Inkjet printers are becoming the most popular home computer printers. In contrast to a laser printer, which uses high heat to fuse powdered ink to a material like paper, an inkjet printer sprays a fine pattern of liquid ink. Without the need for heat, an inkjet printer can print on a far wider range of materials, from the delicate to the metallic. The primary quality of these materials must be their ability to absorb and hold an inked image without bleeding or spreading.
Inkjet paper is designed especially for inkjet printers. Like any paper, its many varieties are generally classified by weight, brightness, texture, and opacity. Basic inkjet office paper weight ranges from 21 to 27 lbs, and is most suitable for printing text. The amount of ink required to print a photo, however, can soak and buckle these lightweight papers. Photo paper is heavy and very opaque, even to the point where it can be printed on both sides without the images showing through.
That is why your home inkjet printer has settings (usually found under "properties" or "configuration" when printing) for the type of paper or material you are using. The printer will decrease the amount of ink it sprays to compensate for lighter-weight paper, and adjust the image colors to suit the opacity or transparency of your paper.
Yes, you can keep printing on your basic white office paper, but perhaps it is time to live a little! Here are just some of the new options available for your inkjet printer:
Photo Paper: Papers formulated for photo printing can be any weight or thickness, but they share a high opacity. The best quality photographic prints can generally be achieved with thicker papers, with a glossy finish that make photo colors more vivid. Photo papers are primarily distinguished by their surface coatings; glossy or matte. Gloss coatings are shiny and very light-reflective, with quick-drying properties to prevent the ink from smearing. Matte surfaces are flat and low-gloss. Bridging the gap are semi-gloss and luster papers.
Textured Paper: Many new inkjet papers have a textured finish, such as linen weave or canvas, which will give your finished prints a distinctive look.
Fabric Sheets: In the past, the only way for the home crafter to transfer an image to fabric was to print the image on a heat-transfer medium and then iron the medium onto the fabric. Today, you can print directly on fabric using paper-backed fabric sheets in your inkjet printer. After printing, the paper backing is removed. The fabric is generally lightweight cotton, linen, satin or silk - and a shade of white. The color of the fabric is important. Inkjet printers do not print white ink, so the white parts of your image will be the color of your fabric. Also, be aware that special photo inks in your printer will not produce as vivid an image on fabric as standard inks.
Fusible Fabric Sheets: A variation on fabric sheets, this fabric is backed with a heat activated adhesive. Print your image, trim, and iron it onto apparel, fabric crafts, scrapbooks or any flat surface for a custom applique effect.
Translucent Vellum: Vellum is a translucent paper that imitates the qualities of animal-skin parchment. Vellum is a crafter's secret weapon for achieving layering and light effects. When printing on vellum, consider how light or background will show through your image. If the image will be transmitting light, try configuring your printer for "transparency" paper, because that will deposit more ink and adjust the colors to be more vivid against a light source.
Metallic Papers: Special metallic paper surfaces can accept inkjet printing. Finishes are generally low-gloss and include color variations of gold, silver and copper. Some also have self-adhesive backing.
Transparency: The problem with inkjet printing on standard transparency material (overhead projector sheets) is that the ink smears on the non-absorbent surface. Now, special transparency sheets have been created with a fine texture that holds the ink, preventing smearing or smudging. Be sure to use the "transparency" setting on your printer to adjust the inking and color.
Magnetic Paper: Create refrigerator magnets, organizational systems, calendars, and magnetic advertising cards by printing directly on this lightweight (11 mils) magnetic material.
Specialty Sizes: We think the world is created in 8 1/2" X 11" or A4 rectangles, but there are many other sizes of inkjet paper. You can print directly on greeting cards or envelopes of all sizes. Sheets of pre-scored or perforated business cards, name stickers, tags and other shapes are available.
Waterproof Outdoor Paper: For outdoor use, consider vinyl-coated inkjet sheets that are water-resistant.
Transferring Images to Other Surfaces
Heat Transfer Paper: Images printed on transfer paper can be transferred to a surface like fabric by applying heat and pressure, usually with an iron (hence the common name of Iron-On Transfer). The image must be printed in reverse (mirror image) so it is transferred correctly. The end result is a rubbery or stiff film on the surface of the fabric, with generally sharp and vivid colors.
Peel-and-Stick Adhesive Paper: Here is a nifty shortcut for crafters and scrapbookers. Print directly on a peel-and-stick sheet, trim your images, peel off the backing and apply your images directly. There are even self-adhesive fabric sheets for making fabric stickers.
Decal Papers: Also known as "water slide decals," an image is printed on a transparent film that is then removed from the paper and adhered to a surface with water. This is especially good for uneven or natural surfaces, pottery, ceramics and glass.
Rub-On Transfers: Similar to decals, this paper produces an image on a transparent film that can be transferred to a surface with pressure.
Temporary Tattoos: Yes, you can actually buy water slide decal "tattoo paper" for your inkjet printer, to personalize your body for every occasion.
These are some of the hottest new printables to be developed for your inkjet printer. Most of them can be found at your local stationer, craft or quilting store, or online from craft suppliers or manufacturers. Experiment on your next craft or scrapbook project. You may discover that your inkjet printer and your imagination can be best friends.
Scott Henderson founded Vintage Image Craft (http://www.vintageimagecraft.com) for crafters and scrapbookers who love creating with vintage images. Visit for free ideas, techniques, instructions and vintage image downloads.
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