From giving a frame to your personal virtual photos to printing business-standard brochures or flyers – you need the right type of photo paper for your laser printer to make it last for years. But what can possibly get worse if you use the wrong one?
Well, the combination of your printer and paper needs to be specific to make the printing job perfect. At the same time, it’s also important to understand which type of paper you should use.
Using the wrong type of photo paper can result in printer hardware failures like paper jams, damaged components, or poor quality prints that appear blurry, streaky, or washed out, and a lot of issues.
You can pick from a variety of top-quality photo papers like glossy, semi-glossy, matte, and so on. These are thicker, more durable heavyweight paper, and come with an additional layer of coating. They serve specific purposes and fit best for a given printing job.
So, let’s read along and find out what makes the best photo paper for laser prints. We will also help you find out who are the best photo paper manufacturers you can trust blindly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Photo Paper for a Laser Printer
People often wonder why their printer is not making good prints even though they have a new printer in service. It might sound surprising, but in fact, photo paper plays a role here. Not all photo paper has the same quality for competence, and therefore they tend to make bad-quality prints.
So, choosing the right photo paper for your laser printer requires careful consideration of paper quality, weight, compatibility, durability, and price. Check out the details of how you can make the right choice while choosing the best photo paper for a laser printer.
Durability and Longevity Are the Key
Like any other printing paper, durability and longevity are the first things you should consider when choosing photo paper for your laser printer. The durability and longevity of a photo paper largely depend on the composition of the paper.
Typically, a paper that is acid-free and contains neutral pH is known best for lasting longer. This kind of photo paper will not turn yellow or fade over time. So, make sure your photo paper is made of quality ingredients, which ensures durability and longevity.
Paper Weight Plays an Important Role
The weight of the paper can affect the overall feel and durability of the finished print. It’s very likely that heavier-weight paper will feel more substantial. It is also less prone to wrinkle and does not curl over time.
Besides, the weight of the paper can impact the quality of the image. Heavier papers are generally ideal for a sharper and more vibrant image. It offers a more stable surface for printing and is good at absorbing ink.
In most cases, the laser printer has a maximum gsm limit of 220 gsm. So, be sure to check the printer specifications before choosing a paperweight. You will find paper weighing more than 400 gsm too. However, the ideal paper weight for high-quality photo prints is considered to be between 200-300 gsm.
Is the Paper Compatible with Your Laser Printer?
Checking the compatibility of your photo paper with your laser printer is essential. You may not know, but laser printer does not allow all kinds of photo paper. The inkjet printer and laser printers are designed differently.
Inkjet printer papers come with an extra coating designed to receive sprayed ink droplets. They also can’t withstand high temperatures, therefore is incompatible with laser printers. On the other hand, the best laser printer photo papers are designed to endure the high temperatures produced by the fuser unit.
Question the Level of Whiteness
Whiteness is a measure of the paper’s ability to reflect light. It can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and color accuracy of your prints. Generally, a whiteness rating of 90 or higher is considered to be ideal for laser photo papers.
Laser printers are sometimes burdened with the objection that they can not provide the detail like their counterpart inkjet printers. Well, it is somewhat true. But the detail in the photo paper also fades with the whiteness of the paper.
The higher the whiteness of the paper, the better detail you will get out of it. Papers with a higher whiteness rating tend to produce brighter, more vibrant colors images. So, make sure the paper you are buying is white enough to bring the best result out of your prints.
‘Surface Finish’ and ‘Finish’ are Not the Same Things
Laser printer photo papers do come with different finishes. You will find two layers of finish on a glossy photo paper- one on the surface, and the other one beneath the first layer. While the first one is good to make the print exciting, it can also hide the vulnerability inside it.
Another common finish is matte, which has a more subdued and non-reflective surface. Matte paper can be a good choice for printing images with softer colors and more subtle details. It helps to minimize glare and reduce the appearance of fingerprints and other smudges.
Other finishes for photo paper include luster, which has a slightly reflective surface and a texture that is similar to traditional darkroom prints. The metallic finish is the rare one. It has a shimmering, almost metallic appearance especially effective for printing images with a lot of metallic or reflective surfaces.
