Printer paper

Printer paper is an essential consumable in every office, business, and household. Choosing the right paper directly affects print quality, the lifespan of the printing device, and operating costs. Netuno offers a wide range of printer papers in various sizes, weights, and finishes - from standard office paper to decorative papers and specialist media for plotters.

Why paper selection matters

Many people focus exclusively on the quality of the printer and the ink or toner, forgetting that paper accounts for half the success of a good print. Incorrectly selected paper can cause ink smudging, print show-through on the reverse side, sheets jamming in the feeder, and even damage to the printer mechanism.

Low-quality paper produces more dust - fine cellulose fibers settle on the pickup rollers and photosensitive drum, which can eventually lead to device failure. Investing in good-quality printer paper therefore results not only in better prints but also in a longer lifespan for the equipment.

Printing technologies and paper selection

The two most popular printing technologies - inkjet and laser - place different demands on paper. Understanding these differences makes it possible to choose a material that is properly matched to the device.

Inkjet printing

Inkjet printers apply liquid ink to the paper, which must be absorbed by the structure of the sheet. The key property of inkjet printer paper is the right level of absorbency - excessive absorbency causes the ink to spread and creates a feathering effect, while insufficient absorbency prevents the ink from drying and causes it to smudge when touched.

Papers designed for inkjet printing often have a special coating, such as ColorLok technology, which keeps the pigment on the surface. As a result, colors are more vivid, blacks are deeper, and prints dry faster. Paper with a minimum weight of 80 g/m² is recommended for inkjet printers, while a higher weight is preferable for double-sided printing.

Laser printing

Laser printers operate on a different principle - toner in the form of dry powder is fused to the paper using high temperatures. This technology is less demanding in terms of paper structure and performs well with standard office paper. Laser prints are immediately dry and resistant to smudging.

Laser printers can use paper with weights from 80 to 120 g/m², although some devices support heavier media. Dimensional stability is important - the sheets should not deform under the heat used to fuse the toner.

Multipurpose papers

Multipurpose papers designed for both inkjet and laser printers are also available. They provide a compromise between the requirements of the two technologies and work well for everyday office use, although they do not deliver optimal results with either printing method.

Paper weight

Paper weight is one of the most important printer paper specifications. It indicates the mass of one square meter of paper and is expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²). The higher the weight, the heavier, thicker, and stiffer the paper.

Typical printer paper weights:

• 70-75 g/m² - economical paper suitable for draft prints and internal documents
• 80 g/m² - the office standard and the most commonly used weight for everyday printing
• 90-100 g/m² - premium paper, better suited to double-sided printing and professional documents
• 120-160 g/m² - heavier paper for brochures, covers, and promotional materials
• 200-300 g/m² - cardstock for business cards, diplomas, and certificates

Before purchasing heavier paper, it is worth checking the printer manual to confirm the range of paper weights supported by the device. Attempting to print on paper that is too thick may cause jams and damage the feeding mechanism.

Paper thickness

Paper thickness is a separate parameter from paper weight, although the two are related. Thickness is measured in microns (μm) and indicates the physical thickness of the sheet in cross-section. Standard 80 g/m² office paper is approximately 100-110 microns thick.

Thickness affects the stiffness of the paper and its performance during double-sided printing. Thinner paper bends more easily and may allow print to show through from one side to the other, while thicker paper provides better opacity and stability.

Paper whiteness - the CIE scale

Paper whiteness is measured using the CIE index developed by the Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage, which determines the amount of light reflected from the surface of the sheet. The higher the CIE value, the whiter the paper appears, often with a slight blue tint.

Interpretation of the CIE index:

• CIE 140-150 - natural white paper with a slightly creamy shade, more comfortable for the eyes when reading long texts
• CIE 150-160 - standard whiteness, offering a good balance between appearance and reading comfort
• CIE 160-170 - high whiteness, providing excellent contrast and ideal for color and professional documents
• CIE 170+ - extremely high whiteness, also known as Super White, providing maximum contrast and the best results for color printing

The choice of whiteness depends on the intended use of the prints. Standard whiteness of CIE 150-160 is sufficient for everyday text documents. For promotional materials, presentations, and color prints, paper with a higher whiteness is a better choice because it reproduces colors more accurately.

Paper grades

Manufacturers use a quality classification system for office paper, marking it with the letters A, B, and C. The classification takes into account a combination of parameters, including whiteness, smoothness, thickness, and structural uniformity.

• Grade A (Premium) - the highest quality, with a bright white color and smooth surface, ideal for professional documents and color printing
• Grade B (Standard) - good quality, suitable for most office applications
• Grade C (Economy) - basic quality, with a slightly creamy or grayish shade, suitable for draft prints

It is worth remembering that there are no universal criteria for assigning paper to a particular grade - each manufacturer applies its own standards. As a result, Grade B paper from one manufacturer may be comparable in quality to Grade A paper from another.

