6 Most Common Print Paper Types

One of the biggest mistakes office workers make is using the wrong type of print paper. It can lead to jams, increased waste, and unprofessional-looking documents.

An easy way to address the issue is to understand the six most common types of print paper and how you should use them.

Print Paper No. 1 – Matte Print Paper

Matte paper is the regular print paper that works great in most cases. You can use it to print standard documents, such as financial reports, payroll stats, and compliance paperwork.

As the name suggests, this is matte paper, meaning it doesn’t have any sheen to it. The texture absorbs ink quickly to reduce the risk of smudges.

Print Paper No. 2 – Bright White Print Paper

Technically, standard matte paper is white, but usually in an “off-white” way, unlike the truly bright white paper. It has a smoother surface and an eye-catching coating. It works best for printing presentations with images due to its vibrancy. It’s also more expensive than regular paper, which is why you should avoid using it for non-essential documents.

Print Paper No. 3 – Glossy Print Paper

While you can print pictures on bright white paper, you can get much better results with glossy paper. It features a polymer coating that imparts a jaw-dropping sheen and rich color output for the ultimate vibrancy. If you only need to print images (without text), this should be your go-to option.

However, be careful when removing glossy paper after printing since it doesn’t dry as fast as regular paper. Mishandling it can easily lead to smears.

Print Paper No. 4 – Photo Paper

Glossy paper is a reliable solution for printing pictures, but there’s an even better kind for this job. Conveniently named photo paper, this type of paper is similar to the previous category. It has an illustrious sheen that contributes to professional, sleek images.

Still, photo paper is superior because it’s thicker. The bulky design adds texture to your prints and reduces the risk of tears.

Print Paper No. 5 – Cardstock

Cardstock is a type of heavyweight paper that’s thicker than conventional matte paper. It may or may not be shiny, but one thing’s for sure – this paper is durable and much harder to tear. You can use it for flyers, catalogs, brochures, and business cards.

When filling your printer with cardstock, mind the tray limit. It doesn’t take many cardstock papers to overload the tray and cause a jam.

Print Paper No. 6 – Inkjet Paper

Inkjet paper is designed for inkjet printers. Unlike laser devices, inkjet printers require liquid toner, and inkjet paper usually has a coating to provide better adhesion for the liquid. They also have tighter weaves to safeguard against bleed-throughs.

Pair Up Your Paper With Top-Rated Accessories

Even if you use the right paper, your documents may turn out faded or smudged if you have low-quality print equipment. Copylite can help you solve this problem. Head to our website and discover a whole host of cartridges and other accessories that will optimize the performance of your device.