Choosing the Right Photo Paper
Every picture tells a story – so do your photos proud by choosing the right paper for stunning results. Consider the make, model and specific technology of your printer, as well as the type of finish you’re aiming for.
Do you want photos for a family album? Wedding or graduation pictures to hang on the wall? Or something for your portfolio? Before buying photo paper, consult your printer manufacturer’s guide (usually found on their website).
You need true photographic paper, not everyday inkjet or laser printing paper. Photo paper looks and behaves differently- it’s brighter, thicker, and more opaque, and has a special coating.
The coating helps the ink dye or pigment to penetrate the paper (or in the case of laser printing, helps the toner to bond to the surface). It guards against the ink spreading or smudging, and reduces drying time. It also protects against fading of the image over time.
Inkjet or laser photo paper? Choose carefully!
Photo paper MUST match your specific type of printer. Photo paper designed for inkjet printers won’t work properly in laser printers, and vice versa. Using the wrong paper can permanently damage your printer. As a general rule, the best paper is the one recommended by your printer manufacturer. You’ll usually find it scores high on image quality, longevity and colour reproduction.
If you decide to use generic paper, remember that inkjet printers can use either pigment or dye-based ink, and you need to get this right too. Go to the paper manufacturer’s website and find a list of printers that work with their papers.
Does the finish matter for photo paper?
A white, glossy finish is the most popular, as it gives sharp images with good contrast and durability. A matt finish is good for cards and invitations, and certain types of arty projects. Semi-glossy is a good compromise and ideal for your everyday photos.
Glossy photo paper is 'shinier' than matt photo paper, reflecting light well.
Glossy photo paper depicts colours more vibrantly and for many, glossy photos are the standard for colour prints that people are used to seeing.
Good to know
Glossy prints do, however, smudge more easily and pick up visible fingerprints and dirt. In situations where photos are going to be handled frequently, you may prefer to print on matt photo paper.
Semi-gloss – or satin – photo paper lies somewhere between matt and glossy finishes. Semi-gloss photo paper has the look and feel of real photographic paper.
Good to know...
Semi-gloss paper reflects less light and is therefore less shiny than glossy photo paper. But the colours still come out rich and vibrant. And the photos can easily be viewed under a strong light – sometimes a problem with glossy finishes. Fingerprints and smudging impacts less too.
Matt photo paper is less 'shiny' than glossy photo paper because it does not reflect light as much. As a result, matt photo paper is easy to view under most light conditions.
Photos printed on matt paper are also less susceptible to visible fingerprinting, smudging, and dirt and dust. This makes them a hardier option if they are going to be passed round a lot.
One the other hand, glossy photo paper flatters more vibrant colours while matt colour photos can appear dull-looking.
When to use matt rather than gloss photo paper
The following types of photos are better suited to matt printing:
- Black & white prints
- Larger prints (5x7 and larger)
- Photos with high wear and tear, handled frequently, kept in a wallet, and so on
- Photos mounted behind glass
Can I get photo paper in any size and weight?
Photo paper comes in various sizes, with the standard 4x6 inches and 5x7 inches a popular choice for albums and scrapbooks. For larger displays, consider 8.5x11 inches, 13x19 inches, or 11x17 inches. There are also different weights (thicknesses) of paper to suit your needs. For photos to last a lifetime, use a premium quality paper.
Does photo paper come in different brightnesses?
The brighter and whiter the paper, the lighter your prints will be. Be aware that some papers use artificial brighteners which can fade to yellow over a long period.
Is photo paper suitable for archivability?
Some photo papers are made to resist deterioration for 100 years or more. Choose this type of paper for that priceless family photo you want to last for your whole lifetime. Archival paper is acid and chlorine free.
Professional and "Platinum" (Canon) qualities are available for the best possible results.
Which GSM weight photo paper do I need?
We recommend 120-150gsm for budget photos that you do not intend to keep for long (flyers and leaflets). 150-200gsm will feel heavier and is suitable for finer prints. Anything over 200gsm is ideal for family photographs, destined for the photo album.
How long does it take for photo paper to dry?
You can handle a photo printed on photo paper as soon as it leaves the printer but, it can take up to 24 hours for the print to dry fully.
Can I print on photo paper on both sides?
Most standard photo paper does not allow you to print on both sides, but we do stock a selection of double-sided photo paper.
Can I print text, as well as photographs, on photo paper?
This is possible on photo paper. However, we do not recommend using photo paper for lengthy text documents, as it is a costly way to print.