Best Paper for Printing | The Definitive Guide

9th May 2024
Simon Cross

What Makes Printing Paper Good?

Paper, paper paper. It’s what makes printing good, right? So, today dive in to the world of paper finishes with me and find out how they impact the longevity of your prints – because let's face it, who wants their cherished photos or important documents fading away?

There are many different factors that make the best paper for printing which can include different types of paper, different finishes to paper and finally different.

Does paper finish affect print quality?

There's a reason there are matte, glossy, and satin finishes – they each have their own unique properties that affect how well your prints hold up over time.

In short, the finish of the paper will positively or negatively affect the quality of your printer paper. Think about it, with a protective finish, you are going to have a longer lasting, higher quality print all round.

Matte finish:

I ran a little test on some printing quality for matte paper finishes. While the images were clear when they were first printed, over time, they had noticeably faded. The matte finish, while great for everyday documents, it really doesn't offer much protection against light and humidity, which can cause colours to dull over time.

Overall, I would recommend using matte when you’re considering things like reports, flyers, or anything you'll reference for a short while. It's also the go-to for writing on due to its smooth, glare-free surface.

Glossy finish:

After printing a set of tests using glossy paper for this blog, the colours were absolutely stunning – vibrant and crisp. The glossy finish creates a kind of protective layer, and from what I've seen, these photos are much more likely to resist fading and maintain their quality for years to come.

Let me explain, the shiny glossy coating acts like a shield over the paper. It’s protecting your prints from fading and smudges, therefore keeping those memories vibrant for years to come.

That’s not all. The glossy finishes enhance the visual experience too. The smooth surface allows for richer, more vibrant colours and sharper details, making your photos pop.

Satin finish:

In my final test, I used satin. This provides a finish that offers a bit of an in-between glossy and matte. The sheen added a touch of elegance, and the colours also looked great. However, compared to a true glossy finish, satin might not offer the same level of long-term protection. But, this is a very good alternative, if you simply cannot decide between matte or glossy.

How paper impacts colour quality in your prints

Overview: Explain the impact of paper type on colour reproduction.

There is no secret. The paper absorbs the ink and that’s how it’s printed onto your paper. But in terms of how well the paper absorbs the inks is a totally different story. Believe it or not, the different types of paper and finishes you use will affect your overall print quality.

Choosing the right type of paper for the best print is important. It's not just about printing on any old paper, the type of paper you use actually impacts how your colours pop and how long your prints last.

Key points:

• Matte Finish: The colours on the matte paper appeared slightly muted. The ink seemed to sink into the paper, making them less saturated.
• Glossy Finish: The photos on the glossy paper, however, were pretty damn good. The colours were richer, bolder, and seemed to jump off the page. The glossy finish reflected more light, highlighting the vibrancy of the inks.
• Satin: Now the satin finish surprised me! The colours were richer than the matte and still quite vibrant, and the lack of glare made it a great option for framing and displaying.

Does paper opacity matter for your prints?

Ok, let’s break this down. Opacity refers to how well a paper blocks light. The higher the opacity, the less light passes through, and the more solid your paper appears. Now, this might seem like a minor detail, but trust me, it can make a big difference, especially for certain types of prints.

Why does opacity matter?

• When images or text bleed through from the other side, it creates a cluttered and unprofessional look. It can distract from the main message you're trying to convey, making your document appear sloppy or rushed.
• Bleed-through can also distort the colours of your main content. This is especially true for vibrant colours, which can be muddied or muted by the colours showing through from the back.
• In the worst-case scenario, severe bleed-through can make it difficult to read the text on your document. This is a major no-no for any professional document that needs to be clear and easy to understand.

When is higher opacity important?

For any prints where you have content on both sides, like flyers, brochures, or even some greeting cards, choose paper with high opacity. This ensures your design shines through without any unwanted ghosting from the other side.

My advice: For super vibrant colours and a truly professional look, don't be afraid to explore some of our thicker, heavyweight cardstock options. They offer superior opacity and a luxurious feel that elevates your prints to the next level.

Types Of Printing Paper

My guide to common paper types for everyday use

A4 copier paper (80gsm):

This is the workhorse of the paper world. It's affordable, readily available, and perfect for everyday documents like reports, flyers, or internal memos. It has a smooth surface that works well with most printers and offers decent opacity for single-sided prints.

Multipurpose paper (90gsm):

A step up from  copier paper, multipurpose paper offers a slightly thicker feel (thanks to its higher weight) and a touch more opacity. This makes it a versatile choice for everyday tasks that might require a bit more durability, like presentations, proposals, or brochures.

Matte vs. glossy vs. lustre paper

Matte:

• Offers a smooth, glare-free surface with a subdued, natural look.
• Ideal for documents with text or graphics and artwork where a softer feel is desired.
• Colours appear less vibrant than glossy or lustre finishes.

