Choose photo paper. Scope of various grades of photo paper

Market Supplies printable provides us today huge assortment photo paper different varieties. Glossy, matte, silky matte, semi-gloss, satin, super-gloss – it is not uncommon for aspiring photographers to find the right paper for printing photographs, illustrations or graphic images at home. Each type of photo paper has its own properties and applications. How not to make a mistake in choosing the right photo paper to ensure high quality print? To do this, you need to at least know in which cases it is best to use one or another grade of paper.

Matte photo paper (Matte)

As you know, matte paper is different a high degree whiteness, lack of gloss and matte roughness, which is well perceived by touch. Matte paper has fine pores, the ink is absorbed more slowly when printed on it and dries longer than glossy photo paper. The main advantages of matte paper are that it is very versatile in application, has a relatively low cost, resistant to mechanical damage such as scratches and fingerprints, and prints with both water-based and pigmented inks. At the same time, it is inferior to glossy photo paper in terms of its ability to convey subtle color gradations. Images on matte paper look very contrasting and detailed. Matte photo paper is best suited for printing those photos and images that should not tire the eyes.

Scope of matte photo paper:

• illustrations or drawings with a predominance of textual information (presentations, leaflets, booklets, etc.);
• printing images for subsequent lamination (passport photo or pass);
• large-format posters and calendars;
• various small editions.

Glossy photo paper

Glossy photo paper has a shiny, smooth surface. Through a special polymer coating Glossy paper is ideal for conveying bright, saturated colors and gradations of various shades. it best paper for printing vivid, lifelike photographic images that have juicy colors and high contrast. For printing on glossy paper, as a rule, only water-soluble inks are used. They quickly absorb and dry, creating a colorful, color-rich image. Pigment ink can simply be smeared. Another disadvantage of glossy paper is that it is more susceptible to mechanical stress, the polymer coating of the paper is very easy to damage. However, only when printing on glossy paper at home, you can get photos comparable to those obtained in professional photo labs using chemical methods.

Scope of glossy photo paper:

• printing of bright illustrated editions;
• professional and amateur photo printing, especially landscapes, portraits and other photographic images where rich color reproduction is required;
• promotional products of high quality;
• printing posters, posters and posters;
• interior graphics and portfolio;
• photo calendars.

Silky matte photo paper (Silk)

Silky-matte paper, on the one hand, has a silky sheen and perfectly conveys shades of colors, and on the other hand, unlike glossy paper, it does not give glare and is resistant to mechanical stress. Silky matte photo paper is often used when bright and rich photographic images are needed, but at the same time, so that the paper itself is resistant to scratches and other damage. This grade of photo paper is often used in professional photo studios. Silky-matte paper is suitable for printing with both water-soluble and pigment inks.

Scope of silky matte photo paper:

• Promotional Products;
• printing of photographs and illustrated editions;
• business cards;
• interior and web graphics.

Semi-Gloss Photo Paper (Semi-Glossy)

Semi-gloss is one of the most versatile grades of photo paper. Semi-gloss paper has a soft, muted sheen without harsh reflections, resistance to mechanical stress, the ability to transfer rich colors, as well as greater density and thickness. Semi-gloss paper combines the benefits of matte and traditional glossy photo paper. At the same time, it is compatible with all inks and boasts a fairly low cost. However, you still need to keep in mind that semi-gloss paper loses a little to glossy in transmission. color shades and a palette of colors. Although this difference can be very difficult to notice.

Scope of semi-gloss photo paper:

• everyday home printing of photos and images with rich colors;
• semi-professional printing in photo studios;
• artistic and interior graphics;
• printing of postcards, booklets and brochures.

Satin photo paper (Satin)

Satin photo paper also takes intermediate position between glossy and matte. It has a texture similar to matte paper, has a dull-muted sheen without sharp reflections, does not warp from excess ink and is resistant to mechanical stress. Due to its lower cost, satin photo paper is often an economical alternative to glossy paper. Moreover, it provides good quality color reproduction. Satin Photo Paper is a versatile and cost-effective media that delivers quality prints for a variety of photo printing needs.

