How to choose the right paper for your Xerox printer
After buying a new Xerox printer, you're going to want to stock up on paper for it. If you've never purchased paper for a Xerox printer before, you're in for a surprise. There is a dizzying array of options, and some of them work better than others. As tempting as it may be to choose the cheapest paper, you're not going to get the results that you need with that strategy. Instead, you should do a small amount of research to pinpoint paper that is affordable and produces the results that you need. Learn more about choosing the right paper for your Xerox printer below.
The Basics
In general, there are three basic types of paper available for regular printing: multipurpose paper, inkjet paper and laser printer paper. As you can probably guess, inkjet paper works best with inkjet printers while laser jet paper works best with laser printers. As for multipurpose paper, it has its time and place as well. Before you buy paper for your printer, though, you should find out why you need a specific variety. By doing that, you'll be able to shop for the best quality. A breakdown of the three main types of paper is as follows:
- Multipurpose Paper - This is the workhorse of the paper world. Despite its name, it isn't suitable for every kind of printing. However, you definitely want to keep plenty of it on hand. This paper is ideal for times when you just need to print quick copies of something. If you're only going to need the printed copy for a short period of time, multipurpose paper is fine. This paper tends to be thin and insubstantial. If using an inkjet printer, it's best to switch your printer to the draft setting otherwise the ink could bleed through.
- Inkjet Paper - If you have an inkjet printer, you're going to want to keep this type of paper on hand. Any time you switch your printer to a higher quality setting, you should use this type of paper. It is designed to be compatible with inkjet ink. This type of ink tends to spread when used on regular printer paper. With inkjet paper, you'll get crisp, clear, high-quality results. Furthermore, inkjet paper won't curl up after coming out of the printer, which can present a major problem.
- Laser Paper - Don't use laser paper with an inkjet printer or vice-versa. If you use inkjet paper in a laser printer, the gloss or finish on the inkjet paper may melt. Like inkjet paper, this type of paper can be safely used for double-sided printing as well. It produces a gorgeous finish that looks completely professional, so it can be used for presentations, reports and other important projects.
Make the Most of Your Xerox Printer
While shopping for printer paper, you'll also notice that each of the three basic categories is broken down into additional subcategories. Many different thicknesses and brightness levels are available. Over time, you will get to know the different types of paper and discover the specific benefits of each one. In the meantime, just make sure to get paper that is compatible with your Xerox printer. Stick with multipurpose paper for high-volume, basic printing, but use inkjet paper or laser paper for situations in which quality is the chief concern. In the end, your printed copies will always look fantastic.