is Print Media? Print media consists of paper, envelopes,
cardstock, overhead transparencies, and labels that are used with
printers. Basically, Print Media is anything you print on.
Printers are characteristically required to handle print media of
various paper types. When it comes to choosing the right media
(paper) for the job, consider two key factors: the type of document
you plan to create and the technology you plan to use. Image and
overall document quality depends on using the correct paper type for
the particular printing job and the equipment to be used.
For absolute best results, you need to prepare print media for use
after purchasing it. Print media requires some time to stabilize in
a new environment. To prepare print media, keep it in its protective
packaging and store it in the environment in which it will be used.
For small quantities, like one or two reams, store the print media
for a couple of days. For bigger quantities, or if the shift in the
environment is significant, you may have to wait one week or more
for the print media to stabilize (the media manufacturer's package
instructions will specify this time period). If print media is not
properly ready, the edges in the ream can become crimped or the
sheets might curl soon after the package is opened.
Choosing The Proper Paper
Print media for use with printers are purposely designed for
different uses. Whether printing is to be done using a laser
printer, an inkjet printer, or a dot matrix printer, choosing the
right print media then becomes essential if the best results are to
be expected. Make sure that the print media you choose is something
which works well with the printing technology you intend to use.
Almost all printer paper or media specifies what kind of printer it
is compatible with. Using print media which is not designed for the
particular printing technology can yield very unsatisfactory
Laser Printer Paper
Laser paper, for example, features unique qualities not found in
other print media. Laser paper is designed to withstand the high
temperatures it is subjected to and the toner formulations that are
associated with laser printing technology. Good laser paper should
also not exhibit any curling after printing. High Quality laser
printer paper is also designed to retain the toner for longer
archival periods of time than other paper.
Inkjet Printer Paper
Inkjet paper, as well, is a special type of paper. Inkjet paper has
a special surface that prevents over-penetration of the ink
droplets. Inkjet paper is also designed to resist color mottling or
the appearance of uneven color distribution. The special coating
also helps enhance the inks used in inkjet printers giving the
printout more vibrant color or sharper text.
General Purpose Paper
While general purpose paper can be used for Inkjet and laser
printers, their only advantage is that they are less expensive than
the specialty papers required for laser printing or inkjet printing,
but the results are far less. General purpose paper on the other
hand works well with dot matrix printers.
Some print jobs require paper that exhibits a more impressive look
or feel. Letterhead paper commonly has a watermark and often use
cotton fiber. Unlike copier paper or plain paper, letterhead paper
has a rougher surface.
Be cautious to avoid using tremendously heavy or light paper. Use
paper that is within your printer’s specified basis-weight range, as
shown in the support documentation that came with your printer.
But other than the different types of paper made for each printing
technology, there are other types paper which have been developed
for special uses.
Photo Papers are heavyweight papers ideal for framing and for
professional quality prints. These are surface treated to be
smudge and water-resistant. They are available in glossy, luster,
semi-gloss and matte finishes.
Presentation Papers are used ideally for printing newsletter,
flyers, reports or special presentations containing photos or
Archival Photo Papers
Archival Photo Papers for photo albums are acid free and lignin
free. Some archival photo papers can be stored for more than 100
years without fading.
Greeting Card Papers
Greeting Card Papers are pre-scored cards which are printable on
both sides. Care must be taken with thick folded paper as they
can become jammed in the printer - always make sure you are using
a paper within the limits of your printer's paper path.
Iron-On Transfer Papers are ideal for customizing t-shirts, cotton
placemats, tote bags and more. Images are printed on a special
coated paper which can then be transferred via a regular household
Self Adhesive Printer Papers
Self Adhesive Printer Papers are used for creating signs and
Business Cards and Postcards
Photo Quality inkjet Cards are designed to be used for post cards,
invitations, and announcements. They are printable on both sides
and are made of cardstock that meets the minimum weight
requirement for mailing.
Office Document Papers
Office Document Papers are like regular inkjet papers but are
specially coated to produce vibrant colors. They can be used for
presentations as well.
Inkjet Transparencies are used for overlays and overhead
projectors. The film comes with a special coating that produces
vivid color and clear, crisp text.
Archival Paper is acid free and
lignin free paper that lasts longer than other papers and holds
Bond Paper or Letterhead is a high
quality durable writing paper similar to bank paper but having a
weight greater than 50 g/m2. The name comes from it having
originally been made for documents such as government bonds. It is
now used for letterheads and other stationery and as paper for
Coated Paper is paper which has
been coated by an inorganic compound to impart certain qualities
to the paper, including weight and surface gloss, smoothness or
Colored Paper consists of file
folders, glossy paper, magazines, books, facsimile paper.
Copier Paper/Plain Paper is
basically the same as Bond Paper.Embossed
Paper is a paper on which a raised and/or depressed design
has been produced by pressure, generally between an engraved or
otherwise patterned steel roll.
Glossy Paper is quality paper
designed to make printed photos look sharp, vibrant and more like
a traditional photograph. Handling of glossy paper is important as
the paper can quickly and easily be marred by fingerprints and
dirt. Glossy photo paper comes in several varieties including a
specialty color protect or color life paper, semi-gloss and
premium (professional) grade.)
Heavy paper/Cover Paper/Cardstock
is a heavy, stiff paper with a basic size of 20" x 26". Some cover
paper may have matching book paper with the same colors and
Laser Paper (a smooth paper, with
low moisture content, mostly manufactured in sizes that allow for
use in laser printers and other office equipment.
Preprinted Forms and Letterhead
(Any sheet of paper reproduced in some quantity with some amount
of constant data, to which variable data can be added. Invoices,
with constant company name, address, etc., and variable charges,
are examples of preprinted forms.)
Recycled Paper is a paper product
consisting of 100% recovered fiber. Recovered fiber includes pre-
or post-consumer sources or both.
So the next time you are buying paper, pay careful attention to
the specifications and uses to get the best results from your