Photo paper vs plain paper for printing images
Verdict
Plain paper absorbs ink into the fibres, which dulls colour and lets it bleed. Photo paper has a coating that holds ink on the surface, which is where the saturation and sharpness come from. The other half is the driver setting: printing on photo paper with a plain paper profile wastes both the paper and the ink.
~$20
Check Canon Photo Paper Plus, Matte, 8.5 x 11 Price~$15
Check Hammermill Premium Inkjet and Laser Paper Price| Canon Photo Paper Plus, Matte, 8.5 x 11 | Hammermill Premium Inkjet and Laser Paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour saturation | High | Dull |
| Ink bleed | Minimal | Common |
| Cost per sheet | Higher | Very low |
| Suits text | Wasteful | Yes |
| Driver setting required | Yes, match it | Default |
| Weight | Heavy | Standard |
You are printing photographs you intend to keep or frame. Matte and glossy behave differently: matte hides fingerprints and reflections, glossy gives deeper blacks and more punch.
Check Canon Photo Paper Plus, Matte, 8.5 x 11 on Amazon
Everything else. A decent bright plain paper improves text sharpness noticeably over the cheapest available, and it costs very little more per ream.
Check Hammermill Premium Inkjet and Laser Paper on Amazon
Screens are backlit and typically far brighter than reflected print. Reduce screen brightness before judging an edit, and consider soft proofing if colour matters.
For photos, yes. Heavier stock resists curling as the ink dries and feels like a print rather than a page. For documents, weight mostly affects show-through.
Yes. The setting controls how much ink is laid down and how the printer dries it. Mismatching it is the most common cause of disappointing prints.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Paper is only half the equation. Our Epson SureColor P700 review and Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-310 review cover the printers that make good paper worth buying.