Printer Paper 101

All paper is not created equal. Even a preschooler can tell you that. There's paper for finger-painting, and paper for drawing on and paper for crayons and paper for writing. Printer paper is specifically designed and manufactured to give a crisp, sharp print when used with an ink jet printer.

When I worked as an office manager, we generally ordered reams of lower cost copy paper to use for every day documents and copying. But the process that's used to print from a copier is completely different from the one that an ink jet printer uses. Documents printed by an ink jet printer on copy paper rather than on printer paper will not be as crisp or clear as if the appropriate printer paper had been used.

The reason? Copiers use what's called a 'dry print' process. The 'ink' used in copiers is actually a magnetically charged dry powder that is fused to the paper by passing it through heated rollers. Because it's dry, the 'ink' isn't absorbed by the paper. Ink jet printers, on the other hand, use 'wet' ink - real liquid - that is sprayed in minute drops on the printer paper.

Ink jet printer paper has a light coating on the surface of the paper to prevent the ink from being absorbed and spread by capillary action. Since copier ink is dry, copier paper has no need for the coating. When you print on printer paper, the ink soaks in, causing a slight reduction in the crispness of the print as the ink 'bleeds' a little.

Printer paper is also available in many different weights and brightness’s. White printer paper isn't just white printer paper. The brightness of the white is defined in a 'brightness' rating - the higher the brightness rating, the whiter the paper. Standard copy paper is generally 84 brightness - it may look white, but it's not quite as white as standard printer paper, which is commonly 90 or 92 brightness.

The difference is clear if you compare a sheet of copy paper and a sheet of printer paper - each printed on the same ink jet printer. The copy on printer paper will be sharper, cleaner and more professional looking.

The weight of printer paper is measured in 'sheets per pound'. The fewer sheets per pound, the heavier the paper weight. A 24 pound paper is a good weight for most office uses.

You can also purchase printer paper for a wide variety of uses in many colors and weights. Specialty printer papers can be used to print labels, fabric transfers, stickers and cards. For the best, most professional results, order paper that is best suited for its intended use.

For more information on printer paper or to select from a range of printer supplies and products choose from the following:

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