Inkjet Paper vs. Laser Paper
If you’ve had to buy paper for printing, you’ve probably asked yourself “Does the choice of paper really matter?” Well, the answer is “Yes it does”.
Choosing the right paper for your printer not only ensures you achieve the best print quality but it also can improve your printer’s performance.
There are many types of paper available so it can be tricky to know which is best for your printer, whether that be at home or at work.
In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into the key differences between inkjet paper and laser paper. We’ll also take a look at their specific uses to help you understand which paper you should buy for your printer and your printing needs.
Understanding Inkjet and Laser Printing Technologies
The key to understanding what paper to buy is understanding how your printer actually works.
Simply put, inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto the paper, whereas laser printers fuse heat and toner powder to create the print.
Each type of printer is suited to different tasks, depending on the volume, speed and quality required. For a more detailed analysis of the pros and cons, read our blog laser vs inkjet printers.
Differences Between Inkjet and Laser Paper
Inkjet and laser paper have different qualities, so using the wrong paper for a printer can lead to serious issues. Here are just some examples:
- If you use inkjet paper in laser printers, it can warp due to the high heat. This can damage the printer.
- If you use laser paper in inkjet printers, the print can be blurry, smudged or uneven as the paper lacks the coating needed to absorb the inkjet ink.
- If you use paper that is too heavy or too light, you may experience paper jams and even printer damage.
To avoid these problems as well as extra, unwanted costs, always match the paper to the printer type and refer to your printer manual for compatible weights and finishes.
What Is Inkjet Paper?
Inkjet printing paper is designed for use with inkjet printers. It has a tighter weave than plain paper and may have a coating to prevent ink bleed-through.
Typical weights for inkjet paper range from 70 to 300 gsm (grams per square meter). With inkjet paper, text and images are clear, crisp and vibrant but for high-quality prints like photographs, you should go for the thicker, heavier options.
Each finish changes the appearance of printed materials: a matte finish provides a non-reflective, professional look while a glossy finish is ideal for vibrant photos with sharp details. If you want a balance between the two, go for the semi-gloss finish.
What Is Laser Paper?
Laser paper is specifically designed for use with laser printers because it has a high level of heat resistance. Its smooth surface also ensures that the toner adheres effectively.
Laser paper weights range from 70 to 300 gsm (grams per square meter). Lighter, thinner paper is commonly used for everyday and high-volume printing.
The right finish for your laser paper depends on the purpose and audience of your printed materials. Matte finishes make documents easy to read, glossy finishes are perfect for bold visual impact, and semi-glossy finishes are a happy medium between the two.
Can You Use Inkjet Paper in a Laser Printer and Vice Versa?
Knowing if you can use inkjet paper in a laser printer or vice versa could save you time and money in the long run.
Compatibility Considerations
You should always match the paper type to your printer. This not only achieves the best print quality but also protects your printer from damage.
Inkjet paper is designed to absorb liquid ink, and this prevents smudging for crisp, vivid prints. If you try to use this paper in a laser printer, the high heat can misshape or distort the paper, which can damage the printer.
In contrast, laser paper is designed specifically to handle the heat of laser printers. However, it doesn’t have the same absorbency as inkjet paper, and this can result in blurry or smudged prints.
Multi-Purpose Paper Options
There is an exception to the rule that you should only use laser paper in an inkjet printer and vice versa.
Multi-purpose or dual-purpose paper has a combination of features that work with both inkjet and laser printers. It has a smooth surface for toner adhesion together with a special heat-resistant coating for laser printers and sufficient absorbency for inkjet printers,
This makes it versatile for individual households or offices that have a variety of printer types. This paper is ideal for everyday printing tasks like text documents or light graphics.
Although this paper can be more affordable than the specifically designed paper, the quality might not be as high, especially for detailed graphics or photographs.
Do Laser Printers Need Special Paper?
You may be surprised to hear you can use standard office paper in laser printers as well as specialist paper. It is more affordable than specialist paper so it is often used in the workplace where there is a high volume of text printing.
However, print quality and durability can be affected so if you want crisp, vibrant images or text, then it’s best to always choose the special paper that laser printers need.
Choosing the Best Paper for Your Printing Needs
Printing Text Documents
When choosing paper for your printing needs, you need to consider the gsm (grams per square meter) and paper finish. This will ensure your prints look professional and suit their purpose.
As a general rule, thicker, heavier paper (higher gsm) is more durable and professional. This is ideal for photos and marketing materials.
In contrast, paper with a lower gsm is more suitable for everyday printing like text documents.
Here’s a useful breakdown of inkjet paper vs laser paper to help you choose the best paper for your printing needs:
| Printing need | Inkjet printer | Laser printer |
| Text Documents (Everyday Use) | · Plain or matte inkjet paper (70–90 gsm)
· For clear text and minimal smudging |
· Standard laser paper (70–90 gsm)
· For sharp, professional-looking text |
| Photo Printing | · Matte or glossy inkjet photo paper (200 – 300gsm)
· For professional, vibrant, detailed images |
· Glossy laser paper (200–300 gsm)
· Results may lack the depth of inkjet prints |
| Marketing materials | · Glossy or semi-gloss inkjet paper (120 – 200gsm)
· For eye-catching graphics and vibrant colors |
· Smooth, heavier laser paper (120–300 gsm)
· For durability and sharp details |
Cost and Efficiency Considerations
Making the right choice when selecting paper for your home or business, can help to keep costs down while increasing efficiency.
For example, if you have a high volume of printing to do, then laser paper is quicker and more cost-effective than inkjet paper.
However, if you need vibrant colors and detailed graphics, then it can be worth paying the extra for inkjet paper. What’s more, if you use the wrong paper in your printer, you may have to throw it away or it can even cause damage to your printer. Naturally, this can all add up in terms of costs and time.
Enhance Your Printing Experience with Ink Station
Hopefully, this blog has answered all your questions about what laser paper and inkjet paper is, as well as the differences between them.
If you have any further questions, please contact our friendly team at Ink Station. We’re happy to assist you with all things printing.
