What photo paper to choose for Epson inkjet printers?

To get a quality print, you should select paper that is native to your Epson printer. This manufacturer has it presented in several series: matte, glossy, semi-glossy. It is important to know what characteristics of the material are the main ones - this will help to avoid mistakes at the selection stage.

For printing text and images in graphic format use plain paper. More stringent requirements are imposed on the material for photo printing. When you transfer pictures to a regular paper base, the colors begin to blur, the paper is moistened, ripples, the shades are distorted. Such a picture will not beautify an album. The thickness and weight of standard paper is small. Penetrating through the fibers, ink, especially for water-soluble ones, soak it up to the very end.

Photo paper has its own characteristics.

1. The specificity of photo paper for Epson printers is its multi-layer. It has from 3 to 10 layers, and each of them has its own purpose (provides ink retention, protection from adverse influences).
2. Layering increases the density of the material.
3. The receiving layer absorbs toner and prevents ink from spreading and mixing.
4. The moisture-proof backing has a protective function.
5. The layers located on top seal the paints in the sheets, protect them from damage, ultraviolet rays.
6. As a rule, the higher the price and quality characteristics of the paper, the longer it lasts, the prints on it are clear. The pictures look realistic.

Epson original paper is available in 3 main versions:

• matte - Matte photo paper Epson, it guarantees the highest resolution;

• glossy - Premium Glossy;

• half shiny - Premium Semi glossy.

The consumable is sold in sheets and rolls... If there is no opportunity to buy original paper, you can purchase analogs, for example, Lomond brands... For photo printing at an amateur level, it is permissible to use budget consumables.

Many do not know which paper is better to buy. for inkjet printing devices... The choice is made based on the characteristics of the materials available for sale.

Key parameters - this is:

• outer cover;
• structure;
• the size;
• density.

The first two parameters are chosen based on individual preferences.

Consumable with a matte finish Is the most affordable solution. He is three-layer paper. The waterproof backing prevents ink from leaking. The cellulosic middle layer retains inks. The top layer acts as a barrier.

On photo paper with matte texture the smallest details of the picture are clearly distinguishable, it does not reflect light rays. Availability in the composition optical brighteners makes the colors brighter. Small scratches on such a surface are hardly noticeable. Such paper is used for printing with pigment and water-soluble inks.

Flaw Such production lies in the fact that the pictures are short-lived, over time they lose their brightness. In this regard, they require lamination or film coating.

V glossy varieties of paper have an additional layer that performs a protective function. Pictures printed on it do not fade for a long time, they are more resistant to moisture, reflect light rays well.The colors are bright and juicy, but fingerprints and scratches are perfectly visible on the gloss.

You can use and super glossy variety, but it shines strongly in the sun.

There is an intermediate solution - half glossy paper. It provides brightness and durability of images, minor defects are invisible on it.

Microporous type of paper has an absorbent layer that instantly absorbs paints, pictures dry quickly. The disadvantage of this option is that microscopic pores provide air access to the toner. In order to prevent loss of brightness, the photo must be covered with gloss.

Polymer photo paper contains gel... The layer that receives the toner swells, as the ink evaporates, its thickness becomes smaller, the air access is blocked, and the inks seem to be sealed. Due to this technology, photos do not fade for a long time, although they do not tolerate moisture well. For this variety, only pigment dyes.

The hallmark of design paper - the limiting number of layers, cellulose fibers in it can replace cotton. The material is not afraid of moisture and adhesion. The surface of such paper can reproduce various textures, it is the most expensive of all varieties used for printing.

The optimum material density is 230-300 g / m2. The higher the number, the less likely the ink will mix and bleed, which means your images will be crisp.

Before buying paper, it is important to study technical capabilities of the printing device. The correct selection of consumables will allow you to get high-quality images.

In the following video, you will learn about the features of the various types of photo paper for Epson inkjet printers.