Characteristics of Inkjet Paper
Several paper types fall under the inkjet-printer category, such as standard ream paper usually used to print text documents. Inkjet photo paper, however, can accommodate high-quality photo prints with an array of colors, without bleeding. Inkjet photo paper varies in size and finish. Some have glossy or satin finishes, while others have matte finishes. Coatings range from cast coated, which is generally on cheaper base paper, to micro-porous, which is usually on top of a higher-quality paper. When you shop for inkjet photo paper, you don’t need to be too technical. There are five main considerations: weight, finish, brightness, opacity, and caliper.
Inkjet Paper Weight
Weight refers to the paper thickness and is expressed in pounds or grams per square meter. The higher the weight measurement, the thicker the paper, and the more durable and substantial it feels. Most inkjet photo papers are in the 24 to 71 lb. (90 to 270 g/m2) range. If you print photos, you’ll want a paper in the heavier, thicker range, around 62 lbs. and higher. Paper with heavier weight looks and feels more substantial and leads to crisper text with less ink bleeding. Before investing in heavily weighted paper, check the maximum paper thickness your inkjet printer allows.
Finish
A paper’s finish refers to its sheen and texture. Choosing a paper’s finish depends on your preferences. Whatever finish you select, be sure to set the printer driver correctly to match the paper’s finish.
Gloss Finish
Inkjet paper with a gloss finish has a glossy coating, giving printouts the look and feel of real photographic prints. Papers with a gloss finish may be described with other terms, such as high gloss, semi-gloss, or satin, which isn’t as shiny as other glossy papers. You’ll also see terms like pearl and luster, which are satin-like finishes with more texture. Inkjet photo paper with a gloss finish is a great choice for printing images with rich colors, clarity, and sheen.
Matte Finish
Matte inkjet photo papers are smooth and velvety, rather than shiny and glossy. These papers are thicker than regular inkjet paper and are specially formulated for photos. Images printed on photo matte papers appear soft and non-reflective with vibrant colors. Still, these don’t look like real photo prints, as with glossy paper.
Brightness
How white is white? In terms of paper, there are many levels of whiteness or brightness. Brightness is expressed as a number from 1 to 100. Photo papers usually have brightness ratings in the high 90s, while regular copier paper is around the 80s. A paper’s brightness affects how image colors look and how clear the images are. This brightness is especially important for photos. Even if a paper has a high brightness rating, get samples, then see how images print onto the paper from your inkjet printer before making an investment. Since not all papers are labeled with a brightness rating, the best way to determine brightness is to compare two or more papers side-by-side.
Opacity
Opacity refers to how much light is transmitted through the paper. In other words, how see-through the paper is. With a higher level of opacity, printed text and images are less likely to bleed through to the other side. Standard copier paper has less opacity and is more translucent. Heavier-weight paper is more opaque and less see-through. An inkjet photo paper’s opacity is especially important for double-sided printing. This type of paper has a higher level of opacity in general, usually between 94 and 97.
Caliper
Caliper refers to the thickness of a single sheet of paper. Photo papers are heavier and thicker than typical multipurpose papers. This higher caliper helps with the ink coverages needed for printing photos.
Choosing Inkjet Photo Paper
There’s no one right way to select inkjet photo paper. There are many varieties and many considerations. Even if you like a certain paper’s texture and feel, it may not work well for the particular image you’re printing. Experiment with different types of paper on your printer. Evaluate your results and the kind of mood you get when mixing certain papers with certain photos and images. Take advantage of free paper samples to avoid making a big cash investment when you’re learning. You’ll soon have the experience and know-how to match the right paper to the right project.
