Cutting Through the Clutter of Inkjet Paper
SUMMARY: When shopping for digital photo supplies,
sometimes it can all get a little confusing, especially if you are
new to the world of digital photography. That's why it's important
to determine what you want to do with your ink jet paper and what
kind of results you are looking for.
If your goal is to make Christmas cards out of family photos, then you'll
need a different paper grade than a professional photographer exhibiting
photos in a gallery. Below is a breakdown of what you need to look for
when deciding what kind of ink jet paper to buy.
The Basics of Inkjet Paper
Weight - The weight of the
paper is measured in pounds and determines the thickness and opacity of
the paper. Heavier paper will often be more difficult to get through your
printer but it is also stronger and more durable than lighter paper.
Thickness - The thickness of paper, also known as the caliper,
is determined by the paper weight. Paper thickness is often a matter of
personal preference. Some prefer thick paper because thin paper feels
flimsy while others like thin paper because it is inexpensive and easy
to use.
Finish - The finish on your paper determines if it's glossy or
matt, or something in between. The finish also helps determine the brightness
of your printed image.
Brightness - Smooth paper reflects light off the paper making
it look brighter. A smooth finish will give your picture depth and richness
that unfinished paper cannot. Brightness is measured on a scale determined
by ISO, the brightest paper level being 108.
Absorption - Paper that absorbs too much ink will look fuzzy
and unclear. A wax is usually added to high quality ink jet paper to prevent
the ink from absorbing into the paper's pores. The finish on your paper
often helps determine how much ink your paper will absorb.
Size - Size is entirely up to personal preference, and what
size paper your ink jet printer will be able to accept. Most inkjet
printers will easily be able to print on paper smaller or equal
to 8" by 10". Keep in mind; standard digital photo sizes are different
than standard sizes used by manual cameras.
Opacity - The more opaque your paper is, the less light is allowed
to pass through it. Therefore, if you are printing on both sides of the
paper, you want it to be as opaque as possible. But if you're just printing
snapshot photos, the opaqueness of the paper will not be as important.
Opacity - The more opaque your paper is, the less light is allowed
to pass through it. Therefore, if you are printing on both sides of the
paper, you want it to be as opaque as possible. But if you're just printing
snapshot photos, the opaqueness of the paper will not be as important.
Double-sided paper - Double-sided paper lets you print images
on both sides of the paper. Both sides have an ink-receiving coat that
will give you a bright, colorful image.
Color - The whiter the paper, the brighter and crisper the image
will appear. The color of the paper will determine how the printed colors
show up on your paper.
Drying Time - Drying time depends on the paper and the ink. Make
sure to read the papers description to learn how long the paper takes
to dry. Drying time can range between 30 seconds and 15 minutes. If you
just want to bust out as many photos as possible in a short time period,
you may want to choose a paper that dries and locks in the color quickly.
Back to Article index
|
