How to Use Copier Paper

A lot of people load paper into their copiers without thinking twice. But, do you know that your copier’s performance and productivity is affected by the type of paper you use?

Your service technician’s many visits and the numerous paper jams may be due to misusing copier paper or having the wrong kind of paper. Let us look at how your copier paper can work against you.

Size & Cut

There are standard paper sizes, such as tabloid, legal, letter, etc., but be cautious when offered a “good deal”. If you pay less than you usually do for a particular brand of copier paper, expect the quality of the paper to be below standard.

Buying a cheap paper is like buying shoes from a value retailer that produces shoes in high volumes leading to inconsistency. Although all the shoes may indicate the same size, you may notice that they do not fit the same after trying multiple pairs.

Despite the paper’s price being appealing, paper products that cost less have been seen to have inconsistencies in the paper’s expected size. A slight inconsistency in a standard paper size may cause a paper jam when using the copier. Accumulation of dust on the paper also clogs the paper path. If you notice frequent paper jams in your machine, use a different type of paper or stock.

Finish & Texture

It might have come to your attention that different types of paper exist, such as matte, glossy, photo, colour, inkjet, laser, etc. Paper types are mainly categorised by finish and texture. Each type of paper stock is made for different needs, and the best results are achieved when you use the right kind of toner/ink and setting on the copier or laser printer.

Laser paper is mostly smoother and flatter, while inkjet paper is a bit rough to allow ink to soak into the paper. However, the glossy paper does not work on all devices as the extra coating can melt off on copier rollers.

If you are not sure on the type of paper to use, consult the device manufacturer through their website on the right kind of paper to use. Manufacturers recommend paper after testing and certifying it to be suitable for use on their machines.

Paper Tray Settings and Paper Type

Although digital copiers work well in copying and printing jobs, you still need to use the right type of paper for best results. Printing and copying devices have suggested paper tray settings for different types of paper.

Consult your training specialist or user manual on accessing your copier’s or printer’s paper tray settings. You can often alter the settings at the device, but changing defaults for multiple copies may require you to go into your user tools.

You have to instruct your device on the kind of paper you load to change its pulling mechanism for proper printing or copying appropriately. A thicker paper should be pulled into the machine slowly than the average copy paper.

Moisture

Moisture is the worst enemy of a paper ream. This is why you should close the paper ream after taking the sheets of paper you need. Alternatively, dedicate a controlled are that is organised, dry and cool for paper storage.

A less expensive paper may also contain higher moisture content, which causes paper curling over time. The rippled paper will likely cause a jam; it is better to use it for scrap or recycling.

Fanning

It is an excellent habit to fan your stack of paper using your thumb starting from the top to the bottom. This puts a little air into the paper, which helps separate them. High-end copying and printing devices typically have internal fans that automatically fan the papers. Fanning guarantees smooth paper supply, but you can assist regular office copiers with the fanning.

Colour Copy Paper

Many copier users wonder if there is a difference between black and white and colour copy paper. There is not much visual difference when seen under most lighting conditions. Differences in white are only noticeable after comparing against another white brand.

The major difference is in the process when printing in black and white, black toner is fused on the sheet. Colour copy paper is a little harder to allow the blending of colours and prevent absorption of the toner.

Paper brightness has a rating of 80-100 with 100 being the brightest. For colour, the best results are achieved with 24-28# weighted stock with a brightness of 90-100. Black and white works best with 20# weighted stock with a brightness of 85-90.