...can make the difference between ordinary and great looking prints. So...how do you choose the right paper for your photos ?
As a rule of thumb, the more paper costs, the better it is. Photo papers have a special multi layer coating that speeds up ink drying, lock the ink in and prevents unwanted "bleeding". As a result, better coating usually means a higher quality (and more expensive) photo. Paper is generally graded according to the quality of this coating, as "everyday", "premium", "professional" etc. Each manufacturer uses their own grading system, but these are the three main grades.
Photo papers come in different thickness or weight, usually measured in grams per square metre (GSM). The higher the number, the thicker the paper (and usually more expensive). Check your printer manual for the maximum paper thickness your printer model will accept. Using photo paper that is too heavy may cause paper jams or not feed at all..
Photo paper is available in matt, semi-gloss, glossy and ultra-gloss, so you can achieve different effects with your photographs. Some printer models don't like feeding high gloss paper and may require manual assistance to avoid paper jams.
To get the best from any paper, you have to change the printer settings to suit. If you don't - your printer doesn't know what paper you are using and prints under default "plain paper" settings. Most printers have settings for many different paper types and finishes, as well as for print quality (eg draft, standard, high, best). Don't stress, if the paper you want to use is not on the list, just select the setting that matches your paper description the closest. If you want to use HP premium glossy paper for example, in your Epson printer, select "Epson gloss paper" or "Epson premium gloss paper" from the paper type menu. Try several settings and few different paper grades and paper brands to find the best combination, that suits you and what you are printing.
Tip: Selecting "best quality" and "premium paper" while using cheap glossy paper will not improve the print quality. Picking "too high" paper quality settings will result in more ink being used, than the paper coating can support, resulting in prints that are too dark, distorted colours or even rubbing off the paper when dry.
Avoid "cheap" Chinese photo paper sold at supermarkets and junk shops, it's mostly rubbish.
Note: Only 100x150mm (6x4") photo paper is listed here. A4 is too easily damaged in transport.
Select your paper below... If you need help finding the right paper, or for more information on printer settings, please contact us.
