Using Glossy Printer Paper

Today consumers have many choices when it comes to printer paper.  People printing photographs may choose fro glossy to matte finish papers for their use. Glossy printer paper gives the advantage that the printed photographs look bright and sharp. Many photographers prefer glossy paper as it adds extra vibrancy to their images. It is generally used in traditional photography for wedding albums and reunions etc. This type of paper comes

However there is one disadvantage of using glossy printer paper and that is, it gets easily marred by fingerprints and dirt as its shiny surface easily attracts and retains foreign particles. Thus anyone using glossy paper needs to handle it carefully. Glossy paper is available in a wide range of grades such as color protect or color life paper, semi gloss paper and premium grade gloss paper. The premium grade paper is generally used by professional photographers.

In spite of inherent advantages associated with glossy paper, there are certain limitations to their use. It is true that the presentation of a photograph on glossy paper is truly dazzling and appealing it at times creates too much reflection. The reflection and the shine may at times obscure the image. Its use should be avoided if the picture has to be framed as it provides additional glare along with the glass and it may be difficult to see the image clearly in a well lighted room. In spite this minor drawback glossy paper is preferred by many amateur photographers and even professional photographers at times as it makes the colors of the image stand out. This paper works well for snapshots to be passed around or for albums and scrapbooks.

While buying glossy paper one should keep in mind the printer one is planning to use. Paper that works well with an ink-jet printer may not work in a laser printer. Mostly the glossy paper has a varnish coating, thus you should be careful in buying them as if that particular brand cannot tolerate the heat of a laser printer it could lead to printer damage. , you could damage your printer. Thus you should read the packaging carefully before buying. Also you should ensure to clean the rollers of the printer before using glossy paper. Since glossy paper is quite thick and generates static electricity, feeding two papers at a time in the printer may cause their sticking together, especially in low humidity conditions. Thus you should avoid stacking the glossy paper in the printer tray and feed it to the printer one at a time. Care should be taken to allow the printed paper to dry in the printer’s tray before it is removed and once it has dried it should be removed carefully using the edges. After the glossy paper has been removed from the printer it should be laid on a dry and flat surface to completely dry.

There are many suppliers providing good quality gloss paper for printing photographs and you may choose to check them out on the internet for more options.