Scope of satin photo paper:

• everyday home photo printing;
• printing of wedding photographs;
• digital printing in photo studios;
• interior graphics;
• advertising printing products.

Superglossy paper (SuperGlossy)

Super Gloss is a premium quality photo paper that is a kind of improvement on the classic glossy paper. Super glossy photo paper is even more glossy and smooth, delivering superb image color and tint, as well as fine detail. This is the choice of those who want to get high-quality photos with a glossy effect at the level of professional darkrooms. Super glossy photo paper can turn even an ordinary image into a colorful photo.

Scope of super glossy photo paper:

• Business Cards;
• advertising and printing products of the highest quality;
• printing full-color photos at home with high resolution and true-to-life color reproduction;
• professional digital photo printing.

So for each specific task Suitable for one or more grades of photo paper. In particular, matte paper is ideal for printing illustrations with text information and light-colored photographs. In turn, glossy and super glossy photo papers are indispensable when you need to get photos that are rich in color and have a vivid artistic effect. Thus, it is always worth keeping in mind the properties and applications of different grades of photo paper in order to select the paper type that will provide the best printing results.

What photo paper to choose

Nowadays, there are more and more varieties of paper for printing photos at home. There was also a very a large number of amateur, semi-professional and professional digital cameras that give photographs excellent quality due to the high resolution of their matrices. Therefore, a novice amateur photographer has significant difficulties in choosing not only a good photo printer, but also high-quality photo paper both for everyday printing and for art photo exhibitions.

Almost all photo paper can be divided into three types, glossy ( Glossy), matte ( Matte) and regular photo paper.

Glossy photo paper It is usually characterized by a high density and the presence of a glossy layer on the surface, which prevents the ink from washing off and fading from the surface of the paper. Typically used for printing photographs with soft undertones and vibrant landscapes. But it is also well suited for portrait photography and other types of printing where rich color reproduction and high reflectivity are required. The downside of glossy photo paper is the impossibility of printing on it with pigment inks, because. they are erased from it even by hand. In order to print with pigment ink on photo paper with a glossy effect, use super glossy(SuperGlossy) paper that has a special layer that prevents physical wear of the print.

Matte photo paper also separates into paper with a density up to 120 and after 120 g/m2. Lighter paper is used mainly for the production printing products, booklets, leaflets, presentations, etc. Thicker paper is used to print high-quality photographs for exhibitions and just in photo albums. Unlike glossy and super glossy paper, matte paper is suitable for all types of ink, water, pigment and sublimation (for thermal transfer). Highly detailed photographs look best, where it is important to convey small details, not halftones. The advantage of matte paper is its low cost and resistance to mechanical damage, such as scratches and fingerprints, prints can be touched and folded without fear.

plain paper, this is coated paper of a slightly higher density than office paper. It is used exclusively for printing. It includes some types of paper for color laser printers, to which are applied increased requirements temperature resistance and electrical conductivity.

There are also many types of specialty paper, such as self-adhesive paper, thermal transfer paper, textured paper (canvas), and many others. These types of paper can be printed with both water-based and pigment inks and they are used mainly for the needs of printing.

Photo paper selection, ultimately depends on what you want to print on it. For ordinary documents, abstracts, term papers and theses, using color illustrations, it is sufficient to use plain paper weighing 80 g/m2. For printing photos in which the transfer of details is important, matte photo paper with a density of 180 to 230 g/m2 is used, and for printing small-scale printing, matte paper with a density of 90 to 180 g/m2 is suitable. For printing photos where saturation and accurate reproduction of halftones and shadows are important, glossy photo paper with a density of 150 to 230 g/m2 is used, and for glossy printing, paper with a density of 90 to 150 g/m2 is used. Best Results gives super glossy photo paper and paper called satin (semi-gloss), these are types of photo paper so-called. premium class.

And, of course, price is an important factor. The most expensive photo paper is original, for example, Epson, Canon, HP. Depending on the type of paper, in descending order are: satin, super gloss, gloss, matte and plain.

