How to Choose Printer Paper: Complete Guide to HP Paper Types
The right printer paper depends on your project: use 20-24 lb everyday paper for documents, 28-32 lb business paper for professional materials, and 65+ lb photo paper with glossy or satin finish for images. Understanding paper weight, finish, and printer compatibility ensures optimal print quality and prevents common issues like jamming or ink bleeding.
With so many options available online for something that may seem trivial—like the types of paper for printing—it's quite easy to get overwhelmed. As the market gets flooded with more types of paper, with varying weights, coatings, and finishes, it's surprisingly hard to find the right sheets for your projects. Each printing assignment comes with its own requirements, whether you're printing school assignments, family photos, or everyday documents.
If you stick with us through this article, you'll learn everything you need to know to make this decision easier. We'll guide you through paper weights, finishes, and compatibility for your needs. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and the range of papers from HP to streamline your workflow without any guesswork.
Understanding Paper Weights and What They Mean
Before we dive into the specifications of printing paper, let's talk about the hallmark of differentiating paper: paper weight. At its core, weight describes how heavy a single sheet of paper is, often denoted in pounds (lb) or GSM (grams per square meter), which directly impacts the feel of the paper and how it handles toner or ink, changing its performance within your printer. Heavier sheets are often better for documentation as they're more durable and thicker, making them more absorbent of ink.
However, most typical everyday document papers come in at around 20 lb or 75 GSM, making them less durable and often only good for quick prints that you aren't expecting much longevity from. We often suggest stepping up the weight for your home printing setup to 24 lb or 28 lb, as heavier paper resists curling and looks higher quality overall.
Which Weights Are Best for Which Use?
Here is a quick breakdown of which weight of paper is best for different use cases in the US:
- For everyday printing: 20-24 lb is sufficient
- For brochures, color prints, or double-sided material: 28-32 lb is preferred
- For photos: Coated paper of at least 65 lb is used
Although thinner paper can work well, especially for quick print jobs, remember that if the paper is too thin, your printer will be more prone to jams, warping, and ink bleed-through. On the other hand, heavier paper may not feed properly in some machines, so be sure to check your printer's specifications before deciding on the required weight.
Paper Finishes: Glossy, Matte, and Satin Explained
After we've figured out what the weight of the paper signifies, it's time to focus on the finishes available to us. These finishes determine the texture and final appearance of your print, making it an important decision during the paper selection process. Especially if your job involves printing color or photos, the finish can make a world of difference. Here are a few finishes available on the market, along with what they're best suited for:
Glossy Finish
The first finish on the list is the glossy finish that offers a smooth, shiny surface that amplifies color saturation and the overall aesthetics of visual prints. These papers are most suitable for graphics or photo prints—anything with vibrant hues to showcase. One good example of such paper is the HP Premium Plus Photo Paper, which comes in Glossy 80 lb, designed for full-bleed photo output.
Matte Finish
On the other side of the glossy finish is the matte finish paper that offers a non-shiny surface that removes glare from the equation while providing a perfect, clear surface for text. This finish is best suited for documentation where readability is of utmost importance or where documents will be viewed under strong light.
Satin Finish
Finally, we have the semi-gloss finish that combines the benefits of matte and glossy finishes without bringing on the cons of either. These papers are best suited for projects where you want rich colors for all the visuals but cannot compromise on the quality of the text. This finish offers less reflection than the gloss finish while providing a solid surface for text, making it perfect for presentations, brochures, or mixed-use printing.
The Three Main Paper Categories for Home and Office
When you're selecting paper for home use, you'll find it in three functional categories, combining the weight and finishes we already discussed. These categories make it much easier for you to pick out the paper, as they're categorized based on their use rather than their specifications. Additionally, HP has premium papers in each category to provide you with the highest quality prints regardless of your preferred use.
Photo Paper
Photo paper is heavier paper, often coming in at more than 65 lb and offering a coated finish—gloss or satin based on your needs—and can be used with inkjet printers. The Advanced Photo Paper, Glossy (65 lb), and the HP Premium Plus Photo Paper even come with HP-optimized surfaces, making HP ink adhere cleanly to the paper and producing rich colors and sharp details.
Business Paper
Business paper is high-brightness matte finish paper designed to provide unmatched visibility and readability for documentation. Sometimes offering double-sided print capabilities, this paper is ideal for marketing materials and important documents that won't be as effective with glossy paper. The best example of such paper is the HP Heavyweight Project Paper, which offers an ultra-bright and crisp feel, perfect for professional outputs.
Everyday Paper
Finally, we have your everyday paper like HP's MultiPurpose20 or the HP BrightWhite range that works with all types of printers and provides excellent output for both text and visual documents. This paper is lighter and mostly used for everyday printing, where longevity or visuals aren't of utmost importance.
All of these papers offered by HP are FSC®-certified and recyclable, offering an eco-friendly choice.
Matching Paper to Your Printer Type
Now that we know everything we need to know about the types of papers we have at our disposal, let's talk about the machine you'll be using to complement these papers: the printer. Two major types of printers have been on the market for a while now—inkjet and laser printers. Here's a quick look at both of them:
Inkjet Printers
The most common type of printer, the inkjet, uses liquid ink and fires it at the paper, which then absorbs to form text or visuals. It's necessary to check the specifications of your paper type to see if it works well with inkjet printers, as some papers may not be able to completely absorb the ink, which can lead to bleeding and smudging.
This is why most HP papers are made compatible with this printer to make quality printing available to everyone. However, you'll still need to keep an eye on ink levels in case you run out, unless you're on HP Instant Ink Plans.
Laser Printers
Laser printers use toners and a heat-infusion process to make visuals and text appear on the paper. For such printers, it's important to use heavier paper that can resist curling, as heat-treated paper can lead to curves or shrinkage. While many everyday papers work for both types, photo papers designed solely for inkjet may not suit lasers.
Common Questions About Printer Paper
What does paper weight mean?
It indicates the thickness and density of the sheet. Heavier-weight paper usually means better feel and quality, fewer issues with bleed or show-through, and more professional output.
What's the difference between inkjet and laser paper?
Inkjet paper is optimized to absorb liquid ink without smudging or bleeding. Laser paper must withstand the heat of the toner-fusing process and resist deformation. Some papers are compatible with both, but photo papers often target one type.
Can I use photo paper in any printer?
Not always—you have to make sure your printer supports heavy weights and the finish you choose. Using glossy heavy paper in a printer not suited for it may cause feeding issues or poor results. Always check your printer's manual to verify compatibility.
What paper is best for printing documents?
For everyday documents, standard weight (20 lb) uncoated or lightly coated paper is sufficient. For more professional-looking documents or double-sided use, stepping up to 24-28 lb business paper adds feel and durability.
Does paper quality affect print results?
Absolutely. Poor quality paper can lead to faded colors, uneven ink absorption, curling, jams, or off-color prints. Better papers are designed to work with your printer and ink/toner to deliver optimum results.
Conclusion and Paper Selection Tips
With all this information, choosing the right paper won't be a confusing decision for you anymore. All you need to do is focus on the three categories and their uses, and you can find the perfect paper for your needs. Remember:
- Photo paper for graphics and photographs
- Business paper for documentation printing
- Everyday paper for everything else
Explore HP's complete paper range to find the perfect match for your home-printing workflow. With the right sheet beneath your print, you'll see better results, fewer issues, and ultimately more satisfaction from your printer investment.
1672941789888167.jpg)
