Perfect Paper for Every Print: Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right HP Paper
Finding the right printing paper is essential for minimizing see-through and ensuring your prints are as jam-proof as possible. Whether you need heavier paper with a glossy finish for colored images or an inkjet option for presentations and brochures, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Your choice can affect the durability, price, and overall print quality. Fortunately, HP’s diverse options allow you to find the best printing paper with minimum effort. Besides offering a plethora of selections, they’re also sustainably sourced and vetted by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for eco-friendliness.
Together with HP’s proprietary printers and inks, they make a perfect mix, and this guide will elaborate on how to pick the best one for your needs.
The Complete HP Printing Ecosystem: A Match Made in Heaven
Using matched components like native printers, ink, and toners together with HP’s papers gives you a well-oiled printing ecosystem. The secret is in selecting the appropriate paper for performance gains. For instance, HP photo paper brings your family’s vibrant memories to life in high-intensity colors.
On the other hand, matching OfficeJet Pro printers with Bright White papers gives you a high-level, yet affordable business solution for double-sided printing. Using 24 lbs paper combined with a powerful printer minimizes the risk of visible folds and jams, and provides you with a complete solution for various projects.
As a result, you can make those memories, work papers, or brochures last for decades. For further performance gains, you can get instant ink cartridges and eliminate any chances of ink dragging for a more polished look.
You'll enjoy smooth color transitions without any quality loss when compared with source images. Let's not forget HP's discounted subscription plans for value gains either. When you mix and match HP's sustainable paper options with printing hardware, you're not just aiming for quality – you're getting a home printing station built to last a lifetime..
Paper Selection 101: Understanding the Fundamentals
HP offers a wide range of printer paper types. Here's what you'll need to consider when choosing the best one for your needs:
- Paper weight – Paper weight ranges from 20 lbs to 24 lbs. Options include HP Multi-Purpose and classic Office 20 lbs papers, or Bright White and HP Premium 24 lbs. The weight mainly affects see-through and anti-jamming properties.
- Brightness scales – Brightness levels ranging from 92 to 100 showcase HP papers' light reflection. This is important since lower scales make the paper susceptible to developing yellowish tint marks over the years. Even HP's Copy & Print or HP Office papers with 90-range brightness scales avoid this issue. For the best results, consider HP's Bright White rated 100 out of 100.
- Paper sizes – HP papers come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for 8.5 x 11-inch letters, 7.25 x 10.5 statements, or anything from the A3 to A6 scale, you'll find a suitable option.
- ColorLok® technology – With the certified ColorLok technology, HP’s papers deliver superb and reliable inkjet printing quality.This certification ensures the paper meets the highest standards for fast drying and vivid colors.
- Opacity and thickness – HP papers like the Premium Choice Matte feature high opacity, which means they minimize the amount of light passing through the paper. This is perfect for creating a sophisticated and smooth finish with high readability that prevents any reflection from the backside.
- Environmental certifications – HP demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through its wide range of FSC-certified paper types, showing dedication to sustainable forest management.
Best HP Paper Types
While you can't go wrong with any HP premium paper type, here's a breakdown of the most common variations for different uses:
Everyday Document Papers
If you're looking for paper for everyday documents, the HP MultiPurpose 20 lbs checks all the right boxes. It's among the most affordable options starting at $10.99 with the following features:
- The ColorLok technology for extremely vivid colors
- Fast drying and consistent performance
- FSC-certified for sustainability
- 100% performance guarantee against jams
The paper makes a perfect combination with HP's inkjet and laser printers. You can also get 30% recycled content with HP's dedicated "Recycled" paper. Its colorful visuals and sharper blacks on inkjet printing machines make it perfect for consistent, everyday use.
HP Premium Presentation and Marketing Papers
HP's presentation papers are ideal for trainers, sales managers, and travel agency operators. Key advantages include:
- Competitive pricing starts at $5.99 (Everyday photo printing paper for presentations)
- Convenient mobile printing features
- Vibrant colors perfect for eye-catching holiday cards and brochures
- Dedicated Tri-Fold brochure paper options
- Choice of matte or glossy finish styles
All of these are compatible with HP Laser and Inkjet printers, offering professional-grade in-house solutions. Some standout options include the specialized HP Professional Tri-Fold Business Paper with an optional glossy finish and the HP Matte Professional Business Paper.
