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Paper and specialty media guidelines
Paper guidelines
Selecting the correct paper or specialty media reduces printing problems. For the best print quality, try a sample of
the paper or specialty media before buying large quantities.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when evaluating
new paper stock.
Weight
The paper tray can automatically feed paper weights up to 90 g/m
2
(24 lb bond) grain long paper. The manual feeder
can automatically feed paper weights up to 163 g/m
2
(43 lb bond) grain long.
For best performance, use 75 g/m
2
(20 lb bond) grain long paper. Paper lighter than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb) might not be
stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. Paper that weighs at least 75 g/m
2
(20 lb) is recommended for sizes less
than or equal to 182 mm (7.17 in.) wide.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for paper to curl at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl can occur
after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in
hot, humid, cold, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause
feeding problems.
Smoothness
Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, toner cannot fuse to it properly. If paper is too
smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between 100–300 Sheffield points;
smoothness between 150–250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper correctly.
Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of paper to moisture changes that
can degrade its performance.
Condition paper before printing by storing it in its original wrapper in the same environment as the printer for 24 to
48 hours before printing. Extend the time several days if the storage or transportation environment is very different
from the printer environment. Thick paper may also require a longer conditioning period.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long, running the length of
the paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper.
For 64–90 g/m
2
(17–24 lb bond) paper, grain long paper is recommended. Short grain paper is not recommended
for papers less than 64 g/m
2
or sizes less than or equal to 182 mm (7.17 in.) wide.
Paper and specialty media guidelines
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