Photo Paper Density for Inkjet Printers

Despite the fact that both manufacturers and repairmen unanimously speak about the importance of choosing high-quality consumables for office equipment, emphasizing their importance in the high-quality and durable operation of inkjet printers, many still do not pay due attention to this issue. In addition, high-quality “consumables” also affect the printing itself. For example, if you use photo paper that is too thin for a color printer, then when printed, the colors will be fused and the image will be blurry. What paper density parameter is considered optimal?

What is the thickness of photo paper?

Paper density is usually measured and specified by the manufacturer in grams per square meter. There is a widely held misconception among printer owners 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 media depends on:

• Print detailing
• Durability of the resulting materials
• Wear resistance of the material
• Printer ink absorbency

Important! It would be wrong to say that the denser the media material, the better, since not every printer can handle an overly dense sheet.

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

If we talk about specific numbers, then the density of matte paper less than 100 g per square meter is not suitable for printing images on this paper, since the ink in this case will “wet” the entire sheet through, and the image risks becoming blurry. It is important to note that this rule is not fair for glossy paper, which, at the same density, can absorb virtually the entire layer of ink. Experts point to a material with a density of about 150 grams per square meter as the most suitable density parameter for photo printing.

How to choose photo paper for your printer?

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

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

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

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