The Best Paper for A Laser Printer: 3 Top Picks For Crisp Text and Images
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Looking for the best paper for your laser printer? I can help.
A cheap $10 ream will suffice for basic printing, but higher quality paper will give you crisper, sharper printouts that make the most of a laser printer's capabilities and feel great in the hand.
Laser printers, with their precision and speed, demand paper that can keep up – paper that won't smudge, curl, or let you down when it counts.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently pick the best paper that will make your laser printer printouts stand out.
At A Glance: The Best Paper For A Laser Printer
Short on time? Here’s a quick look at my top choices for laser printer paper, plus a comparison table. Keep reading for the full detail on each.
Xerox 4200 Business Multipurpose White Paper - A reliable option for everyday printing, this 20 lb paper with a 92 brightness rating offers consistent performance for standard office needs.
Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Laser Print 24 lb - My top choice for color-intensive printing, this paper boasts a 98 brightness and ultra-white finish, ideal for producing sharp, vivid color documents.
HP Premium 24 Printer Paper - Perfect for high-quality presentations and marketing materials, this 24 lb paper features a 100 ultra-white brightness, enhancing both color and black-and-white prints.
Avery Easy Peel Printable Address Labels with Sure Feed - Ideal for mailing and organization tasks, these labels are optimized for laser printers, ensuring smooth feeding and clear, smudge-free prints.
| Product Name | Weight | Brightness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xerox 4200 Business Multipurpose White Paper | 20 lb | 92 (White) | Everyday printing, standard office needs |
| Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Laser Print 24 lb | 24 lb | 98 (Ultra White) | Color-intensive printing, sharp vivid documents |
| HP Premium 24 Printer Paper | 24 lb | 100 (Ultra White) | High-quality presentations, marketing materials |
| Avery Easy Peel Printable Address Labels with Sure Feed | Not applicable | Not applicable | Mailing, organization tasks, label printing |
Understanding Paper Weight and Type
When it comes to laser printing, the weight and type of paper you choose can make a significant difference in the quality of your printouts. Let's break down what this means and why it matters.
Why Paper Weight Matters
Paper weight, typically measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), indicates the thickness and sturdiness of the paper.
The weight of the paper affects not just the feel and durability but also how well it feeds through the printer and how your print looks on the page.
Standard vs. Premium Printing Weights: For everyday printing, a standard weight like 20 lb or 24 lb works well. It's sturdy enough for basic documents and reports. But if you're looking for something that feels more luxurious and substantial, go for heavier weights like 28 lb or 32 lb. This premium weight is excellent for presentations, resumes, or marketing materials where first impressions count.
When Heavier is Better: Cardstock and More
Cardstock Considerations: Heavier papers like cardstock, usually around 65 lb or higher, are great for crafts, business cards, or covers. However, not all printers can handle these weights comfortably. It's crucial to check your printer's specifications to avoid jams or damage.
The Significance of Paper Brightness
Paper brightness refers to how much light the paper reflects. Measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with higher numbers indicating brighter paper, this factor directly influences how vivid and crisp your printed text and images appear.
Bright paper enhances the contrast between the ink and the paper, making text more readable and colors more vibrant.
Striking the Right Balance: For most home office needs, a brightness level in the range of 90 to 100 is ideal. This range provides a good balance between quality and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your prints have enough contrast without breaking the bank.
How Different Brightness Levels Affect Prints
Lower Brightness (80-89): Papers in this range are more budget-friendly and work fine for everyday printing.
Medium Brightness (90-97): This range is a sweet spot for most laser printing needs, offering clear, sharp text and vibrant colors without excessive glare.
High Brightness (98-100): Papers at the top end of the brightness scale are ideal for high-quality brochures, photos, or any print where visual impact is crucial.
3 Best Papers For Laser Printing
Delving deeper into the specifics, let's explore some of the top paper brands and products available in the US.
Best for Everyday Printing: Xerox 4200 Multipurpose White Paper
Suitable for single- and double-sided printing, this 22lb paper is perfect for high volume, everyday printing with your laser prints.
With a 92 brightness rating, it delivers consistently reliable and clear prints, making it a solid choice for everyday use in a variety of settings.
Xerox promises a 99.9% jam-free experience with this multipurpose paper, designed for all types of printing equipment.