However, you should try to know about the composition of the paper beneath the surface finish. In most cases, the paper becomes soft and loses its temper if the compound inside is not up to mark.
Price
Don’t take it for granted that the higher the price, higher the the efficiency of a photo paper will be. Perhaps, you should always try to get the best photo paper within an affordable budget. The price depends on the size, type, whiteness, frequency, and volume of the photo paper.
If you like to print a large amount of copy, you must try to cut the budget on photo paper. However, if it’s all about quality, and you have an ample amount of money, then the cost of the paper should not be a big issue. Do not try to save money by considering quality while doing prints for long-term projects.
Nonetheless, it’s important to choose a photo paper that is both affordable and durable, so that you can get the most out of your investment.
Top 5 Photo Paper for Laser Printers: Durable, Trendy, and Affordable Packages
- HP Enhanced Business Paper, Glossy, 8.5×11 in, 40 lb, 150 sheets, works with laser printers (Q6611A) – Best for Gloss
When it comes to the best glossy photo paper for a laser printer, nothing beats HP. HP is equally famous for its computers, printers, printing paper, and other computer-related accessories. Their photo paper for laser printers is admired worldwide for its durability and cost efficiency.
The package comes with 150 sheets of 8.5″ by 11″ in a protective plastic bag inside a thin cardboard box. Sturdy, the sheets are good for printing black and white and color graphics. This is also highly rated for compelling brochures, flyers, and marketing materials with little or no show-through.
The best thing about the HP Enhanced Business Paper is it does not produce a lot of banding. Banding is the white or dark lines in your prints. Besides, it is pretty good in terms of delivering high-quality colors and a great resolution!
The glossy finish of the paper is ideal for making personal and professional photo printing. On top of that, it’s thick and durable, so it won’t easily curl or bend. The temper of the paper will not fade soon, therefore it is an ideal option if you are to store your photos.
You will also admire the quick ink absorption and dry-up process. The HP Enhanced Business Paper dries up instantly out of the printer. However, the manufacturer recommends users should leave the prints for 15 minutes to get the ultimate result.
The papers are not made of virgin materials but the quality is truly intact. HP has a policy for recyclable paper designed to help protect the world’s forests for the future. All in all, this is an ideal option if you are looking for the best glossy photo paper that can be printed on both sides.
Compared to other photo paper brands like Canon, Hammermill, or Kodak, the HP photo papers are highly compatible with a number of printer manufacturers. The price of the products might be a little higher, but its availability and high-quality prints make it a really good option.
Pros:
- Glossy paper
- Quick print
- Can be printed on both sides
- Bulk count
Cons:
- Price
- Not ideal for inkjet printers
- Uinkit Photo Paper 100 Sheets Thin Matte Presentation Paper Photo Double Sided 8.5×11 35lbs 130gsm – Best for Matte
You might not have heard the name very often, but Uinkit is a trusted manufacturer producing several kinds of photo paper for a long time. It is highly specialized in producing high-quality photo paper for use with laser printers. This Chinese company has been in operation since 2009 and has gained a reputation for producing reliable, high-quality photo paper at affordable prices.
Unikit photo paper comes in different variations. Among them, this is one of the best for non-glare photo prints. Yes, you got it right. This is a matte paper, which can yield better clarity of print if you click on best print. It produces a more muted, natural-looking image compared to glossy photo paper.
The surface of the paper is smooth and good at absorbing ink. You can print your pictures and use them quite instantly without bothering about fingermark. The paper is comparatively thicker. With 130 gsm, it is an ideal option if you are looking for something strong to withstand frequent handling.
You can print on both sides of the paper and get the same result. Both sides come with the same matte finish and ink absorption capacity. Compatible with both laser and inkjet printers, the Uinkit Photo Paper is an ideal option for printing brochures, photos, pictures, posters, playbills, and flyers.
It’s really less expensive compared to other brands’ photo paper. Overall, this thin matte presentation paper could be a good option for those looking for a versatile paper that can handle both text and photos, while also offering a non-glossy, professional look.
