Choosing inkjet printing papers

If you read last issue's feature on printing, you'll know how your choice of printer influences the media you can print on and the control you have over the printing process. In this feature, we'll look at the different types of inkjet media and how to choose between them.

Media Choices

All inkjet media have coated surfaces that accept the ink. Coatings give papers certain qualities, such as flatness, surface texture and ink absorbency. You should also consider the base colour and the degree to which it could affect the image and whether the medium could change colour over time (which could also affect the image colours).

If we start with the paper base, there are a number of factors to consider.

1. What is it made from? Most papers are made from wood pulp, with the 'best' of these papers comprised of 100% alpha cellulose – the most stable form – which is acid and lignin free. If the acids used in the production of wood pulp aren't eliminated, the paper will break down over time. Lignin is a component in cell walls that helps to make wood fibres rigid. If it's not removed when the paper is made it will cause the paper to turn