Printer paper sizes

The most popular printer paper size is A4 (210 × 297 mm), which is the standard for office communication worldwide. Most office and home printers are designed for this format.

In addition to A4, other sizes are also used:

• A3 (297 × 420 mm) - twice the size of A4, used for posters, diagrams, technical drawings, and presentation materials
• A5 (148 × 210 mm) - half the size of A4, used for flyers, brochures, and notebooks
• Letter (216 × 279 mm) - the American standard, commonly found in international documentation
• Plotter rolls - continuous paper in various widths for large-format printers

Before purchasing paper in a non-standard size, make sure that the printer supports the required format.

Surface smoothness

Paper smoothness affects detail reproduction and print sharpness. Paper with a smoother surface provides better transfer of ink or toner, resulting in a clearer image and more vivid colors.

Smoothness is measured using the Bendtsen method and expressed in ml/min - the lower the value, the smoother the surface. Standard office paper has a smoothness of approximately 200-250 ml/min, while premium papers are below 150 ml/min.

Paper with standard smoothness is sufficient for text printing. For graphics, photographs, and promotional materials, calendered or satin-finished papers are a better choice.

Opacity

Opacity indicates the degree to which paper allows light to pass through. This parameter is particularly important for double-sided printing - low opacity causes text from one side to show through on the other.

Opacity is expressed as a percentage - standard office paper reaches approximately 90-92%, while premium papers exceed 95%. The higher the paper weight and thickness, the better the opacity.

How to choose printer paper

The choice of paper should depend on its intended use and the type of printer. Here are some practical guidelines:

For everyday office printing such as invoices, notes, and internal correspondence, standard Grade B or C paper with a weight of 80 g/m² is sufficient. There is no need to invest in more expensive premium paper for documents that will be archived or discarded.

For professional documents such as business proposals, contracts, and client correspondence, it is worth choosing Grade A paper with a higher whiteness of CIE 160 or above. A professional-looking print helps create a positive company image.

For color printing such as presentations, charts, and marketing materials, paper with high whiteness and a smooth surface is the best choice. Satin-finished paper provides better color reproduction.

For double-sided printing, choose paper with a minimum weight of 90 g/m² and high opacity to prevent text from showing through.

For photo printing on inkjet printers, specialist photographic paper with an appropriate finish, such as matte, gloss, or satin, and a weight of 150-300 g/m² is required.

Paper storage

Proper storage of printer paper affects print quality and reliable printer operation. Paper is a hygroscopic material - it absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment, which can cause sheets to deform and create feeding problems.

Paper storage guidelines:

• Store paper in a dry room with a stable temperature of 15-25°C and humidity of 40-60%
• Do not expose paper to direct sunlight
• Keep paper in its original packaging until use
• Store an opened ream in a sealed container or protective wrapping
• Do not place heavy objects on reams of paper
• Fan the ream before loading it into the printer to separate the sheets

Paper and the environment

Today's printer paper market offers an increasing number of environmentally friendly products. Eco-friendly papers are made from certified sources such as FSC and PEFC, using renewable energy or recycled materials.

Recycled papers contain between 50% and 100% recovered fibers. They may have slightly lower whiteness and a different structure than virgin-fiber papers, but their quality has improved significantly in recent years and they are fully suitable for everyday office use.

Environmental certifications on paper packaging, such as the EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, and Nordic Swan, confirm compliance with strict environmental standards at every stage of production.

Printer paper available at Netuno

In the printer paper category, products are grouped by size and intended use:

• A4 printer paper - the most popular size for everyday office and home use
• A3 printer paper - a larger format for posters, diagrams, and presentation materials
• Decorative printer paper - textured, colored, or special-effect papers for invitations and diplomas
• Other printer papers - specialist media for specific applications
• Plotter paper rolls - continuous rolls for large-format printers

Each subcategory includes products with different weights, grades, and specifications, making it possible to select paper for individual requirements.

Who is printer paper for?

Offices and businesses - everyday correspondence, documentation, invoices, and reports. Standard Grade B or C paper provides an economical solution for high-volume printing.

Marketing and sales departments - promotional materials, business proposals, and presentations. Premium Grade A paper with high whiteness supports a professional brand image.

Design and architectural offices - technical drawings, plans, and diagrams. A3 paper or plotter rolls are suitable for these applications.

Public institutions and government offices - official documentation, certificates, and administrative decisions. Good-quality paper with environmental certification is a suitable choice.

Home users - occasional prints, documents, and photographs. Multipurpose paper is suitable for a wide range of applications.

Schools and universities - teaching materials, student assignments, and diplomas. A wide range of paper weights and sizes is available.