Standard paper sheets, regardless of their format, are not designed for printing photographs. Bright and colorful images of excellent quality can be obtained only when using special photo paper. We will tell you how to choose it correctly and what you need to consider.
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1. Coating
Matte or glossy: which one to choose?
The main characteristic of photo paper used for inkjet and laser printers is the type of coating. It affects the quality of printed images, as well as their durability.
Types of coatings:
Matte (Matte). It is the simplest and cheapest. The presence of a waterproof layer prevents the paper from deforming when water drops hit its surface. The printed image is of high quality and slight ink damage and fingerprints will not be visible due to the rough surface. Keep in mind that the pigments on matte photo paper fade over time and lose their original brightness, so these photos are only suitable for short-term use.
Glossy. It is distinguished by smoothness, brilliance and the ability to reflect light. Images printed on glossy photo paper attract attention with their brightness, which lasts for many years. Such photographs do not have to be laminated or covered with a protective layer.However, keep in mind that all fingerprints and even minor scratches are visible on a glossy surface.
Additionally, semi-glossy paper is isolated, but it is rarely found on sale and is practically not used, since the photographs on it are dull with a fading effect.
2. The size
How to decide on the parameters of photo paper?
Photo paper is presented in a wide range of sizes. To choose the right one, you need to look at the user manual and clarify which media format your printer supports.
Commonly used sizes:
- A4 (210x297 mm),
- A3 (480x320 mm),
- A6 (100x150 mm, the most common for standard photos),
- A10 (26x37 mm) and others.
The most affordable and profitable of them for office use is A4 format, provided that the package contains 100 sheets or more. For home use, buy A6 photo paper to print regular photos.
3. Density
What should be the density of photo paper for home and office?
Density is the "thickness" of photo paper. It is of great importance, since the sheets themselves consist of several structural layers (at least 3) that perform a certain “task” in the process of printing an image.
Density is determined in g/m2 and indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging. The lower this indicator, the deeper the sheet is saturated with ink. It is for this reason that using standard A4 paper for printing photos, you will not be able to achieve the desired result.
Photo paper weight starts at 150 g/m2, this is already more than a regular sheet, so it is suitable for printing graphic information, diagrams and presentations. Value in 200 g/m2 and above is the best choice for high-quality images.
The thicker the photo paper, the more expensive it is and the higher the resolution of the printed photos. For example, sheets of 150 g/m2 only support a resolution of 2880 dpi (dots per inch) or less, so they won't capture fine details.
The highest quality photo paper commercially available today, from 150 to 300 g/m2 and allows you to get a print resolution of 5,760 dpi and higher. Of course, the cost of ink and the duration of printing on an HP, Epson or Canon printer also increase.
4. Compound
For laser or inkjet printers?
The composition of photographic paper determines how long it takes for the ink to dry completely and how long it takes for printed images to last. To choose the right sheets, study the instructions left by the manufacturer. Depending on its composition, photo paper may be designed exclusively for laser printers, not inkjet printers. If you plan to use it simultaneously on various HP, Epson or Canon printing equipment, then choose universal sheets.
5. Photo paper manufacturers
How to choose a brand?
All photo paper for inkjet and laser printers on sale is divided into 2 main categories:
Universal. In terms of quality, density and capabilities, it is suitable for use on printing equipment of various companies. The most famous universal photo paper manufacturers are Lomond and Zweckform.
branded. High-quality products from brands specialized in the production of printers. The most famous are HP, Epson and Canon. If image quality is of the utmost importance to you, use photo paper and printers from the same manufacturer.
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