Choosing the Right Printer Paper

Choosing The Right Printer Paper

It may often be challenging to know where to start looking for printer paper because there are so many options available. This article can assist you in making the various options more understandable so that your next printed work can thank you for a job well done.

Your choice of paper for printed materials is crucial since it has an impact on both the price and aesthetic appeal of the final product. When selecting the best printing paper for work, consideration should be given to the paper’s size, color, weight, brightness, and other factors. Not to mention that different types of printing paper, such as inkjet paper, laser paper, and copy paper are made for certain purposes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing The Right Printer Paper

  • Size

If you’re considering printing using your own printer, a key factor to take into account is the size of your printer paper. Your printer can only support a limited range of paper sizes. It pays to be aware of your alternatives in order to set reasonable expectations as not all paper kinds are available in the same range of sizes. Regular printer paper comes in two sizes, 8.5′′ and 11′′. However, there are other printer paper sizes to take in mind.

Common printer paper sizes: 

  • 8.5 x 11 or letter size 
  • 8.5 x 14 or legal size 
  • 11 x 17 or ledger size 
  • Brightness 

Brightness is the quantity of light that bounces off a piece of paper. That is why it is important to consider the printing that will be done on the printer paper when choosing the brightness.

On a scale from 0-100, with 100 seeming to be the brightest paper to the eye, brightness is a measurement of the reflectance of blue light wavelengths. The hue of white paper can range from cream to a faint blue, with the blue tint frequently appearing to be the whitest color overall. Prior to printing your document, it’s crucial to study a sample of the paper material when choosing a printer paper color.

  • Shade 

The tone of your printer paper is described by shade. White tones will appear warmer or colder depending on the proportion of red and blue light they absorb. The balance of the shade may significantly affect how your prints turn out. 

True white, a bright balanced neutral white tone, is the shade that most people think of when they picture white paper. The more blue-spectrum light a paper reflects, the more warm light tones it absorbs, giving the paper a blue-white color.

  • Weight 

Weight does not relate to the weight of a ream of paper, but rather to the weight and thickness of each individual sheet of paper. GSM, or grams per square meter, is a typical unit of measurement for the actual weight of a sheet of paper. Your print will look different depending on the paper’s weight, as will the feel of the page.

When it comes to paper weight, the thicker the paper, the heavier the weight.  Paper with a thicker stock feels more durable, is less likely to wrinkle, and expresses greater quality. The most typical paper weight is 20 pounds, however marketing campaigns typically employ paper with a weight of 20 pounds to 32 pounds.

Common paper weight: 

  • 16 to 20 lb paper – suggested for internal documents and copy paper 
  • 24 lb paper – recommended for letterhead and reports 
  • 32 to 26 lb paper – great for legal papers and high-quality projects 
  • Point size

The smallest ink droplet that can be seen clearly on your paper is described by your point size, which works similarly to the print size of your printer. For instance, your business card has lettering that appears to be particularly crisp. That’s what we mean by better point size.

  • Finish
  • Glossy

A highly reflecting coating is present on glossy materials. High gloss, soft gloss, and satin finishes are common types of glossy finishes that produce rich, brilliant colors and great contrast. In formal portraits, glossy coatings are usually applied. These coatings should be treated carefully since they might collect dust and display fingerprints.

  • Semi-gloss 

Although not as much as high as gloss finishes, semi-gloss finishes do include some shine. Satin, pearl, and luster are common varieties and photographers particularly like the latter for its adaptability and strong D-max capabilities, which refers to the deepest black that can be measured after printing.

  • Matte

Hot-pressed fibers are used to create matte paper, which lacks a glossy finish. It may be found without a smooth and shiny finish and in a range of textures, including a thick, dimpled paper that makes your print look like a watercolor painting, obviously woven high cotton paper, and soft velvet. Black and white photographers like matte paper because it produces the richest, deepest dark tones.

Get Premium Printer Paper at RDS Team

Looking for the best deal on copy paper? Look no further than RDS Team! We offer premium copy paper at unbeatable prices, and we even offer free shipping when you order six cases. 

Whether you’re stocking up for your home office or stocking the shelves of your small business, we have the perfect paper for you. Our copy paper is perfect for printing documents, flyers, and more. It’s also great for craft projects, school projects, and more. So why wait? Order your copy paper today at 877-959-2234 and enjoy free shipping on your purchase!

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