Glossy:

• Boasts a shiny, reflective surface that makes colours appear richer and more saturated.
• Perfect for photos where you want maximum visual impact.
• Glare can be a concern under bright light and fingerprints might show more easily.

Lustre:

• Strikes a balance between matte and glossy.
• Offers a subtle sheen that enhances colours without the intense reflection of glossy paper.
• A great choice for photos where you want a richer look without the distraction of glare.

In a nutshell:

• Need a classic, glare-free look? Choose matte.
• Want maximum colour pop and vibrancy? Glossy is your way to go (but beware of glare).
• Looking for a happy medium with some colour enhancement? Lustre is the perfect balance.

Cardstock vs. recycled paper

When it comes to choosing paper for projects that require a bit more weight and structure, two options often come to mind: cardstock and recycled paper. But which one is the right fit for you? Let's break down their key differences:

Cardstock:

• Feel: Thick and substantial, offering a professional and high-quality look.
• Applications: Ideal for creating business cards, postcards, brochures, presentation covers, and other projects where durability is important.
• Colour & Finish: Available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured options.
• Environmental Impact: Typically not made from recycled materials.

Recycled Paper:

• Feel: Can vary depending on the type of recycled paper used, but generally has a softer, more textured feel compared to cardstock.
• Applications: A great choice for flyers, letterheads, internal documents, and projects where environmental responsibility is a priority.
• Colour & Finish: Usually limited to a natural or white colour palette, with a matte finish being most common.
• Environmental Impact: Made from recycled materials, reducing environmental footprint.

Which should you choose?

• Need a professional, sturdy paper for business cards, postcards, or brochures? Cardstock is the clear winner.
• Prioritising eco-friendliness for flyers, letterheads, or internal documents? Recycled paper is your champion.
• Considering a high-quality photo print? Neither cardstock nor recycled paper are ideal choices – opt for photo-specific paper for optimal results.

Our guide to specialty papers for every need

Speciality papers boast unique properties that can elevate your creations and open doors to exciting possibilities. So, let's delve into three fascinating options: transfer paper, waterproof paper, and magnetic paper.

Obviously there are many types of printing you can be doing. The best paper for speciality printing can be different to regular printing. That’s why I'm covering this below.

Transfer, waterproof, and magnetic paper + different use cases

Transfer Paper:

What it is:

This ingenious paper allows you to transfer images or text from a printed sheet onto another surface, like fabric, wood, or even metal.

How it works:

There are various types of transfer paper, each with its own application process. Generally, you'll print your design onto the transfer paper using a specific ink, then follow the instructions to heat press or iron the design onto your chosen surface.

Use Cases:

• Personalise t-shirts, tote bags, or other fabric items with custom designs.
• Upcycle furniture or other objects by adding decorative elements.
• Create unique greeting cards or invitations with a personal touch.

Waterproof Paper:

What it is:

This paper is specially treated to resist water damage and maintain its integrity even when exposed to moisture.

How it works:

The paper's coating or manufacturing process makes it water-resistant or even waterproof, depending on the type.

Use Cases:

• Perfect for outdoor signage or menus that might encounter rain or spills.
• Create durable labels for products that could come into contact with water.
• Print waterproof maps or instructions for outdoor activities.

Magnetic Paper:

What it is:

This paper has a magnetic backing that allows it to stick to any metal surface.

How it works:

The paper itself is typically printable, and the magnetic backing allows it to function like a giant magnet.

Use Cases:

• Design eye-catching refrigerator magnets with photos, quotes, or artwork.
• Create innovative business cards or save-the-dates that stick to metal surfaces.
• Develop interactive displays or presentations with magnetic elements.

Best Paper For Printing 2024

Everyday Printing:

Epson A4 Matte Photo Paper

• 167gsm paper thickness
• Pack of 50
• Matte finish

find out more

What's good:

This paper is likely an affordable choice for everyday photo printing or creative projects where cost is a major factor. The matte finish offers a softer, more subdued look compared to glossy  photo paper.

This can be ideal for:

• Photos with a classic or artistic feel.
• Images where you want to reduce glare, such as for framing or displaying under lights.
• This paper should work well with a variety of inkjet printers, making it a versatile option for home printing.

What's not so good:

This paper is on the lighter side compared to some photo paper options. It only weighs around 167 gsm which is a lighter weight.

This can reduce the feeling of sturdiness and potentially cause curling or bending in your prints. You may find larger prints are more prone to this side effect.

This might not be the best choice for:

• Photos or documents you want to preserve for a long time
• Important documents where longevity is crucial
• Due to the lighter weight and lack of information about being optimised for photos, colours might appear less vibrant compared to heavier, glossy photo paper

Photos and Graphics:

IJT A4 Glossy Photo Paper

• 210gsm paper thickness
• Pack of 20
• Glossy finish

find out more

Our review:

This IJT A4 Glossy Photo Paper offers a glossy finish at a potentially affordable price point, making it an interesting option for photographers and graphic designers. The glossy finish delivers vibrant colours and sharp details. The good news for you, I've also written a blog on the  best photo printers for 2024. Have a read when you have a few minutes.