Specialty Papers
For specialized printing needs beyond standard documents, HP offers a variety of specialty options, including:
- HP Picture Sticker papers (4x6-inch to 8.5x11-inch)
- Heavyweight project paper (8.5x11-inch)
- Laser Brochure & Presentation Paper
- Large Format Printing Paper
Note that some specialty variations like iron-on sheets aren't compatible with Deskjet printers like the 1200c or the 1600c.
Photo Printing Papers
HP's photo printing papers are bestsellers and showcase the best of the brand's offerings. Options range from affordable ($7.99 Matte Photo Paper) to premium ($31.99 Satin HP Premium Plus).
The biggest differences are in weight (48 lbs versus 80 lbs), finish style, and the number of sheets. As a middle-ground option, HP's Everyday Photo Paper costs $11.89 for a pack of 100 sheets at 52 lbs weight. Regardless of which you choose, all photo papers offer:
- Various finish options (glossy, matte, semi-gloss, satin)
- Up to 80 lbs weight for greater durability and perfect archiving
- Full compatibility with HP's inkjet printers for long-lasting prints
- Multiple size options from 4x6-inch (HP Matte Photo Paper) to 13x19-inch (Advanced Photo Paper)
Proper Storage and Handling for Maximizing Printing Performance
Whether you choose standard, photo quality, or advanced paper varieties, proper storage is essential. Follow these HP recommendations:
- Do not store your paper on the surface of the printer, but use a drawer instead
- Do not place any hard materials on top of the printable surface**, as this** could scratch the gloss
- Always place sheets on a flat surface to prevent folding
- Print using appropriate machines (InkJet or Laser) at temperatures between 59°F and 86°F
- Avoid storing paper in higher temperatures with humidity outside of the 45% to 55% range
How to Optimize HP Printer Performance With Compatible Papers
Using the right combination of HP ink, paper, and printer ensures optimal performance and prints that can last for decades. To maximize your printing results:
- Adjust the settings of your HP printer to suit a specific paper type. For instance, a photo paper for printer can be used by selecting accordant paper tray settings and selecting the photo paper type and size.
- Use the “Advanced” and “Paper Quality” settings to adjust the weight in print drivers.
- Make sure that the printing settings match your selected paper type.
- Use the HP Smart app for custom settings.
- Adjust the printing speed. You can even use manual tray settings for thicker papers on your HP printer.
- Adjust the weight settings for reliable double-sided printing with no see-through and ink spillage.
HP Instant Ink and Paper Subscription Options
To simplify your printing supplies, HP now offers the option to bundle your papers with Instant ink subscriptions. Plans start at just $2.88 and paper reams are distributed separately from cartridges. Here's how the plans work:
- Light plan – 10 pages per month at $2.88 for ink and paper
- Occasional plan – 50 pages per month at $6.98 for ink and paper
- Medium plan – 100 pages per month at $10.48 for ink and paper
- Frequent plan – 300 pages per month at $19.98 for ink and paper
- Business plan – 700 pages per month at $38.98 for ink and paper
Commitment to Sustainable Papers
The four pillars of HP's paper production are – choice, quality, performance, and FSC certification. FSC certification guarantees sustainable forestry practices and extends beyond the paper material to include packaging and wood products sourced from responsibly managed forests. You can support these efforts by choosing 30% Recycled paper or following HP's recommended recycling tips to further contribute to forest conservation while maintaining high paper quality.
Pick the Best-Suited HP Paper for Your Project
When selecting the ideal HP paper for your needs, consider these factors:
- Your use case – Think about your specific needs, such as choosing Professional Tri-Fold sheets for brochures and marketing materials. For guidance on specific applications like printing labels in Microsoft Word**, check HP's official guides**.
- Weight and finish – Consider paper weight based on your requirements. For a smooth, professional-looking business paper, opt for Professional 80 lbs paper to minimize backside reflection under light.
- Price point – HP offers papers at various price points, from affordable packs starting at just $5.99 to Professional packs at $32.99.
- Compatible HP products – Match your HP papers with the right printers and ink cartridges. For the most vivid photo colors, use InkJet printers, while business papers work best with Laser printers. You can also find specific printer recommendations by project type, such as HP's guide on the best printers for making professional holiday cards at home.
Final Recommendations
To summarize our recommendations: For occasional home printing, MultiPurpose and Recycled packs offer great value with decent 20 lbs weight and excellent black and color output. For business documents, choose HP Professional sheets. And for the most vibrant color representation and newsletters, we recommend HP BrightWhite papers.
1672941789888167.jpg)
