the paper affects the overall quality of your prints. Papers with higher weights typically have better color reproduction and a more professional feel. For printing documents, a standard 20lb paper is sufficient. However, for printing photos, it's recommended to use a heavier paper, such as 60lb or 80lb. For example, Neenah Cardstock is an excellent heavyweight paper that is perfect for printing photos or artwork.
Finish: The finish of the paper can affect the look and feel of your prints. There are several types of finishes available, including glossy, matte, and satin. Glossy finishes are ideal for printing photos and images with vibrant colors. Matte finishes, on the other hand, are better for text-heavy documents or prints that require a more subdued appearance. For example, Epson Premium Photo Paper is a glossy paper that produces high-quality prints with vivid colors.
Brightness: The brightness of the paper affects the contrast and sharpness of your prints. Papers with higher brightness levels produce sharper, more vivid prints. A brightness level of 92-96 is ideal for most printing needs, while a level of 100 is recommended for printing photos. HP Printer Paper, BrightWhite24 is a bright white paper that produces sharp, vivid prints.
Size: The size of the paper is another important consideration. Most printers can handle standard sizes such as 8.5 x 11 inches or A4. However, if you need to print larger documents or photos, consider using larger paper sizes such as 11 x 17 inches or 13 x 19 inches. Canon Luster Photo Paper is a great option for larger prints, as it comes in a 13 x 19 inch size.
Coating: Coated papers are specially treated to produce better print quality. There are two types of coatings: resin-coated and microporous coatings. Resin-coated papers are more durable and produce sharper images, while microporous coatings provide faster drying times and are better for printing photos. For example, Mohawk Color Copy Paper is coated with a unique matte finish that produces sharp, vivid prints.
Opacity: Opacity refers to the level of transparency in the paper. Papers with high opacity levels are more opaque, which means they are less likely to show through on the other side. If you're printing double-sided documents, it's important to choose a paper with high opacity levels to prevent bleed-through. Boise ASPEN 100% Recycled Paper is a highly opaque paper that is perfect for double-sided printing.
Texture: The texture of the paper can affect the overall look and feel of your prints. Papers with a smooth surface are better for printing text-heavy documents, while papers with a textured surface are better for printing artwork or photos. Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose is a smooth paper that is perfect for printing documents, while Canon Luster Photo Paper has a textured surface that produces high-quality prints with a professional finish.
FAQs
Can I use regular copy paper for printing photos?
While you could use regular copy paper for printing photos, the results will not be as high-quality as using a dedicated photo paper. Copy paper is typically thinner, which can result in bleed-through and a lack of detail in the print.
What weight paper should I use for printing documents?
For printing documents, a standard 20lb paper is sufficient. However, if you want a more professional look and feel, you can opt for a heavier paper such as 24lb or 28lb.
What is the difference between glossy and matte paper?
Glossy paper has a shiny finish that produces vibrant colors and sharp details, while matte paper has a more subdued finish that is better for text-heavy documents or prints that require a more subdued appearance.