What’s good?

The glossy finish excels at showcasing vibrant colours and sharp details. This is ideal for photos where you want to capture the full spectrum of colours and crispness, or for graphics that rely on high contrast and precision.

This paper weighs around 210 GSM. It gives your photos and graphics a more substantial feel compared to regular printing paper. Overall, this weight provides a good balance between affordability and feeling reasonably sturdy.

What’s not good?

The glossy finish is prone to glare under bright light. This can be a major drawback for photos intended for framing or displaying under lights, as the glare can obscure details and detract from the viewing experience. Although for photos, you are looking to get glossy as it’s best for photo printing.

Brochures and Flyers:

HP ColorChoice A4 Paper

• 100gsm paper thickness
• Pack of 500
• Ideal for everyday printing

find out more

Our review:

The HP FSC Colour Choice A4 White Paper is a very suitable choice for budget-conscious printing of brochures and flyers, especially if quick drying time and good opacity are priorities.

What’s good?

This paper is actually very affordable for the high performance that you get. The value for money is really good with the HP colour choice A4 paper. This opens up a range of benefits which also include:

• High opacity for double sided printing. This paper's opacity is likely sufficient to prevent show-through from the back, ensuring your design stays crisp and clear.
• Because this uses ColorLok Technology, it helps ink dry quickly. This can be beneficial to avoid smudging during printing and handling of brochures and flyers.

What’s not good?

The paper is only 100 GSM which means it’s quite thin. With that being said, flyers don’t need to be ultra thick unless you are wanting to pay a premium price. Some other paper might have a more luxury feel when they are weighted.

CVs and Presentations:

Xerox Performa A4 Printer Paper

• 80gsm paper thickness
• Box of 5 Reams
• Ideal for everyday printing

find out more

The Xerox Performer A4 80gsm paper is a lightweight option available in a bulk pack. Let's see how it stacks up for resumes and presentations. This is one of our favourites here at IJT and you can see why.

What’s good?

• This paper is super budget-friendly. The bulk pack is likely a cost-effective option for everyday printing needs, especially if you go through a lot of paper. We also recommend this to our customers.
• It’s great for everyday printing! Why? The 80gsm weight is suitable for everyday printing tasks like printing emails, drafts, or internal documents.

What’s not good?

• This paper is quite lightweight. Thicker paper feels sturdier and makes a better impression. 80gsm might feel flimsy for these purposes. However, for this type of printing we don’t think it should overly matter.

Adjusting Your Printer Settings for Different Papers

By adjusting your settings, you essentially tell your printer how to best interact with the specific paper you've chosen, optimising  ink cartridge usage and ensuring accurate colour reproduction.

A crucial aspect of getting the most out of your paper is printer calibration. Think of it as fine-tuning your printer's colour vision. Calibration ensures that the colours on your screen accurately translate onto the paper. Without it, vibrant blues might appear muted, or yellows could have a greenish tinge.

Different paper types have varying degrees of ink absorption and surface texture. This can significantly impact colour output. Glossy photo paper, for example, reflects light differently than matte cardstock, affecting how colours appear.

Most printers have built-in calibration routines. Consult your printer's manual to locate and run these routines. They often involve printing test patterns and following on-screen instructions. Consider factors like thickness, ink absorption, and drying time. Thicker paper might require adjustments to avoid jams, while highly absorbent paper might need less ink to prevent bleeding.

Archival Quality Paper

Just quickly, archival paper is made with special ingredients to fight fading, yellowing, and crumbling. This means your paper keeps your photos, documents, and artwork looking amazing for much longer.

How does it work?

• Made with acid-free materials, archival paper prevents the acidic breakdown that causes colours to fade and yellow over time.
• Lignin-free and buffered with alkaline elements, archival paper combats natural paper degradation, keeping your prints strong and flexible.
• Archival paper offers better resistance to light damage, humidity, and atmospheric pollutants, ensuring your prints remain beautiful for longer.

Conclusion

Ok, so there we have it. The best paper for printing. Here’s a quick recap; when choosing your paper, consider the finish (matte for softness, glossy for vibrancy, or satin for a balance). Each one will play a different part in your printing style. Choosing the right one will help you get higher quality prints every time.

Don’t forget to think about the weight (thicker for a more substantial feel and better opacity), and paper type. These will make a difference in the quality of prints and ensure they are right for you.

Understanding how these factors impact your prints will empower you to choose the perfect paper and achieve top-notch printing results, from everyday documents to professional presentations.

Overall, printing paper should be easy to choose between so I hope this guide has helped clear things up and allowed you to choose the right printing paper for your  printer. 

Blog Author: Simon Cross is the engaging and knowledgeable voice behind the insightful articles on printers and printer consumables at IJT Direct, an ecommerce store renowned for its comprehensive selection of printers, printer consumables, and hardware. View Simons author page to find out more about him.