Choosing the right printer is vital to your workplace, and complementing it with the right toner is a given.

 

But the right paper can be a little more perplexing. After all, isn’t most printer paper basically alike?

 

One answer comes from PC.net’s Per Christensson, who advises against buying on price alone. “Many companies offer a low-priced type of printer paper called ‘multipurpose’ paper,” Christensson says. “This is really ‘no purpose’ paper, since it is not designed for a specific type of toner. The word ‘multipurpose’ is actually a euphemism for ‘cheap quality,’ since it is the worst type of printer paper.”

 

Type of Paper
The ideal paper for your printer isn’t necessarily the most expensive stock, but it’s the paper that adapts easily to toner transfer. This kind of paper typically combines toner absorption and moisture control so that the finished copies are less likely to come out faded or jammed in the machine.

 

Moisture Matters
Paper picks up and releases moisture from its environment – and that can affect the output of prints.

 

According to expert Howie Fenton, “paper is produced to an absolute moisture content between 4.0 and 6.0%, meaning 4 to 6% of the paper’s total weight is made up of water. But once unpacked, the paper can either absorb or dissipate moisture.”

 

Most papers, Fenton continues, “are designed to be stable in a 45-55% relative humidity (RH) at 72°F environment.” So if you find your paper looking curled or otherwise not as crisp as possible, the fault may be a too-humid environment.

 

Fortunately, a little due diligence can help your paper stay print-ready:

 

• Keep the paper in an environment where you can control the temperature and the humidity.
• Position your MFPs and other print devices away from doors open to the outdoors, where drafts and moisture can seep in.
• Unwrap the paper from its packaging only when you’re ready to use it.

 

Good management leads to good printing
A Managed Print Services partner can not only recommend the best paper for you, but keep you well stocked to make the most of your printing investment.