Printing your own photos from home using photo paper is simple, convenient and very cost-effective. However, some people may be opposed to the idea because they wonder whether the photo quality will be worth it. With the latest technology, you can truly print traditional-looking and fantastic quality photos in minutes! Not all photo papers are made equal, so it is helpful to learn about the various types of photo paper on the market to effectively choose the best photo paper for your project and for your printer type. At Geographics.com, you can browse from a versatile selection of photo paper and discover exactly how many options you have.
Once an image is printed using photo paper versus standard printer paper, the difference in photo quality is very apparent. Compared to printer paper, photo paper is relatively thick—it may be classified as heavyweight or super heavyweight paper and provides for a much hardier photograph. Photo papers are also coated with specialty finishes which can range from matte to high gloss. The finish of a photo paper serves multiple functions—it will bring out the colors in a matte, satin or glossy or high gloss appearance and it may protect a photo from certain environmental factors like the UV rays, possible water drops, fingerprints, etc. depending on the chemistry used. But most importantly, it will make your photo look great!
When it comes to everyday photo printing, glossy photo paper will get the job done. Glossy paper is a bright white paper with a moderate gloss that produces vivid colors and a good resolution when printed in a regular inkjet printer. The style of the paper mimics the look and feel of developed photos so it is great to use for making photo albums, framed photos and scrapbooks. Some downsides to printing photos on glossy paper are that they may take some time to dry and may also retain fingerprints from handling.
If you are using photo paper for a specific purpose, such as for an art project or a business presentation, considering other types of paper may be helpful. For example, matte photo paper is a good choice for photos that need to be displayed from a distance without a frame or covering because glossy photos may produce glare. The matte is also great for old style black and white photos. Paper with a semi-gloss or satin coating is also a popular choice for traditional-looking photos and together with the matte photo paper it can be a great choice for printing brochures, business cards, greeting cards and professional documents.
For digital photography buffs, choosing the right photo paper is an essential step in making your digital photos look their best on paper. Professional and premium photo papers are a bit pricier than basic glossy or matte photo papers but they offer many benefits in terms of both quality and convenience. Professional and premium photo papers are instant drying, super heavyweight, coated with a brilliant glossy finish and guaranteed to last the longest. These papers are designed to be resistant not only to elements like water and dirt but also natural gases that break down photo ink over time. For fantastic photos, choosing a professional or premium photo paper is a worthwhile investment.
As both a creative and professional material, photo paper has a wide range of benefits to offer.
