Printing on the right paper is vital for impressive printing results. Printing on the wrong type and weight of paper can lower the printing output and make it look of poor quality. Papers are of different types and are suitable for specific purposes; choosing the right kind of paper for your job can be tricky. Here is a guide about paper weights and choosing the right paper weight for your task.
What is GSM?
GSM is a measurement unit for the weight or the density of the paper. The thickness of the paper determines the weight of the paper. GSM is a short form for “grams per square meter,” which specifies the weight of the paper for every square meter. The greater the value of GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper will be.
The GSM of paper for tracing paper is the lowest and has a value of 40 gsm, while the gsm value can be as high as 400 gsm for card sheets and business cardstock. A standard printing paper suitable for general purposes can weigh between 70 to 90gsm.
The paper’s greater GSM value makes the paper look more professional and of better quality. It is better to go for a higher gsm paper size for professional purposes like presentations or official documents. If your task requires double-sided printing, it is better to use a paper with a greater gsm value to prevent ink leakage. A higher gsm paper should be used for an annual report, magazine, or documents that need to have a long lifetime.
The correct GSM paper for different tasks:
Choosing the right paper is essential for high-quality printing results and to avoid printer issues. Laser printers have an upper and lower limit of the GSM paper that can be used in it. Most laser printer can work with a maximum of 220gsm paper weight. If any other gsm paper is used, problems like paper jamming can occur. While carrying out the printing task, you can select different gsm options to perform high-quality printing and void printer issues. Here are some different paper gsm’s suitable for specific purposes:
70-90 gsm:
This is a standard paper weight and is generally used for the majority of the tasks. Most laser printers accept this paper size and result in good quality printing results.
100-120 gsm:
it is a bit thicker paper than the standard paper used and is best for using as letterheads and documents. It is generally referred to as stationery paper.
130-170gsm:
As the gsm increases, the quality of the paper improves and becomes long-lasting. Leaflets, broachers, and flyers, which are roughly handled and must be strong to bear wear and tear, must be of this weight.
180-200 gsm:
This paper’s weight makes it more card-like and is excellent for posters, front and back covers, invitation cards, and greeting cards.
210-300gsm:
this thick paper is popular amongst hobbyists for crafting, painting, photography, and designing book covers.
310-400gsm:
professional photography, high-quality invitation cards, commercial posters, business cards need to be printed on thick papers, and this range of paper weight is best for these purposes.
More than 400gsm:
these are very thick, highly durable, strong paper, and offer exceptional printing quality. Artists and crafters who require high professional quality results use this paper.
Know the maximum GSM of your printer for efficient printing.
Choosing the right paper for your task is important but choosing the right paper for your printer is equally essential. The printer you have or are using for printing must be compatible with the paper weight you are using. Most modern and advanced laser printers can work with multiple paper weights but choosing the right paper weight for a task and choosing the best printer is essential for high-quality printing results.
The range of paper weights accepted by a printer can usually be easily found on the specifications and information booklets that come with the printer. Thoroughly studying the specification sheet before putting it to a printing job is vital for the printer’s best results and long life. Using the wrong paper size can cause issues for the printer, like internal damage or paper jamming. It is best to conduct a test run before carrying out the actual printing job.
Inkjet printer papers are different and must not be used with laser printers. Coated papers are also not suitable for laser printers and may cause damage to the printer and produce unimpressive and poor-quality printing results. So make sure to use the appropriate type and weight of paper for your laser printing job.
Conclusion:
Printing is a serious job and needs to be carried out with proper attention and keeping the requirements in mind. Using the right paper weight for your laser printer and printing job will produce impressive results. The wrong choice of paper weight can produce poor quality printing results. Choosing the right paper for your printer is also essential for the healthy working of the printer and impressive printing results.
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