Number 206 - July 2000

Printer Paper--What's the Difference?
by Alicia King Padgett, Fresno PC Users Group
You've finally got a great color printer with 600 to 1200 dpi (Dots per Inch) capability for text and graphics and you can't wait to start printing. According to the manufacturer it should be able to print photo quality graphics and crisp text files. However, when you actually print something, it seems the print quality is no better than with your old printer. Eventually, you look with envy at your friend's printouts and sigh "Someday I'll be able to afford a high quality printer like theirs." But wait, maybe the problem isn't the printer... perhaps it's the paper.     Let's take a look at the basics of different printers: An impact printer uses a mechanical hammering device to produce each character by forcing a metal or plastic form against an inked ribbon to produce an image on paper. The characters may be on a moving bar, a rapidly rotating chain, a rotatable ball, or even a spoked wheel. A dot matrix printer uses a matrix of tiny pins that, when struck, impart a set of dots to form a wide variety of characters. Graphics may be created by using different dot combinations. Bubble-jet printers (or ink-jet printers) squirt heated ink through a matrix of holes to form characters. These small ink droplets are electrostatically sprayed from a nozzle onto the paper. Laser printers form an image of the output on a selenium-coated drum using laser light according to data from the computer. The image is then transferred to the output from the drum using photocopying techniques. Thermal-wax-transfer printers and dye-sublimation printers use heat to transfer color pigment from a ribbon to a special paper to produce photographic quality color images.     Inkjet (bubblejet) printers are very affordable for home use. In the store the printouts may look incredible but when you get home, somehow the printer just doesn't seem to have the same print quality. Most of the time the problem is not the printer, it's the paper. Most people try out several different kinds of photocopy, laser printer, or inexpensive inkjet papers. When an inkjet printer sprays onto these papers, the ink is wicked by the fibers causing an effect known as bleeding. Some inks spread to the sides or the back of the paper making the image less sharp. When the ink bleeds, it isn't all on top of the paper, some has soaked in. This is easy to check by turning the sheet over. If the ink is starting to come through or the front appears lighter, grayed-out, or feathered as though you were printing with diluted ink, you probably have the wrong paper.     To get good quality printouts with an inkjet printer you need to use coated paper stock. A single coated paper is not enough, as it is formulated to keep the ink from getting into the paper fiber but doesn't have the best ink adhesion or reflectivity. Quality printouts need a second coating on top of the ink barrier coating. The second coating optimizes viewing by reflecting light back to set off the colors. The second coat also provides a base to adhere the ink. To put it more simply you need a primer coat and a finish coat to generate a quality printout.     Two options controlled by most inkjet printers are configuration for the "Media Type" and "Print Quality". "Media Type" controls the amount of ink set down on the media. It DOES NOT control or affect the resolution. "Print Quality" controls the "Resolution" of the images printed.     Now you know what type of paper to use, lets see what some of the other manufacturing terms mean! Basis Weight - the weight of a ream of paper in the Basic Size for that grade (e.g. 500 sheets of Sub. 20 Bond paper in its basic size, 17x22 in., would weigh 20 lb.) Bond Paper - paper manufactured usually for stationery, letterheads or forms. Distinguishable in the more popular grades by a watermark and excellent writing surface. Brightness - the measurement of a paper's light reflective qualities that affect contrast and halftone reproduction. Coated Paper - paper with a coated surface that gives the paper a smooth finish. Finish - the special characteristics of a paper's surface, which differ from grade to grade. High, low and textured finishes, for example, exhibit varying degrees of smoothness, ink receptivity and printability. Ink Holdout - the ability of the paper to keep ink on its surface rather than absorb it into the sheet ( e.g., paper with good ink holdout would require less ink and exhibit less "feathering" than a highly absorbent paper).	Ink Receptivity - the degree to which a paper resists or accepts ink penetration based on variations in its size and coating. Laser Papers - papers suited for optimum performance on heat fused, high-resolution, laser printers used in desktop publishing. (Not recommended for inkjets) Ream - 500 sheets of paper, regardless of size.     What are some of the specialty papers available for inkjet printers? HIGH RESOLUTION: Coated 24 lb paper provides distinct crisp details and colors for graphics, text and photographic images. This paper has a non-resin coating and provides exceptional results at an economical cost. ULTRA RESOLUTION: Coated 27 lb paper provides a sturdier platform for intense graphics and color applications which would saturate lighter papers. It provides a thicker media while maintaining an economical cost. PHOTO GLOSSY: Photographic coated paper provides a heavy surface for "true" photo applications. Gives images a glossy photographic appearance. This paper may also be obtained with an extra coating that bonds with the ink to provide a waterproof image. OPAQUE WHITE GLOSSY FILM: Synthetic film providing a durable media for Photo applications. A thin polyester material provides stability for hostile environments and also provides for exceptional color and detail. CLEAR TRANSPARENCY FILM: A clear polyester base coated with a specifically formulated quick dry emulsion for optimum performance. Produces bright colorful overlays and presentation foils. T-SHIRT TRANSFER: An iron on product that utilizes a "cool-release" process to maximize image detail and color transfer. Look for an easy-to-use product with easy-peel backings and machine-washability. ULTRA-VIOLET T-SHIRT TRANSFER: This product provides a unique transfer. In addition to color transfers, the Ultra-Violet transfer actually changes color when exposed to sunlight! When sunlight is removed the image returns to the natural state. SILVER REFLECTIVE FILM: A polyester based silver film. The metalized film is excellent for monochrome as well as color graphics. CANVAS: An artist grade canvas that is pre-stretched and gives an elegant look to portraits and artist renderings. Provides excellent color reproduction. POLY-SILK FABRIC, (ADHESIVE BACKED): A woven polyester base that looks, feels and gives the appearance of real silk. An adhesive backing provides for transfer to fabric or textiles. WATERCOLOR PAPER: An artist grade paper that provides the feel and appearance of watercolor texture. Provides excellent format for reproduction of renderings and other artistic applications. BACKLIT REVERSE PRINTING FILM: A UV resistant polyester film designed for most light box applications. Produces bright vibrant colors with a superb light diffusion quality. Reverse printing or viewing through the base allows for single sided lamination. WINDOW DECAL FILM: Polyester based transparent film with self-adhesive backing to allow mounting directly to windows or other substrates.     Some of these specialty papers are difficult to locate and prices vary considerably. For economy, print your images on inexpensive 20-24 lb paper until you are satisfied with the composition, then switch to the more expensive media. Try printing the same image on several types of media, you'll be amazed at how different they look.     To acquire various types of specialty papers go to the web sites of paper manufacturers and distributors such as Hammermill, Mead, Hewlett-Packard, or KodaK and request sample packets.     Most of all, have fun and experiment with different paper media, you'll be amazed at what your inkjet printer can do for you!     This Article is brought to you courtesy of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG).
Number 206 - July 2000