Do you like to take pictures and want to decorate the interior with your works? Or do you professionally print photos? Then you will definitely need photo paper, without it you will not be able to get high-quality images. Talk about what to print on plain office paper impractical due to the quality of color reproduction, warping of paper in the form of "waves" and spreading colors, we will not, this is already known. Photo paper is laminated material on a paper-cellulose basis, designed to store and display an image. Based on the fact that several printing methods are practiced, the structure of different types of photo paper is also different. Let's look at what types exist and what parameters should be considered when choosing.

Type of printer

For inkjet printing. To create high-quality images on paper, manufacturers recommend using inkjet printers.
The paper has layers that prevent ink from bleeding and protect the image from damage (smearing, etc.). The structure of the material allows it to be used with water and pigment inks, for thermal and piezo inkjet (these two types differ in the type of print head and the principle of applying the image) printing, at home and in a studio.
Format and density are chosen taking into account specifications apparatus. For example, paper that is too thick can jam in the printer, and printing the wrong size paper can cause the edges to jam.

For printing on a laser device. The production of paper consumables for laser printing is less expensive, since the layers are thinner and there are fewer requirements for them. This method is mainly used by companies for which the speed and volume of printing is more important than the final quality.
Although such paper is rarely labeled "photo", you can choose a material that will print close to photo quality. The density must be at least 100 g/m2, the coating can be any: matte, glossy or derivatives. Paper for laser printers is marked with the marks "laser printing", LaserJet, etc.
Sometimes users try to print on paper for laser printer jet method and vice versa. Manufacturers do not advise doing this, as both the advantages of the material and the advantages of the printing method are lost. The image is of poor quality and short-lived.

By type of coverage

To get a high-quality printed image that will delight you for many years, it is important to choose the right paper type. There are original (produced by companies that develop printers) and universal materials.


Uncoated paper. Used for laser printing, outer layer looks like glossy. This type has a fairly low price.
Matte photo paper (Matte). This type is considered budget (not counting materials not intended for photo printing), it is satin (satin) and silk (silk).
The porous structure of the receiving layer is similar to the unprotected one, but it is not. The material consists of several layers: the substrate protects the sheet from ink leakage, prevents warping, and the top rough layer is resistant to minor damage and does not leave fingerprints. The advantages of matte paper also include its compatibility with pigment, aqueous and even sublimation inks and whiteness, due to which the image is bright and detailed.
The disadvantages include loss of saturation when exposed to light for a long time, so it is recommended to laminate or place photos under glass. Also, matte paper does not convey color gradations, especially gray ones.
This type of photo paper is used for various purposes. If the density index is below 120 g/m2, then it is suitable for printing flyers, presentations, brochures and other printed products. And paper with a density above 120 g / m2 is used at home or when creating photographic materials for exhibitions.
Glossy photo paper. This type paper carrier has a high density. The glossy layer protects the material from fading and washing off the paint. Glossy photo paper perfectly conveys the brightness of colors and gradation of all shades, and is also resistant to moisture.

The disadvantages include weak protection from external influences: the surface is easily scratched, fingerprints are visible on it.
Glossy photo paper is used for printing pictures with soft halftones, bright colors, suitable for portrait printing, can be used both at home and in photo studios. Mostly water-soluble ink is used, since only super-gloss has a special structure that allows it to receive and hold pigment ink.
It can be one of three types:
glossy (Glossy);
semi-gloss (Semi-glossy). Combines the strength of matte paper with the subdued sheen of gloss;
super glossy (Super glossy). Refers to premium quality photo paper, as it has a special layer that protects the picture, can be used with different types ink. Prints are more saturated than regular glossy.
Other types of paper for printing. In addition to those listed above, there is thermal transfer (when heated, the thinnest glossy film remains on the object) and thermal sublimation (the film does not remain) paper. This is an expensive medium, like paper with adhesive or magnetic backing. They are used for promotional purposes or for souvenirs. When printing, both water-based and pigment inks can be used.

Manufacturers produce both single-sided and double-sided photo paper. And the latter can be different coating on each side (glossy on one side, matte on the other). It is worth remembering that the most expensive is satin and super glossy finish.

Paper specifications

The main characteristics that you need to look at when buying photo paper include density, size and type of coating. These factors greatly influence the cost.