Pros:
- Matte paper
- Quick print
- Can be printed on both sides
- Versatile use
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Edges are not well trimmed
- Epson Premium Photo Paper GLOSSY (8.5×11 Inches, 50 Sheets) (S041667) – Best for High Gloss
Epson is a well-known brand in printmaking. They offer a wide range of printing papers, including glossy, semi-gloss, and matte finishes. The Epson Premium Photo Paper is their best glossy paper for laser prints that are known for high-quality photo printing.
The gloss of the Epson Premium Photo Paper is quite different. It comes with a high-gloss raisin coating that gives a traditional look to your photographs. You will also like to hear that the paper is water resistant! Even if you spill water accidentally over the paper, the ink will not bleed.
The size of the photo paper is ideal at 8.5×11 inches for printing your photographs. The picture’s sharpness is quite astonishing and the color comes really vibrant. The black and white prints do also provide a great amount of detail without causing any fades.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to print on both sides of the paper. So, this might not be an ideal option to make brochures or flyers. But you gotta love the Epson photo paper as it does not smear, nor does it take seconds to dry up!
The paper is compatible with all types of laser printers but does not print with inkjet printers. However, it works more efficiently with Epson laser printers.
It has an industry-leading brightness of 92 lumens. It ensures that prints have a bright, vibrant appearance with accurate color reproduction and sharp detail. The materials in use are also pure cotton and virgin.
While other manufacturers like HP or Uinkit try to cut the cost of photo paper, Epson invests in producing higher brightness in their photo paper. Their lumen measurement is right on point, and the difference in quality compared to other brands is really significant.
Pros:
- High gloss paper
- Quick print
- Water-resistant
- High brightness
Cons:
- One-sided
- Expensive
- Not for inkjet printers
- Hammermill Glossy Paper, Laser Gloss Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 – 1 Pack (300 Sheets) – 94 Bright (163110R) – Best for Price
Hammermill is a trusted and reliable choice for photographers, artists, and other professionals who seek high-quality photo paper for their printing needs. The Hammermill Laser Gloss Copy Paper is their top-rated photo paper for laser printers.
The pack comes with 300 Sheets of high-quality photo paper that’s rated for 94 lumens. The high brightness of the paper ensures that printed photographs and graphics have vivid and accurate colors with excellent contrast and sharpness. It is capable of holding up to 2400 dpi resolution.
The USA-made, Hammermill Glossy Paper is a dependable option for everyday black-and-white printing needs. It comes with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which means it is made with renewable resources and is compliant with forest policy.
The sheets come out of the printer dry and, you should not be worried about smearing. The black letter is significantly darker and the other color absorption rating is also good enough. Although it is not recommended for inkjet printers, some people are able to use it anyway with fruition.
One thing that really needs to be appreciated is the ultra-smooth surface of the Hammermill photo paper. It is also relatively heavier at 32 lb. unfortunately, the paper is not water-resistant, and it may bleed if you spill water over it.
This is a long-lasting photo paper. The acid-free white printer paper prevents sheets from yellowing over time and keeps the quality intact. On top of that, the quantity you get at this price makes it one of the best photo papers for color laser printers.
Pros:
- Bulk amount
- Quick print
- High brightness
- Best for black and white print
Cons:
- One-sided
- Not water resistant
- Canon SG-201 13X19(50) Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss 13″ x 19″ (50 Sheets) (SG-201 13X19) – Best for Semi-Gloss
Canon is well-known for their fade resistance photo paper. They produce photo papers of various types including gloss, semi-gloss, luster, etc, from standard 4×6 inch prints to large format prints up to 13×19 inches.
Among them all, the Canon SG-201 13X19(50) Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss is the best photo paper for laser printers. It is the perfect balance between gloss and matte finish. The texture is unique and is admired by thousands as hardly any other manufacturer offers the same quality.
This semi-gloss paper does not reflect much. It is also fingerprints resistant, making it suitable for handling. It is rated for 91 lumen, which is quite high for a semi-gloss photo paper. This makes it an ideal choice for regular photo frames, especially with matte borders.
