Paper choice is incredibly important when it comes to ensuring the quality of a printed piece. The type of paper you choose can have a significant impact on the presentation and quality of your printed document. With so many different types, sizes, and attributes to consider, it can be difficult to determine the correct paper to use with your standard office printer. Read on for a printer paper buying guide and learn more about the best paper options for your small business printer.
Printer paper can come in a variety of weights and finishes. You need to understand the difference between them to ensure you choose the correct type of paper for your printing needs.
Paper finish refers to whether the paper is coated or uncoated. There are a variety of coating finishes and specialized uncoated papers, but all paper falls into one of these two categories.
Paper weight in the United States is typically measured in pounds (lb), which is the actual weight of 500 sheets of the “basis size” of paper you are referencing. Even after the paper is trimmed to a smaller size, it is still categorized by the weight of its basis size sheet. Since the basis size may vary, comparing paper weights can be tricky.
The higher the number of pounds (weight), the thicker the paper. Below are some general examples of different weights of paper.
With all the different attributes to make things easier, it’s important to first compare products of the same paper type and then compare paper weights.
Text stock or bond stock refers to the standard copy paper used by offices for daily printing. It is found in 16lb, 20lb, 24lb, 28lb, 32lb, and 36 lb weights. It might also be called copy paper, xerox paper, or basic office paper.
You do not have to sacrifice quality when it comes to helping reduce your carbon footprint. There are countless types of high quality recyled printer paper that can be used for every kind of project. Recycled paper does not have to look recycled either! It comes in a variety of shades and feels as fine as non-recycled paper.
All types of paper can be found in a variety of sizes. Below are the common sizes used, but keep in mind that most multifunction printers can handle a much wider variety:
Overall, taking a little extra time to pick the right printer paper will yield the best results.
Common sizes of sheet paper known as North American sheet sizes are used throughout the printing industry in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Parent sheet sizes are the large standard sheets which are then cut into smaller sheets. The majority of bond, ledger, writing, offset, book, and text papers are available in one or more of these sizes:
The North American cut sheet sizes are so familiar that even users in other countries are familiar with them. They are frequently mentioned in software programs and are familiar to most people within the workforce. These are the three common cut sheet sizes:
Paper weight has a tremendous impact on the quality of the finished product. It can affect things like:
Printing with heavier weights can unlock new dimensions for printing in an office. However, just because a small business printer can print, scan, and copy, it does not mean it is designed to handle weights far beyond the range of bond stock. Unfortunately, it is not a one size fits all situation when it comes to printer paper and small business printers.
To identify a good small business printer for heavier paper stocks, look for:
Modern business printers usually indicate whether or not they are designed to handle heavier papers. If it does not mention anything about card stocks or heavier paper weights, it is safe to assume the device is meant for standard copy paper and not much else.
An enterprise-level multifunction printer will often have a unique feed path dedicated to thick or specialty papers. It will usually be a front or back feed, meaning that the paper tray will stick out a little when it is loaded. A dedicated feed path ensures that the paper will not get folded, which can prove more damaging to heavier paper weights.
A small business printer designed to handle a variety of paper sizes, weights, and stocks will come with adjustable settings. Take a minute to look through the printer’s settings to determine if it is meant to handle variable paper types.
Specialty papers such as bristol stock and tag stock, which is usually heavier with more unique finishes, will need to be printed on production equipment.
It’s drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. It provides a stiff, strong surface to work on without the need for mounting. It has a fabric-like feel and generally, there are two types of surfaces: smooth and vellum. Bristol stock is used for formal occasions and sometimes certificates. It is found in 67 or 120pound weights.
Generally, a thicker, more durable paper than normal writing or printing paper, but is thinner and more flexible than other forms of paper. Stiff, heavy paper from which business cards or similar materials are made. It is found in 50, 80, 90, 120, and 130pound weights.
Index stock differs from cardstock in that it often lacks the protective coatings found on cardstock (like those that make business cards shiny), making it not as thick as cardstock. It’s a durable workhorse at most commercial printing companies. It is found in similar weights as card stock (50, 80, 90, 120, and 130pound weights).
Tag stock is a thick, stiff, utility-grade card stock designed for making signs or product tags that will see heavy use. It’s tear-resistant and can stand up to frequent handling and bending. It is available in 100, 150, and 200pound weights.
Today’s printing market offers a variety of options to assist businesses with delivering an impactful and professional presentation in their printed documents. By choosing the right small business printer, a company can create quality print jobs, with the help of various paper stocks and weights.
Choosing the best printer for a small business can be a chore – with RJ Young as a trusted partner, it is not. Contact RJ Young today to discover your best options.