Choosing the Right Paper for Your Office Copier
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from the Business category at
14 May 2025 05:45:52 am.
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Understanding Paper Weight
Paper weight isn’t about how much a sheet weighs. This measurement is actually used as a means of determining the paper’s quality and thickness. Paper weight is measured in pounds, and refers to how much a ream (or 500 sheets) of that paper would weigh; obviously, the thicker and more heavy-duty the paper, the more the ream will weigh. The most common office paper is 20 pounds, which is suitable for everyday prints; anything less than this, and you’re buying a low-quality paper that could leave dust and paper particles behind, damaging your machine.
If you’re printing presentations, marketing materials, or other documents that need a more professional, sturdier look, consider a paper that’s 24 pounds or heavier. Heavier paper feels more substantial when it’s being handled, and is less likely to rip or curl.
Consider Paper Brightness
The brightness of your paper can actually affect how vivid your prints appear. Paper brightness is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating brighter, whiter paper. Standard office paper usually has a very high brightness, between 92 and 96. If you want sharp text and high-contrast graphics, choose a higher brightness level.
Matching Paper Type to the Job
Under the umbrella of “standard” office paper, there are still several different types to choose from. It’s important to match the paper type you choose to both the copier you have in the office and the print job you’re performing.
Multipurpose paper is best for everyday, internal use, while glossy paper should be reserved for brochures, flyers, and high-end documents. Laser paper is coated for high-heat copiers (i.e., laser printers) and is the ideal choice for crisp text and graphics. Inkjet paper is designed to absorb liquid ink without smearing, making it the better choice for inkjet printers.
Check Copier Compatibility
Not all paper is suitable for all copiers. As already mentioned, there are special papers for inkjet and laser printers. However, you should also consider any specifications in your copier’s manual pertaining to the type of paper you should use. Some copiers will list a minimum paper weight, for example. Or, if you’re printing with a specialty type of paper (like legal sized sheets), you need to ensure that your machine is capable of handling these sizes.
Even the best office copier in Anchorage, AK, can turn out bad prints and copies if you’re using the wrong paper, so be sure to choose the paper you use carefully.
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