Picking Paper for Your Printer, Copier and Fax Machine

Does you fax machine, printer or copier not print and perform the way it should to give you quality work? Do you think that it is time to buy a new one? Well, I have good news for you because it is probably not that machine, but the paper you use with it instead. Each machine runs more effectively with a certain type of paper.

Standard paper is usually best for fax machines and regular copiers. Color copiers work best with a heavier weight paper such as 24lb paper and up. Smooth paper is great for laser printers while textured paper is best for inkjet (bubblejet) printers.

It is also important to understand the importance of the brightness value of paper as well. The higher the brightness value, the greater the contrast and sharper the image will be. Standard paper has a brightness value of 84 while bright white will have a brightness value of 87-90. Premium paper had the highest brightness value which is 92. So, if you are wanting to print out some family photos you would need the premium paper.

The moisture content of paper is also very important and plays a big role in how the print will look and stay on the paper. Paper used with laser printers and copiers tend to have a higher moisture content so that the paper can tolerate high heat and hold dry toner better. The paper used for inkjet printers is usually lower in moisture content so that the ink will dry faster and it will prevent smearing of the wet ink.

The most common problems with a copier is distorted copies or images, paper curling and/or paper jams, and smudges of toner on the paper. All of these problems can be solved with just changing the paper that you are using. If distorted or copied images is your problem then a paper with a higher moisture content is the answer. The higher moisture content will reduce static cling and will hold the toner better. Stiffer heavier paper will prevent curling and jamming. Using a paper that is smooth will reduce the chances of smudged toner.

The most common problems with laser printers are blurred images, lack of crispness, curling, and the print showing through on double sided prints. Choosing a paper with an ultra-smooth finish will prevent blurring, while extra bright will provide crisper/clearer prints. A paper with high moisture content will prevent smudging and curling. For double sided prints and heavyweight paper should be uses so that the print will not show through.

Common problems with an inkjet printer include smudging, dull or unclear coloring, ink puddles which cause waffles in the paper, and bleeding or feathering when the ink is absorbed. A paper with a low moisture content will allow the ink to dry faster as well as prevent smudging. A premium paper will make the print more clear and less dull. Heavyweight paper will absorb the ink better while laying flat and smooth preventing ink puddles and waffling of the paper. A textured paper will prevent the bleeding and feathering of ink.

If your office equipment is not providing quality prints and the work you desire, then try changing the paper in the machine before buying a new one. The suggestions in this article will work 90% of the time but as we all know, office equipment does get old and has to be replaced once in a while. If your office equipment is fairly new and you are experiencing any of these problems, then more than likely it is the paper that is being used. If it is older equipment, try playing around with the type of paper you are using and if it does not get better then it may be time for a new one.