Copy paper is often sold as “multipurpose”, and for text documents that is usually true. But a laser printer and an inkjet put very different stresses on a sheet, and knowing what each one asks of the paper helps you choose a grade that runs smoothly and looks right.
What laser printers and copiers ask of paper
Laser printers and photocopiers fuse toner onto the page with heat and pressure. That makes several things important:
- Heat resistance. The sheet passes through a hot fuser, so it needs to stay flat and not scorch, curl or release moisture as steam.
- Stable moisture content. Paper that is too dry builds static and misfeeds, and paper that is too damp curls and jams. Sealed ream wrapping helps keep the balance.
- Clean, accurate cutting. Loose paper dust or uneven edges cause double feeds and wear on rollers.
- A smooth surface. Toner sits on top of the paper, so a smooth sheet gives sharper text and even solid areas.
What inkjet printers ask of paper
Inkjets spray liquid ink that has to be absorbed properly:
- Controlled absorbency. Ink that soaks in too fast spreads and looks fuzzy at the edges, which is called feathering. Ink that sits on the surface too long smudges.
- Opacity. Ink can show through thin paper, which matters for double-sided printing.
- Brightness and whiteness. Brighter paper makes colours look cleaner and text look sharper.
Plain copy paper is fine for documents on an inkjet. For photographs or heavy graphics you need coated inkjet or photo paper instead.
At a glance
| What matters | Laser printers and copiers | Inkjet printers |
|---|---|---|
| Main stress on the paper | Heat and friction | Liquid ink |
| Key paper qualities | Flat, stable moisture, clean cut | Balanced absorbency, good opacity |
| Common problems | Jams, curling, double feeds | Feathering, show-through, smudging |
| Suggested weight | 70 to 80 GSM (80 GSM for double-sided) | 75 to 80 GSM (80 GSM for double-sided) |
Choosing a grade for mixed use
If the same paper goes into both kinds of machine, choose a good-quality 75 or 80 GSM multipurpose sheet with high opacity and a clean cut edge. Keep a brighter, whiter grade for documents that leave the building. Standardising on one grade is also simpler for purchasing. For more on how weight changes performance, see our guide to 70, 75 and 80 GSM copy paper.
Habits that prevent problems
- Keep reams sealed until you need them, and store them flat and off the floor.
- Let paper reach room temperature before loading it if it has come from somewhere much hotter or colder.
- Fan the stack before loading, and do not overfill the tray.
- Match the paper size and paper type settings in the printer driver to what is loaded.
If jams keep happening, our guide to reducing printer jams goes into paper quality, brightness and storage in more detail.
Copy paper we supply
For laser printers and photocopiers, compare Copy Laser A4 Paper, Double A4 Paper and Reflex Ultra White A4 Paper. Browse the full A4 copy paper range or request a quote for bulk supply and export.
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