Printer paper sugestions

[gino_76ph]

hi. ive just bough the new Canon Pixma MP520. now i know Canon would sugest using their own type of papers but i wanted to know of any alternatives. like what type/make of paper should i use if it's just a plain document, email or CV? and how about a a paper for printing your photos? (ive heard Kodak papers are good but how about Ryman or WHSmith's?)

[UltraMagnus]

for plain documents etc, tesco value printer/photocopier paper has always worked for me....

[merdat]

For ordinary use any basic paper will do ( unless this printer takes special paper- never looked to see what spec the printer has) . For stuff like CV's best to use a good paper like 'CONQUEROR' 100 gm stuff, and for pics I would use the 'CANON' papers as they are superb.

[this_is_gav]

For photos there's nothing that beats Ilford Galerie for high quality at a good price. All you have to do is choose whether you prefer Smooth Pearl or Smooth Gloss.

They have profiles on their website for most photo printers.

[gino_76ph]

for plain documents etc, tesco value printer/photocopier paper has always worked for me....

would any "inkjet paper" do? and how about those glossy paper for photos? i heard there are many types of glossy paper that you can use.

[gino_76ph]

For ordinary use any basic paper will do ( unless this printer takes special paper- never looked to see what spec the printer has) . For stuff like CV's best to use a good paper like 'CONQUEROR' 100 gm stuff, and for pics I would use the 'CANON' papers as they are superb.

ive checked Ryman on the Conqueror papers. i noticed there is the Laid and Wove Hi-white paper. what's the diferrence? and the photo paper. there is this plain, gloss and semi-gloss versions. i just want a photo paper to print my photos to be placed on frames. that's all. i never imagined paper can be this complicated eh.

[charleski]

ive checked Ryman on the Conqueror papers. i noticed there is the Laid and Wove Hi-white paper. what's the diferrence? and the photo paper. there is this plain, gloss and semi-gloss versions. i just want a photo paper to print my photos to be placed on frames. that's all. i never imagined paper can be this complicated eh.

I'd say Laid paper would be happy and relaxed, but that just shows how my mind works...

Actually, I think it just has a bit more texture to it than Wove, which is supposed to be very smooth. They're both the same high weight, so both will send the message that you're professional, educated and desperate for the job . (J/K). Don't use the really fancy stuff, though, you don't want to seem to be trying too hard.

As far as photo paper goes, you've barely scratched the surface, Muhahaha. The fact is that unless you're prepared to go the whole hog with calibration and test prints there's not a whole lot of difference between the various premium photo-grade papers. I've had good results from Ilford Galleria, but Kodak, Epson, etc are all good brands. Glossy paper is probably a better choice, as it tends to hide any flaws better. But the fact is there's no simple one-line solution for top-class photo-printing.

[Lucio]

Didn't think anyone ever posted their CV's off these days.

[Saracen]

For photos there's nothing that beats Ilford Galerie for high quality at a good price. All you have to do is choose whether you prefer Smooth Pearl or Smooth Gloss.

They have profiles on their website for most photo printers.

I agree about Gallerie, but you also need to be aware of whether you're using dye or pigment inks when selecting papers, especially when selecting gloss. Some papers will produce superb results with one type of printer, and dire results with a different type. And with another paper, the results may be the other way round.

To my mind, to avoid that, you need to do one of three things :-

- be prepared to experiment and work out what works with what. That can be expensive.
- research it and get recommendations about what works with YOUR printer, or at least, ink type.
- stick to manufacturer's recommended papers.

Option 3) may be the best bet for low volume users, but you can achieve superb results and considerable cost savings with third party papers if you get the choice right.

[gino_76ph]

because from what i know and been hearing:

if you got a Canon printer a Canon paper works best. or is it the case? i had to bring out Ryman and WHSmith's as those are the nearest to me. got no nearby Staples so that's out now. im not being fuzzy on what "specific" choice of papers i need to buy. i just need advice. coz i didn't realize that unlike before there are so many to choose from.

[this_is_gav]

I guess it depends on the printer, but Galerie is highly recommended with the PIXMA IP range. The Canon stuff just is neither as good or as cheap.

[GoNz0]

tesco do a decent range of paper, even the a4 "tesco finest" glossy papers a bargain for the weight. they do some good photo paper with there own brand name on it.