What Customers Say
“I bought many manufacturers’ paper to use for my Brother Laser Printer and this product (Xerox) is far superior to any other bar none. I never have any jams in my printer.”
Best For Color Laser Printing: Hammermill Premium 24lb Printer Paper
This premium 24lb paper is ideal for various projects, but is perfect for color laser printing. With a 98 brightness rating, it guarantees sharp, clear images every time.
Designed for Vibrant Colors: This premium paper is specifically crafted for color-intensive printing.
Ultra-Smooth for High Resolution: The paper features a heavier weight and an ultra-smooth finish, making it perfect for producing superior color images and crisp text. Its quality construction allows it to handle up to 2400 dpi resolution.
Acid-Free for Longevity: This paper resists yellowing over time, preserving the quality and appearance of your documents.
What Customers Say
“The print quality is fantastic on a laser printer. The colors are crisper and jump off the page. Professional look. This paper is heavier than copy paper, so it has a nice heft.”
Best for Presentations and Marketing: HP Premium 24 Paper
This medium weight 24lb paper boasts a 100 brightness and 163 whiteness, creating impressively bright and vivid full-color prints.
Engineered for optimal print quality, it features ColorLok Technology for more vivid colors and bolder blacks, plus faster drying times.
This presentation paper is acid-free, ensuring your documents retain their quality and appearance over time.
Each of the above options offers a unique combination of quality, performance, and environmental responsibility, for all manner of printing needs.
What Customers Say
“I use a color laser printer with this, and send it to clients for presentation. I get favourable comments, and make a very good impression.”
Bonus: Best Label Printer Options for Laser Printers
If you frequently use your laser printers for label printing, it's crucial to choose labels that not only look professional but also feed reliably through the printer without jamming or smudging. Here’s my top pick:
Avery Easy Peel Printable Address Labels with Sure Feed
Sure Feed Technology: These labels are designed with Avery's proprietary Sure Feed technology, ensuring a more reliable feed through your printer.
Easy Peel with Pop-up Edge: Avery’s Easy Peel feature includes a unique Pop-up Edge, making it effortless to peel off and apply the labels.
Optimized for Laser Printers: These labels are specifically optimized for both laser and inkjet printers. This means they are designed to prevent smearing and smudging, ensuring that your text and graphics remain clear and crisp after printing.
Ensuring Printer Compatibility
Getting the best out of your laser printer isn't just about choosing the right paper; it's also about ensuring your printer settings are optimized for the type of paper you're using. Here’s how you can ensure compatibility and get the most out of your printing experience.
Adjusting Printer Settings for Different Paper Weights
Know Your Printer's Preferences: Most laser printers have adjustable settings to accommodate different paper weights. Before printing, check your printer's manual or settings menu to find the correct setting for your paper's weight. This might be labeled as 'heavy' or 'cardstock' for thicker papers, or 'plain' for standard weights.
Fine-Tuning for Optimal Results: Adjusting the paper type setting in your printer ensures that the printer applies the right amount of heat and pressure for the toner to properly fuse with the paper. This is crucial for preventing issues like smudging or paper jams.
The Importance of Testing Different Paper Types
Every Printer is Unique: Just like every paper has its nuances, so does every printer. What works perfectly in one model might not yield the same results in another. Therefore, it's essential to test how different paper types perform in your specific printer.
Trial and Error: Start with a small batch of prints to see how your printer handles the paper. Pay attention to the print quality, any smudging, and how smoothly the paper feeds. If you encounter any issues, try adjusting the printer settings or consult the printer’s support resources for guidance.
Consistency is Key: Once you find a paper type that works well with your printer, sticking to the same brand and type can lead to more consistent and reliable printing results.
Conclusion: The Best Paper for a Laser Printer
As we wrap up our journey through the world of laser printer paper, it's clear that the right paper can truly elevate your printing game. Whether it's for professional reports, vibrant color prints, or special projects, choosing the right paper makes all the difference. Remember, it’s about matching the paper weight, brightness, and type to your specific needs and ensuring your printer settings are fine-tuned for these choices.
About the Author
Andrew Macarthy is a blogger and the author of the #1 Amazon Web Marketing Bestseller, 500 Social Media Marketing Tips - with over 150,000 copies sold. He has worked from home since 2010.
