Printer Paper Myths Debunked

As printing experts, we’ve heard plenty of myths about printer paper over the years. Some of these myths have been passed down for so long that they’re now widely accepted as fact. But the truth is, many of these myths are simply not true. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common printer paper myths and help you understand what really matters when it comes to selecting the best paper for your printing needs.

Thicker paper is always better

The Truth about Paper Thickness

One of the most common misconceptions about printer paper is that thicker paper is always better. While it’s true that thicker paper can often be more durable and look more professional, it’s not always necessary. In fact, using paper that’s too thick for your printer can cause jams, misfeeds, and other problems. When selecting paper, it’s important to choose a weight that’s appropriate for your printer and your project.

How to Choose the Right Paper Weight

When choosing paper weight, consider the following factors:

• Printer specifications: Check your printer manual or manufacturer’s website to find the recommended weight range for your printer.
• Project requirements: Consider the purpose of your printed material. A lightweight paper may be fine for a quick draft or internal document, while a heavier weight may be more appropriate for a final report or marketing materials.
• Paper type: The weight of paper can vary depending on the type of paper. For example, a standard copy paper weight is typically 20lb or 24lb, while cardstock weights can range from 60lb to 110lb or more.

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Printer Paper Size for Your Printing Needs.

All paper is the same

The Truth about Paper Quality

Another common myth is that all paper is the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The quality of the paper can vary greatly depending on factors like fiber content, brightness, and finish.

When it comes to printing, using high-quality paper can make a big difference in the final result. Cheap, low-quality paper may produce blurry or faded images, while high-quality paper can make colors pop and text sharp.

How to Choose the Right Paper Quality

When choosing paper quality, consider the following factors:

1. Paper grade: Look for paper that’s labeled as “printer” or “copy” grade. These papers are specifically designed for use in printers and copiers and are typically higher quality than standard writing paper.
2. Brightness: Look for paper with a brightness level of 90 or higher. Higher brightness can make text and images appear sharper and more vibrant.
3. Finish: Consider the finish you want for your project. Glossy paper can be great for printing photos, while matte paper may be more appropriate for text-heavy documents.

Recycled paper is always better for the environment

The Truth about Recycled Paper

Many people believe that using recycled paper is always better for the environment than using virgin paper. While using recycled paper can certainly be a more sustainable choice, it’s not always the most eco-friendly option.

The Environmental Impact of Paper

When it comes to the environmental impact of paper, there are several factors to consider, including:

• Energy consumption: The production of recycled paper typically requires less energy than the production of virgin paper. However, the process of collecting and processing recycled paper can still consume significant energy.
• Water consumption: Both recycled and virgin paper production require significant amounts of water.
• Emissions: Both processes can produce greenhouse gas emissions, although the emissions associated with recycled paper are generally lower.

How to Choose the Most Environmentally-Friendly Paper Option

When selecting paper, consider the following factors to choose the most environmentally-friendly option:

1. Look for paper that’s certified by a third-party organization, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These certifications indicate that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests and/or contains recycled content.
2. Consider the overall lifecycle of the paper. While recycled paper may be more sustainable in some cases, it’s important to consider the energy and resources required to collect and process the recycled materials.
3. Choose paper that’s appropriate for your project. Using too much or too little paper can waste resources and contribute to environmental damage.

More expensive paper is always better

The Truth about Paper Price

Another common misconception is that more expensive paper is always better. While high-priced paper can certainly be of high quality, it’s not always necessary for every printing project.

How to Choose the Right Paper Price

When selecting paper, consider the following factors to choose the right paper price:

1. Project requirements: Consider the purpose of your printed material. A low-cost paper may be fine for a quick draft or internal document, while a higher-priced paper may be more appropriate for a final report or marketing materials.
2. Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on paper and look for options that fit within your budget.
3. Sales and discounts: Look for sales or discounts on high-quality paper options to get the best value for your money.

Coated paper is always better

The Truth about Coated Paper

Coated paper is often considered to be of higher quality than uncoated paper, but this isn’t always the case. Coating refers to a thin layer of material applied to the paper to improve its properties, such as brightness, glossiness, or water resistance. While coated paper can be great for certain projects, it’s not always necessary or appropriate.

How to Choose the Right Coating for Your Project

When selecting paper, consider the following factors to choose the right coating for your project:

1. Project requirements: Consider the purpose of your printed material. Coated paper may be more appropriate for glossy brochures or high-quality photo prints, while uncoated paper may be more appropriate for text-heavy documents or matte prints.
2. Printing method: Different printing methods may require different types of paper coating. For example, inkjet printers may require a different type of coating than laser printers.
3. Budget: Coated paper can be more expensive than uncoated paper, so consider your budget when selecting the right coating for your project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many myths surrounding printer paper that simply aren’t true. Thicker paper isn’t always better, all paper isn’t the same, recycled paper isn’t always the most environmentally-friendly option, more expensive paper isn’t always better, and coated paper isn’t always necessary.

When selecting paper for your printing needs, it’s important to consider factors like paper weight, quality, print a test page, environmental impact, price, and coating to choose the option that’s best for your project. As printing experts, we recommend taking the time to understand these factors to make informed decisions and achieve the best results in your printing projects.

FAQs

What is the best type of paper to use for printing photos?
Glossy paper is the best choice for printing photos as it produces vibrant and sharp images.

Does heavier paper always mean better quality?
Not necessarily. Paper weight is a measurement of how much a ream (500 sheets) of paper weighs, and it doesn’t always indicate paper quality.

Can I use regular copy paper for printing photos?
While you can use regular copy paper for printing photos, it won’t produce the best results as it’s not designed for this purpose. The ink can smear, and the colors may not be as vivid. It’s best to use photo paper or a high-quality glossy paper for printing photos.

Is recycled paper of lower quality than non-recycled paper?
No, recycled paper is not of lower quality than non-recycled paper. In fact, many recycled papers are of higher quality as they’re made from high-quality, recycled materials.

Does paper texture affect print quality?
Yes, paper texture can affect print quality. Some printers may struggle with textured paper, resulting in blurry or smudged images.