The size. There are various formats: from classic (10x15, 21x29.7, 29.7x42 cm) to widescreen roll types. The most affordable is the classic format 10X15, packaged in packs of 500 sheets.
Density. How thicker paper, the more ink it is able to accept without damaging the material and the brighter the image can be obtained. But do not chase a high indicator, since not every printer is able to work with high-density material - you can simply ruin the printer.
To print a report with images, you should choose media with a density of 100-120 g/m2.
For photographs, photo paper with an indicator of 150-300 g / m2 is suitable.
For creating business cards– not less than 250 g/m2.
Thicker types of photo paper are more expensive.
Permission. Measured in dots per inch and related to paper weight. Thus, media with a density of up to 130 g/m2 allows you to print with a resolution of 2880 dpi. Since small details will be fuzzy, the cost of the consumable is quite low. Resolution from 5760 dpi can be provided by photo paper with a density of 150 g/m2. The higher the resolution, the more colorful and clear the pictures will be.
Whiteness (brightness). The structure uses bleaches that qualitatively improve the perception of color. Therefore, on bright paper, the print will look richer. You can determine the degree of whiteness visually.

The cost of photo paper and thermal printing

The price of paper is influenced by various factors, including the packaging option (

Wherever we are, so as not to buy / order, we always need receive a quality product or service . Remember how happy you were when you came home from the store with an excellent phone or computer, when the seller was polite with you and offered the best deal.

In order to get high-quality printed photos, it is necessary not only to pay attention to how the photos were taken (camera, tablet, phone), but also to the choice of paper. Here it is necessary to take into account a large number various nuances: density, coating type, compatibility with different types of ink and much more.

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing photo paper?

First of all, pay attention to specific gravity of paper . Usually the weight for inkjet paper is measured in grams per square meter(g/m2). Specific gravity carrier is only part of the information needed. It is more important to know the thickness of the photo paper, which is not always related to its weight. Paper various manufacturers with the same weight can have a different thickness. That is why for printing in Nizhny Novgorod we choose the most suitable paper thickness. Not less than important criterion is paper color . It is worth noting that white paper comes in various shades, which gives one or another shade when printed.

In addition to the above features and properties, it is also necessary to pay attention to density parameter : it is he who determines what goals the paper meets. The higher the density, the better the print quality can be. So, for example, with a density of 150 to 300 g / m2, you can get a photo in high resolution(from 5760 dpi), and at a weight of 130 g/m2, the media is suitable for printing at a resolution of 2880 dpi (brochures, graphics, presentations). For photo printing, paper with a density of 180 to 230 g / m2 is suitable, for printing products it is better to choose paper with a density of 90 - 180 g / m2.

There are two most common types of photo paper: glossy and matte.

Gloss has a high density and the presence of a special glossy layer that prevents fading and washing off of ink from the surface. Due to the special polymer coating, glossy paper perfectly copes with the transfer of bright saturated colors. This paper is best used for printing photos and images with vibrant landscapes and soft undertones.

It is known that matte paper characterized by the absence of gloss and a matte roughness, which is not difficult to determine by touch. Because matte paper has fine pores, ink absorbs more slowly during printing than glossy paper. The main advantage of matte paper is its versatility, since it accepts printing with both water-soluble and pigment inks. Moreover, compared to glossy paper, it is more resistant to mechanical damage (fingerprints and scratches). At the same time, it is inferior to glossy paper in terms of its ability to convey subtle color gradations. The images look very contrasty and detailed.

Obviously, it is impossible to determine the absolute leader here. Each type of paper is designed for specific printing tasks. For greater clarity, we summarize the criteria for the types of paper in a table.

In the question what paper to print in Nizhny Novgorod to choose "matte or glossy"? It is impossible to give a definite answer. Because the The choice of paper for photographs depends on what you prefer.

The key to a quality photo is the right paper and decent ink. Choosing the right photo paper is no easy task. Here it is necessary to take into account a large number of different nuances: density, coating type, compatibility with different types of ink and much more.

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing photo paper?

