Photo Paper Density for Inkjet Printers

Despite the fact that both manufacturers and repair technicians speak with one voice about the importance of choosing high-quality consumables for office equipment, stressing their importance in the quality and durable work of inkjet printers, many still do not pay enough attention to this issue. In addition, quality "consumables" affect the printing itself. For example, if you take too thin photo paper for a color printer, then when printing, the inks will turn out to be merged, and the image will be blurred. What is the optimal paper density setting?

What is the density of photo paper?

Paper weight is usually measured and indicated by the manufacturer in grams per square meter. Among owners of printers there is a widespread not quite correct opinion that the thicker the sheet, the higher its density. This is not entirely true, because the density of different types of paper can be completely different (for example, if you compare magnetic paper with matte paper). The density of the carrier depends on:

  • Print Detail
  • Durability of the materials obtained
  • Material durability
  • Printer ink absorbency

Important! To say that the denser the material of the carrier, the better, it would be wrong, since not every printer can cope with an overly dense sheet.

The parameters of the permissible density of the manufacturer often indicates on the packaging or in the instructions for the printer.

If we talk about specific numbers, the density of matte paper less than 100g per square meter is not suitable for printing images on this paper, since the ink in this case “wipes” the entire sheet through and the image runs the risk of becoming blurred. It is important to note that this rule is unfair for glossy paper, which, with the same density, is able to absorb virtually the entire ink layer. As the most suitable parameter for photo printing, experts point to a material with a density of about 150 grams per meter squared.

How to choose photo paper for the printer?

As you know, the owners of color printers who like to print photos on them, any kind of paper for printing images is much more expensive than usual. This is explained by the fact that in the process of making such paper, specialized technologies and more expensive substances were used. Experts agree that the choice of photographic paper should, in addition to the above described main parameter, rely on the following criteria:

  • Supported resolution. This parameter is measured in the number of dots per inch, and the detailing of objects located in the photo depends on it.
  • Composition. From this parameter depends on the rate of drying of the finished material, its predisposition to a particular type of printing.
  • Type of coverage. Basically, the choice of type of coating - a matter of taste, but each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example: gloss is more resistant to damage.
  • The size. Depending on what photo size will be printed more often than others, the paper size is also selected.

Important! Modern manufacturers offer their customers the so-called "universal" photo paper, however, it is worth remembering that "universal" does not mean "perfect", and such paper also has its drawbacks.

Based on the above criteria, each owner of a color printer will be able to successfully choose a material suitable for printing.

Watch the video: Black & White Inkjet Printing in three easy steps - from (March 2024).

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