Paper choice is an important factor in printing since it determines how you want your finished product to look. When it comes to digital printing, paper choice can greatly impact the quality and look of your final product. That is why, before deciding to print, you should discover what is the best paper for digital printing.
What Is the Best Paper for Digital Printing?
The best paper for digital printing depends on the specific needs of your project. The finished result of the print greatly depends on the paper used. You should choose the paper based on the the type of images or text you plan on printing, and for what you plan to use the printed material.
Yet, as the best digital printing services, we advise you that the ideal paper for printing digital art is coated paper, which is available in matte, semi-matte, and glossy finishes.
The paper’s coating prevents the ink from penetrating too deeply into the paper and leaving your print with a faded look. That is why we advise you to avoid using glossy paper if your digital work has any text. Remember that a glossy finish can make the text difficult to read.
The Six Different Printing Paper Types
Regular matte paper - the most common type used for documents and other basic print jobs.
Glossy paper - a shiny paper that provides richer color than regular paper.
Bright white paper - a high-quality paper with an elegant look.
Heavyweight paper - the most common heavyweight paper is cardstock.
Inkjet paper - is designed for desktop inkjet printers.
Blotting paper - paper that’s absorbent of any excessive ink or oils.
Key factors for selecting the ideal paper for your digital printing needs
Coating
One of the first decisions you need to make is whether to choose a glossy or matte paper stock. Glossy papers have a shiny and reflective surface that can make colors and images pop, leading to a vibrant look.
Matte papers, on the other hand, have a non-reflective finish and are more suitable for portraits. Matte papers tend to be less prone to fingerprints, making them a good choice for handling and distribution.
Ink and resolution
Ink plays an important role in print quality and digital image resolution. The type and quality of ink can impact color accuracy, vibrancy, and longevity. High-quality inks produce prints with better colors and resistance to fading.
Print resolution is also influenced by the ink you use. So, image resolution, measured in pixels per inch, impacts print quality. Higher resolutions produce more detailed prints with sharper lines.
You also need to know that inkjet printers often perform better on coated papers because they absorb the ink without bleeding.
Laser printers, on the other hand, are more suitable for uncoated papers that can withstand the heat of the toner.
Paper weight or paper stock
Paper weight can also affect the overall quality of your printed materials. For example, heavier papers can provide a better look and feel but usually cost more. Lighter papers, on the other hand, are more affordable but look and feel less sophisticated.
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter), a unit that describes the thickness of paper stock. The paper stock type also impacts the quality of your digital prints. The usual options for digital printing include coated papers, like gloss or satin, and uncoated paper, like matte or textured stocks. While coated papers are more uniform, uncoated papers offer a more natural feel.
Printer compatibility
It is essential to make sure that the paper you choose is compatible with your digital printer. Different printers may require different paper types, weights, and finishes. You need to test many paper options to find what suits you best.
Surface texture
The paper's surface texture can also influence the final look of your printed images. For example, coated papers can provide a professional look, while textured papers can add a unique element to your prints. What surface texture you choose depends on the aesthetic you want and the type of designs you print.
Conclusion
When deciding what is the best paper for digital printing, you should consider your printing needs, like the type of images or text you are printing. What kind of paper is used for digital prints? From all the paper variants, we have to say the best paper for digital printing is coated paper, available in matte and glossy finishes.
Yet, depending on the type of project you are doing, you have other options to consider and other paper choices.