Laser Printer Photo Paper Options

There are a variety of different options when it comes to getting laser printer photo paper. You can have glossy photos, inkjet matte photos, heavy stock between 32 and 58 pounds, laser gloss paper and more. In this article, we will look at some of the finer points of each of these printer papers to help you better understand which one is right for your needs.

Oftentimes many people use laser printer photo paper for professional reasons. While they are not true photo papers in the technical sense, usually people are not able to tell the difference because of the high-resolution results that you can get by using this paper.

Of course, the type of finish as well as the weight of the stock can have a dramatic effect in the outcome. For example, if you used a soft gloss finish, it is going to have a different appearance than something with a matte finish. In any case, the best choice is to use laser printer photo paper that is specified for your type of printer. Oftentimes if you're not getting the printer to produce the images or documents properly, it is because you're using the wrong paper for the printer.

As is the case with some printers, they simply do not have the capability of printing onto glossy photo paper. What happens is that it melts the film covering of the gloss and ruins the paper, and in some cases the printer as well.

There are a variety of specialty papers that have their own purposes. For example, transparency paper is perfect for printing high quality images, or to print graphs and charts that will be utilized on an overhead projector. There is also specialty stock paper for faxing, which typically uses thermal paper.

Typically 32 pound high-gloss laser printer photo paper is used for brochures, business advertising and for general advertising purposes. Graytex papers have a 32 pound high-gloss paper that can be utilized by almost any photo laser printer and it will not melt the gloss.

For a paper that is thicker, more durable and is more reminiscent of a photograph, it would be better to go with a heavier 58 pound stock weight. Of course, if you are getting a printing job done in mass quantities it is wise to consult with a printing shop for the best paper to use as well as getting a sample before a large quantity is printed.

Use these tips in helping you get the right laser printer photo paper. It will give you much better quality results.