When you think of printing paper, you likely picture a plain white A4 sheet. But it’s more complex than that. There are various papers with different textures, thicknesses, and colors. How will you get to know which paper is ideal for your printing job?
In this article, we look at the different types of paper and provide some tips for choosing the right kind of paper for your specific printing needs.
Exploring Different Types of Paper for Printing
Paper is typically made from pulverized wood pulp mixed with chemicals. In paper-making factories, this wood mixture is dried and cut into sheets, known as paper. However, they produce various types of paper. Let’s take a look at commonly used paper types:
Inkjet Paper
The paper we use for inkjet printers is the most common type. This paper absorbs liquid ink without smudging or distorting images or printed texts, which is why it is preferred for inkjet printers. It has a special coating that makes the end product appear legible and recognizable.
Laser Printer Paper
The paper used in laser printers can bear high heat as laser printers use high temperatures to fuse toner powder onto paper. This paper is essential for laser printers because the wrong type of paper coating can melt under intense heat, damaging your printer.
Cardstock Paper
This type of paper is heavier and thicker than laser and inkjet paper. Since it is durable and sturdier, artists and companies use it for crafting and card making. Additionally, cardstock comes in glossy, metallic, and bumpy textures.
Thermal Transfer Paper
Thermal transfer or heat transfer paper is a transparent paper used to print images or texts to transfer them onto garments or hard surfaces such as signposts using a heat press. In particular, it is the heat and pressure that transfer the colors onto this paper.
Photo Paper
Photo paper is coated in a light-sensitive chemical compound. This chemical layer is called an emulsion. As expected from its name, this paper is preferred for printing photographs.
Copy Paper
This paper is of low-end quality and designed for mass production in copiers, printers, and other office machines. This paper is unsuitable for laser printers as it’s prone to tearing, unlike cardstock. So, it lacks the ability to capture the fine details that photo paper is known for.
Metallic Paper
Metallic paper is a special paper that looks and shines like metal. You can find it in different styles, such as matte, glossy, smooth, or crumpled. The paper also reflects light and keeps moisture out. That’s why it’s often used for packaging items that need protection from light and moisture.
Linen Paper
Linen paper has a similar texture to fabric. This paper is made from the fibers of a flax plant, creating a durable paper used to print money, wedding invitations, business letterheads, and wedding invitations.
Synthetic Paper
Synthetic paper contains artificial components as opposed to wood pulp. Most synthetic papers are coated to improve their durability and used to print passports, ID cards, and product labels.
Scrim vinyl Paper
Scrim vinyl combines polyester mesh and a vinyl coating. This glossy vinyl scrim creates a glare. This type of paper is popular for outdoor and indoor banners as they are weather resistant. When printing outdoor banners and posters, advertisers recommend matte.
Bond Paper
This paper is made by mixing cotton fibers with wood fiber fillers. Chemical woodpaste mixes lignin and wood pulp and cooks the mixture in a sodium sulfide solution. Ultimately, this paper is ideal for printing important documents like contracts, cover letters, resumes, reports, and receipts.
Kraft Paper
Kraft paper is made of softwood pulps. And so it is a strong paper resistant to tearing. Additionally, it has high elasticity. Thanks to these properties, you can use kraft paper in packaging material to protect items during transport, including your everyday grocery bags.
Vellum Bristol Paper
Vellum Bristol is a crafting paper that comes in two varieties:
- Smooth Vellum: This paper is recommended for pen, ink, airbrush, and marker drawings.
- Vellum Finish: This type of Vellum paper is best for pencil, charcoal, and pastel artwork.
How to Choose the Right Paper Type?
Selecting the right paper is important for every print job. There are many factors to consider when finding the best paper for printers. Here, we have some tips on selecting the right paper:
Paper Weight
The weight and type of paper you choose affect your printouts. Expert designers suggest that cardstock should ideally weigh around 20 lbs. This is because less-weight papers are jam-resistant, economical, and flexible.
Price
If your printing and paper costs exceed your budget, seek alternatives within your budget range. For example, while you could print party invitations on cardstock if the price exceeds your budget, you opt for something cheaper like inkjet paper.
Whiteness vs Brightness
The brightness and whiteness of your paper will impact the appearance. Some colors will appear better on an off-white page, while others will become hard to see. When selecting a paper shade, review a sample paper before mass printing.
Coated versus Uncoated
The type of paper you use impacts how the colors appear to your target audience. Since coated finishes provide a glossy appearance, they are useful for magazines and book covers. Conversely, uncoated papers are recommended for newspapers and letterheads.
Conclusion
Understanding the diverse types of printing paper is essential for achieving the best results in any print job. From inkjet and laser printer papers to specialized options like photo paper and metallic paper, each type serves a unique purpose. Factors like paper weight, price, whiteness, and coated versus uncoated finishes can significantly impact your final product. By carefully considering these aspects, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs, whether for professional documents, artistic creations, or everyday printing tasks. Ultimately, the right choice of paper can elevate the quality and effectiveness of your printed materials.
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