COPY PAPER / A4

Copy Paper – how to obtain the perfect print

Choosing the right copy paper can be confusing. With so many different types of copy paper available in various sizes and weights, how can we decide which copy paper is both cost effective and the best for obtaining the perfect printed result? Especially in our eco-conscious age. Protection of the environment, recycling and sustainability are issues which urge ever greater awareness and responsibility in the frequency and number of pages that we really need to print out each time. As a result, when  the decision to print a page is made, it’s only natural that when we hit the PRINT button, we would like to ensure that we haven’t wasted precious time, money and resources. One or two ruined sheets may have a bigger cost… Did you know… that one ream, i.e. 500 sheets of copy paper uses 6 per cent of a tree? Based on past US University research into the standard pulping process, using a mixture of softwood and hardwood trees measuring  40-feet tall and 6 to 8 inches in diameter, it has been calculated that one tree produces 16.6 reams of copy paper. So buying the right copy paper to do the job you want is actually quite a big deal!

Paper Weight

The next most important item to consider is the weight of the paper. Printer paper is produced in standard weights according to the thickness of an individual piece of paper. Each increase in paper weight makes the page more durable but it will run more slowly through the printer. The choice of weight is always important because it is directly related to the type of printing required, as follows:

• 80 gsms  - lightest weight, usually categorised as ‘economy’ paper and perfect for everyday use.
• 90 gsms  - while also used for everyday work, is ideal for colour printing and internal presentations.
• 100 gsms  - often the preferred choice for correspondence, executive documents and mailings.
• 120 gsms  - a high quality paper for presentations, flyers, leaflets, etc

Different paper types

Copy paper – is a lighter weight paper usually 80gsm, which is usually used for printing general office copies or internal communications. There are different brands of paper and a good quality paper will offer an assurance that it will not paper-jam the printer. A cheap quality paper tends to have less tree pulp and more bleaching (whitener) that will rub off on the print rollers causing a higher incidence of paper-jam. Cartridge World Cyprus offers only reliable brands of good quality paper. Laser toner paper -  tends to be reserved for high volume printing of photographs and presentations when a higher quality image is required. The paper surface is hard and smooth with a consistent thickness over the entire page, which is designed to withstand the high temperatures required for fusing toner particles and not warp when running through the printer. Inkjet paper - used for high-quality printing of photographs through an inkjet machine, the paper has a chemical surface coating, which aids ink absorption. The finish not only prevents problems, such as surface smears, it also makes colours appear more accurate and vivid.

Matte or Glossy paper?

Copy Paper – Produces a matte printed finish. Matte photo paper -  Offers an alternative to glossy, allows the ink to dry quickly and is unlikely to smear or become smudged by fingerprints. Glossy photo paper - produces a sharp, vibrant finish, and is typically used for printing photos. Printed sides can stick to each other, so it is important to handle gently until the freshly printed item has dried completely.