Choosing the right paper can make the difference between a mediocre printout and a professional-looking document. Yet many printer users grab whatever paper is cheapest without considering how paper characteristics affect their results. Understanding paper types empowers you to match your media to your purpose, achieving better quality while potentially saving money by not using premium paper when standard stock will suffice.
This guide covers everything from basic paper terminology to specific recommendations for common printing tasks. Whether you're printing business documents, family photos, or creative projects, you'll learn which paper delivers the best results.
Understanding Paper Weight
Paper weight is one of the most important specifications, yet it's also one of the most confusing. In Australia, we typically measure paper weight in grams per square metre (gsm or g/m²). This tells you how heavy a single sheet of that paper would be if it measured one metre by one metre.
Common Weight Categories
- 60-75 gsm: Lightweight paper, often used in newspapers and budget notepads. Too thin for most home printing.
- 80 gsm: Standard office paper weight in Australia. Suitable for everyday printing and copying.
- 90-100 gsm: Premium office paper. Feels more substantial and works better for double-sided printing.
- 120-160 gsm: Presentation paper and lightweight card. Good for brochures, flyers, and certificates.
- 200-300 gsm: Card stock and premium photo paper. Used for business cards, postcards, and high-quality photo prints.
- 300+ gsm: Heavy card stock. Typically requires manual feeding and may not work with all printers.
Did You Know?
Most home printers can handle paper from about 60 gsm to 220 gsm. Check your printer's specifications before attempting to print on heavier stock, as forcing thick paper through can damage feed mechanisms.
Paper Finish and Coating
The finish of paper describes its surface texture and appearance. Different finishes serve different purposes and interact with ink in distinct ways.
Matte Finish
Matte paper has a flat, non-reflective surface. It's the most versatile finish and works well for text documents, reports, and prints that will be viewed under varying lighting conditions. Matte finishes don't show fingerprints easily and are comfortable to read. For photographs, matte paper produces softer, more artistic-looking images with muted colours and no glare.
Glossy Finish
Glossy paper has a shiny, reflective coating that makes colours appear more vibrant and blacks deeper. It's the traditional choice for photographs, producing crisp images with rich colour saturation. However, glossy paper shows fingerprints easily, produces glare under bright lights, and isn't suitable for double-sided printing as ink doesn't adhere well to the coated back surface.
Semi-Gloss and Satin
These finishes offer a middle ground between matte and glossy. They provide good colour reproduction with reduced glare compared to full gloss. Semi-gloss paper is increasingly popular for photo printing, especially for images that will be handled frequently or displayed in frames without glass.
Key Takeaway
For everyday photos you'll handle and share, semi-gloss or satin finish offers the best balance of colour vibrancy and practicality.
Paper Types by Purpose
Standard Copy Paper
The workhorse of any office, standard copy paper (typically 80 gsm) is designed for everyday printing and photocopying. Look for paper labelled for both laser and inkjet use if you have multiple printer types. Higher brightness ratings (measured on a scale of 1-100) indicate whiter paper that produces better contrast. Most quality copy paper rates between 92-100 brightness.
For important documents or double-sided printing, upgrade to 90-100 gsm paper. The extra weight prevents show-through and feels more professional in hand.
Photo Paper
Photo paper is specifically engineered to work with inkjet printers, featuring special coatings that absorb ink quickly and prevent bleeding. It's available in various sizes from 4x6 inches (10x15cm) for snapshots up to A3 for large prints.
When selecting photo paper, consider the intended use:
- Everyday photos: Standard glossy or semi-gloss, 200-230 gsm
- Professional/archival prints: Premium glossy or lustre, 250-300 gsm with fade-resistant coating
- Art reproductions: Fine art matte paper, often cotton-based for texture
Compatibility Warning
Inkjet photo paper should never be used in laser printers. The heat from laser printing can melt the coating, damaging both the print and potentially the printer's fuser unit.
Cardstock
Cardstock refers to heavier paper, typically 160 gsm and above. It's used for business cards, invitations, postcards, and craft projects. When purchasing cardstock, verify your printer's maximum paper weight specification. Many home printers struggle with anything above 200 gsm.
For best results with cardstock, use your printer's manual feed tray rather than the main paper cassette. This provides a straighter paper path and reduces the risk of jams.
Specialty Papers
Beyond the basics, numerous specialty papers serve specific purposes:
- Transfer paper: For printing designs to iron onto fabric
- Sticker/label paper: Self-adhesive sheets for creating custom stickers and labels
- Transparency film: Clear sheets for overhead projectors (less common now)
- Waterproof paper: Synthetic papers that resist water and tearing
- Resume paper: Premium paper with subtle textures for important documents
Matching Paper to Printer Technology
Inkjet and laser printers work differently, which affects paper selection.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto paper. They work best with papers that have some absorbency to accept the ink without excessive bleeding or feathering. Inkjet-specific papers have coatings optimised for this purpose. Standard copy paper works adequately, but you'll notice better results with inkjet-optimised stock.
Laser Printers
Laser printers use heat and pressure to fuse toner powder to paper. They work well with most standard papers but require smooth surfaces for optimal toner adhesion. Avoid papers with heavy texture or special coatings designed for inkjet use. Laser-specific photo papers exist but are less common than inkjet alternatives.
Practical Buying Tips
Paper quality varies significantly between brands and price points. Here's how to make smart purchasing decisions:
- Read specifications: Don't just look at price per ream. Check gsm, brightness, and printer compatibility.
- Buy appropriate quantities: Paper is cheaper in bulk, but only buy what you'll use within a year to prevent degradation from humidity.
- Store properly: Keep paper in its wrapper until use. Store in a climate-controlled area, not in damp garages or hot attics.
- Test before committing: Before buying large quantities of specialty paper, purchase a small pack to test with your specific printer.
- Consider recycled options: Modern recycled paper offers excellent quality while reducing environmental impact. Look for papers with high post-consumer recycled content.
Understanding paper types transforms how you approach every print job. By matching your paper to your purpose, you'll achieve better results, reduce frustration with paper jams and quality issues, and make more economical choices. Your printer can only work with what you feed it—give it the right paper, and it will reward you with superior output.