Today, many are used to viewing photos from a computer screen, phone or tablet. But there is nothing nicer than flipping a real photo album with friends. To print photos yourself, you need an inkjet color printer and special photo paper. On simple office sheets, the image spreads out, becomes not clear, and the colors are distorted.
Important Criteria for Choosing an Inkjet Photo Paper
There are several basic criteria to consider when choosing photo paper for an inkjet printer.
Density
Color images require thicker paper than text prints. Density is measured g / m2. For printing text documents, usually up to 120 g / m2 is enough, and for printing, a density of 150 g / m2 is already needed. On paper of sufficient density, a photograph or illustration will be printed more efficiently. Photo paper consists of several layers - from 3 to 10, a larger number of layers provides higher print quality.
IMPORTANT! The paper weight must be selected for a specific printer model, restrictions on density are prescribed in the instructions for the device.
Resolution
In proportion to the density is the resolution with which you can print the image. Resolution is measured in dots per inch, that is, in dpi. Paper with a density of up to 150 g / m2 has a resolution of 2880 dpi, with this indicator the image will not have high definition and detail.
With a density of 150 g / m2, the resolution will be from 5760 dpi, which will affect the detail, color contrast and clarity in general. High-density paper has, respectively, and high resolution.
Composition
Photo paper has from three to ten layers. First comes a waterproof substrate that prevents ink from leaking out and prevents the sheet from deforming. Then follows a cellulosic base into which dyes are absorbed. And on top of the sheet is the receiving layer. These are the main three layers, but depending on the type of photo paper and its density, there are more layers.
Nature of coverage
By the type of coating, there are three main categories:
- matte;
- glossy, semi-gloss and supergloss;
- with a microporous and gel layer, for protection, in some cases, coated with a glossy finish.
REFERENCE! Type designations: Glossy-Glossy, Matte-Matte, Superglossy-Super-Glossy, Semi-glossy-Semi-Glossy.
Matte coatings have both strengths and weaknesses. Pros: glare in the sun does not appear on them, the top layer is resistant to minor damage, fingerprints do not remain on it. By cons include fading, with a long exposure to light. Therefore, photos with a matte finish are better to immediately laminate or put in a photo frame.
Glossy coated photo paper is denser than matte. Advantages of glossy paper, resistant to moisture and fading. The picture on this type of paper is more contrasting and more saturated in color. The disadvantages include: the instability of the upper layer to damage and the fact that fingerprints are very visible on it. In addition, the glossy surface catches glare from light sources, which somewhat interferes with viewing an image or photograph.
Supergloss paper compares favorably with other types. Printed images are more saturated.
The size
The sheets for printing need to be selected by size depending on the technical capabilities of the inkjet printer. Commonly used formats are A6 (10x15 cm), A5 (15x21 cm) and standard A4 sheet format. On professional printers, A3 sheets (30x42 cm) are also used. Paper is also produced in special rolls.
Many modern printers support any user size that is set in the settings. And you can cut out the appropriate size yourself from A4 sheet and start printing.
ATTENTION! Before you start printing on sheets of one size or another, make sure that your printer supports the format you are printing on. And carefully read the instructions. Improper use of the printer can lead to unforeseen consequences.
Which photo paper is best for inkjet printers
Many office equipment manufacturers recommend using only original consumables (paper, ink) for inkjet printers. Each manufacturer produces consumables so that they blend perfectly with each other. If you use original ink and paper, the quality of printed images will be a level higher than the quality of photographs for which other consumables were used.
Original paper, of course, costs more and not everyone wants to spend money on it. There are many manufacturers who produce pretty high-quality photo paper. And amateur pictures come out well on her. Among the leading manufacturers, Lomond paper stands out for its high quality. The line is represented by glossy, matte and even designer paper of the Art series.
From cheaper manufacturers stand out with a quality product from Colorway, Barva, BBM. Of course, for professional shots it is better to use paper of the same manufacturer as the printer, but for amateur printing, paper from the above brands that have worked well will be enough.
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