Chapter V, Printing Digital Images: Lesson IV Selecting the Right Paper http://www.kodak.com/country/US/en/digital/dlc/book3/chapter5/lesson4/p01.shtml

Paper matters! Quality inkjet paper is a good investment because it plays a major role in the quality of the final image.

Inkjet papers are specially manufactured papers that are designed specifically for use in inkjet printers. Photographs printed on inkjet paper look photo realistic--with the color, contrast, and detail that you expect in color prints.

Inkjet materials are available for a wide variety of applications Inkjet media is available for such uses as, invitation, flyers, greeting cards, calendars, business cards, reports, and photographs Depending on the intended use, inkjet papers will have different weights, layer structures, coatings, print surface textures and brightnesses. In each case the material has been designed to maximize the reproduction of text, graphics and picture information while considering the final print’s look, feel, and handling.

For those situations where you want a more traditional photographic looking print, you’ll want to consider using photo inkjet papers These papers are made from thicker paper stock and have a surface texture which make it look and feel very much like traditional photo paper. It is perfect for any application that requires durable, photo-quality images.

Photo papers are also available in perforated varieties Photo papers are also available in perforated varieties. This accommodates quick efficient printing of multiple copies of a picture on one sheet. For example, wallet photos can be easily separated and shared with family and friends.

Inkjet paper construction includes the use of a high quality, bright white paper base with special multi-layer coatings and finishes, each having their own unique function

Inkjet paper is engineered to offer: Superior color reproduction Sharper text and graphics Faster drying time to prevent smudging Enhanced picture contrast Resistance to pucker and curl What are some of the differences between inkjet media and regular office paper? Let’s take a look.

Both of these photos were made from the same high resolution digital image. Each was printed, without manipulation, on the same inkjet printer. The only difference was the paper: inkjet paper versus ordinary paper. The resulting prints were scanned at 250% magnification, to make the differences readily apparent on the Web.

By comparison, special coatings on the surface of inkjet paper tends to "hold" the ink in place. Ink dot size and shapes are controlled. This creates brighter, more saturated color, and greater image detail. The inkjet printer propels droplets of ink from nozzles in the print head onto paper. Ink tends to "bleed" into the rough surface of ordinary office paper. As it spreads, the ink becomes more transparent, resulting in flat, muddy color.

Office paper may absorb ink too quickly resulting in a blurred image Office paper may absorb ink too quickly resulting in a blurred image. The coatings on inkjet paper prevent the ink from spreading before it dries. The paper’s clay-based absorbing layers are designed to control drying time. The result is a sharp image with much greater detail.

Paperweight not only effects the "feel" of the print; it can effect the shape. Lighter weight office papers are more prone to cockling and wrinkling. Inkjet papers are less prone to cockling and wrinkling because they facilitate the proper absorption of ink and evaporation of water.

Inkjet paper uses a much brighter, whiter paper base than ordinary office paper. This results in pictures with superior contrast and color saturation. Proper use of inkjet papers will effect the quality of the print. It important that the paper is loaded correctly.

While there are some inkjet materials that can be printed on both sides, most papers have a printing and non-printing (front and back) surface. Usually the shinier side of the paper is the printing side. If the paper has a watermark, (such as the Kodak trademark) it will always be on the back side of the paper. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guide to be sure which side is which.

When a print contains ink that appears runny, smears and does not dry properly, this is often a sign that the paper was improperly loaded into the printer. When perforated paper contains layouts of multiple print sizes that are not symmetrical, the paper will be marked to indicate which edge is inserted into the printer first.

Its important that you load inkjet paper properly so that the picture is printed on the correct paper surface. There are three basic paper-loading methods that vary from one printer manufacturer to the next. Top feed printers (face up) (KODAK, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, Xerox) Bottom feed printers (face down) ( Epson, Hewelett Packard) Tray feed printers (Hewelett Packard)

To ensure consistent results, follow manufacturers' handling and storage recommendations:                             Avoid getting finger prints on either side of the paper Always keep unused paper in the original packaging Avoid exposing the paper to high temperature and humidity Keep the package flat and store in a cool dry place

Newly printed photographs will often feel tacky Newly printed photographs will often feel tacky. During this drying time the print is most susceptible to damage. Avoid over handling and protect the print from dust, hair, and other contaminants.