Format

The bulk of paper grades for inkjet printing It has standard size : 32.5x47.5 cm, 27.5x42.5 cm and 21.25x27.5 cm. Some of the manufacturers produce standard sheets of photographic formats: 27.5x35 cm, 20x25 cm and 10x15 cm.

It should not be forgotten that most grades of paper are produced both in sheets and in rolls. Such carriers are convenient to use in roll feed plotters and in cases where necessary custom size, for example, to print panoramic images.

Specific gravity

Usually the weight for inkjet paper is measured in grams per square meter(g/m2). The specific gravity of the carrier is only part of the information needed. It is more important to know the thickness of the photo paper, which is not always related to its weight. Paper from different manufacturers with the same weight can have different thicknesses.

Color

When printing on white paper, colors are less distorted. But also White color may be different. Dazzling white looks too cold, too beige - dull and dull. Of course, this is a matter of taste. Each shade of photo paper has its admirers and its characteristic color.

What does paper weight affect?

In addition to the above features and properties, it is also necessary to pay attention to density parameter: it is he who determines what goals the paper meets. The higher the density, the better the print quality can be. So, for example, with a density of 150 to 300 g / m2, you can get high-resolution photos (from 5760 dpi), and with a density of 130 g / m2, the media is suitable for printing at a resolution of 2880 dpi (brochures, graphics, presentations ).

For photo printing suitable paper with a density of 180 to 230 g / m2, for printing products it is better to use media with a density of 90 - 180 g/m2.

The higher the density of the photo paper, the more powerful the printer's feed unit must be. This suggests that you should not buy paper from the very high density without making sure the printer can handle it.

Interaction of photo ink and paper

Surface

The surface texture can be different: smooth glossy or bumpy matte. For print on glossy paper best to use water soluble or ultrachrome ink. Pigment from a glossy surface can be easily erased even by hand. For matte paper water-based, sublimation and pigment inks are perfect.

Brightness

If brightness is specified in the paper specifications, it is usually presented in relative units from 1 to 100. Increased brightness can be caused by the use of various optical brighteners.

It is best if the photo paper is pH neutral (such as pH 7). Acid paper is self-destructive. It is worth giving preference to the variety on which it is written " acid-free". It is desirable to know exact value pH balance. If this information is reported in advertising, this is an excellent indicator of reliability.

Fortitude

Print durability is the result of the interaction between photo paper and ink. So, when printing various types Paper durability of photos can be completely different. Just like the media, ink also affects the durability of prints.

There are two most common types of photo paper: glossy and matte.

Gloss has a high density and the presence of a special glossy layer that prevents fading and washing off of ink from the surface. This is the best paper to use. for photo printing and images with vibrant landscapes and soft undertones. Gloss is great for printing images that require rich colors. Most main disadvantage This type of photo paper is the immunity of pigment ink. Pictures printed on glossy materials glare in strong light.

matte photo paper, in turn, are divided into paper, which has a density of up to 120 and g / m2, and above. For photo printing, it is better to choose media with a higher density. Looks better on matte paper highly detailed images With small details. Typically, this type is cheaper than gloss and has increased resistance to fingerprints and scratches.

Obviously, it is impossible to determine the absolute leader here. Each type of paper is designed for specific printing tasks. For greater clarity, we summarize the criteria for the types of paper in a table.

* Genuine Epson photo paper selected for price comparison

conclusions

In the question "matte or glossy" it is impossible to give a clear answer. The choice of paper for photographs depends on what exactly are you going to print.

If you need high-quality and detailed photo printing, then it is better to stop at matte photo paper with a density of 180-230 g/m2. Do you need small printed products of a decent level? Then it's better to choose matte media with a density of 90 to 180 g/m2.

Need rich colors and accurate midtones? Then glossy paper- this is what you need. Ideal for photo printing glossy media with a density of 150 - 230 g/m2. For printing printed products, a density of 90 to 150 g/m2 will be sufficient.

We should not forget that high-quality photo printing depends not only on paper and ink, but also on color profiling. INKSYSTEM specialists will help develop perfect combination colors, which will take into account all the details (printer specifications, ink type and paper type). On our site you can buy individual color profile. To do this, you need to download a special target, print it and send it to us along with the completed order form.

Good quality printing!