However, there is a major drawback to this paper. You will find Canon watermarks at the back of this paper, making it worthless to print on both sides. Besides, this is a very thick (260 gsm) photo paper and is not compatible with printers that cannot print more than 200 gsm.
In terms of quality and performance, Canon SG-201 provides the as HP or the likes of Epson’s Premium Photo Paper Semi-Gloss. But the Canon SG-201 is less expensive than Epson’s premium semi-gloss paper, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
Pros:
- Best for semi-gloss
- Anti-glare
- High brightness
- Ideal for picture frames
Cons:
- Watermark on backside
- Not compatible with all printers
Photo Paper Buying Guide: Pro Tips for Your Best Purchase
1. Try to make in-person purchases for bulk order
Buying photo paper can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market. It is wise to make the purchase in person while ordering a bulk amount, especially given the fact you cannot compare the brightness while making an online purchase.
But if it is a trusted provider, and you already have made business with them, then you can also go for the online purchase. However, testing before the purchase help you determine which paper works best for your specific needs and preferences.
2. Opt for the reputed, well-known brands
There are hundreds of manufacturers making photo papers. But not all of them maintain the same standard and quality. The unknown manufacturer might offer you a lucrative price, but chances are high you will suffer in the long run.
In most cases, papers from unknown vendors fade away soon. Therefore, you should not take the risk of your valuable memories, especially if you plan to frame them up for a long time. If you want your prints to last for a long time without fading or yellowing, look for papers with archival quality.
HP, Canon, Kodak, Uinkit, Hammermill, and Epson are some of the best photo paper brands that you can trust blindly. Their price might differ, but the quality and service are almost similar.
3. Choose your finish first, gloss paper has its own drawbacks
A gloss finish, in particular, can make colors appear more saturated and contrasted, giving photos a more professional and polished look. So, if your target is to produce vibrant-looking photo prints, a gloss finish paper should be the first choice.
However, gloss finish paper has its own drawbacks. For instance, it develops smudging or fingerprint marks if you touch over them – poor characteristics for the prints that need to be handled quite often.
On the other hand, a satin finish photo paper provides come with with a more subtle and subdued shine. Therefore, the chances of finger marks are less here. Satin finishes are often preferred for prints that will be handled frequently. Besides, it is also used to display in a variety of lighting conditions for its shine.
4. Know your purpose, buy archival photo paper for family portraits
You should buy photo paper according to your need. For short projects and one-time use, you do not need to buy high-quality photo papers.
On the other hand, if you need something to last for years, try to buy archival photo papers. Archival photo paper has acid-free and chlorine-free materials in it, which withstand hostile conditions. It can last for decades without deteriorating.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Does photo paper affect print quality?
Yes. Photo paper affects print quality in a great way. Not all photo paper is made of quality materials, therefore your print may look dull and fade away sooner than expected if you use low-quality photo paper.
2. Which type of photo paper is best for printing photos at home?
A glossy or satin finish photo paper is ideal for printing photos at home. They tend to enhance the color and contrast of your images, making them look better than other types of paper. Besides, they are more durable and useful for storage.
3. Are laser printers ideal for printing photos?
Generally, laser printers are not ideal for printing photos. But with technology advancing faster than ever before, new models of laser printers are now highly competitive with inkjet printers in terms of printing quality photos.
4. Can I use any type of photo paper in my laser printer?
Absolutely not. Laser printers are made for printing on laser paper only. This type of paper comes with a heavier weight and a coating that can handle the heat of the printer.
Final Thought
Photo papers can be found in different variations in the market. But it is important to pick the right type of photo paper for your laser printer to get the best result. People mix it up too often between photo papers and blame either their printer or the paper.
However, make sure you buy the perfect textured, sturdy, bright, and high-quality photo papers from trusted manufacturers like HP, Canon, Epson, Fuji, or Uinkit. Photo papers from these companies are proven to bring the perfect color and detail to your print.
Last but not least, with the right combination of your laser printer and photo paper, your will be able to bring your photos to life. This not only brings high-quality prints but also makes your investment worth it. Good luck!