Standard paper sheets, regardless of their format, are not intended for printing photos. Bright and colorful images of excellent quality can be obtained only when using special photographic paper. We will tell you how to choose it correctly and what needs to be taken into account.
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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 depends on the quality of printed images, as well as their durability.
Types of coatings:
Matte It is the easiest and cheapest. The presence of a waterproof layer prevents the deformation of the paper when water drops on its surface. The printed image is of high quality, and slight damage from ink 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 characterized by smoothness, brilliance and the ability to reflect light. Images printed on glossy photo paper attract attention with its brightness, which persists for many years. Such photos do not have to be laminated or covered with a protective layer. However, keep in mind that all fingerprints and even minor scratches are noticeable on a glossy surface.
Additionally, semigloss paper is isolated, but it is rarely marketed and practically not used, since the photos on it are dim with a fading effect.
The size
How to determine the parameters of photo paper?
Photo paper is represented by a wide size range. To choose it correctly, you need to look in 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 - A4 format, provided that in a package of 100 sheets. For home use, buy A6 photo paper to print regular photos.
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 because the sheets themselves consist of several structural layers (minimum, 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 package. The lower this index, the deeper the sheet is saturated with ink. For this reason, using standard A4 paper for printing photos, you will not be able to achieve the desired result.
The density of photographic paper originates from 150 g / m2, it is already more than on a regular sheet, therefore, it is suitable for printing graphic information, diagrams and presentations. 200 g / m2 and above - the best choice for high-quality images.
The higher the density of photographic paper, the more expensive it is and the higher the resolution of printed photos. For example, sheets 150 g / m2 They support a resolution of no more than 2,880 dpi (dots per inch), so they will not convey fine details.
Photo paper of the highest quality, available today, has a density of from 150 to 300 g / m2 and allows you to get print resolution of 5,760 d / d and above. Of course, the cost of ink and the duration of printing on an HP, Epson or Canon printer are also increasing.
Composition
For laser or inkjet printers?
The composition of photographic paper determines the duration of the final drying of the ink and the durability of printed images. To choose the right sheets, read the instructions left by the manufacturer. Depending on its composition, photo paper can be designed exclusively for laser printers, not inkjet printers. If you plan to use it at the same time on different printing equipment HP, Epson or Canon, then choose universal sheets.
Photo Paper Manufacturers
How to choose a brand?
All photographic paper for inkjet and laser printers presented on sale is divided into 2 main categories:
Universal. By its quality, density and capabilities, it is suitable for use on printing equipment of various companies. The most famous manufacturers of universal photo paper: Lomond and Zweckform.
Branded. High-quality products from brands that specialize in the production of printers. The most famous: HP, Epson and Canon. If image quality is of paramount importance to you, then use photo paper and printers from the same manufacturer.
