Ever felt frustrated when your laser printer jams, or your printed pages look dull and smudged? You might be using the wrong paper! Choosing the perfect paper for your laser printer is more important than you think. It’s not just about what looks pretty; it’s about making sure your printer works smoothly and your documents come out crisp and clear, every single time.
So many types of paper exist, and it’s easy to get confused. Do you need thick paper? Thin paper? Glossy or matte? Picking the wrong one can lead to wasted time, damaged printers, and disappointing results. But don’t worry! This post is here to clear up all the confusion and guide you to the best paper choices for your laser printer. You’ll learn exactly what to look for so you can say goodbye to printing problems for good.
Top Paper For Laser Printer Recommendations
- HP Papers is sourced from renewable forest resources and has achieved production with 0% deforestation in North America. Each ream is wrapped in a polyurethane coated paper wrapper to protect the cut sheets from moisture damage
- Sheet size – 8.5 x 11; Thickness – 20 pounds; Brightness – 92 bright white
- HP Copy&Print20 20 pounds printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and contributes toward satisfying credit MR1 under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
- All HP Papers provide premium performance on HP equipment, as well as on all other printer and copier equipment; 100% satisfaction guaranteed; ColorLok technology provides more vivid colors, bolder blacks and faster drying
- Superior quality, reliability, and dependability for high-volume printing at home, at school and in the office; HP Copy&Print20 print and copy paper prevents yellowing over time to ensure a long-lasting appearance for added archival quality
- 1 ream (500 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
- PREMIUM PRINTER PAPER – Hammermill Premium Inkjet & Laser 24lb Printer Paper is a versatile sheet that’s perfect for double-sided inkjet or laser printed projects. With a 97 brightness & blue-white shade, you get consistently sharp, clear images.
- COLORLOK TECHNOLOGY – This computer paper features ColorLok Technology for colors that are 30% brighter, blacks that are 60% bolder and ink that dries 3x faster. This white copy paper will provide consistently superior results.
- PERFECT FOR PRINTING – This multi-purpose copier paper is designed to run smoothly through all office equipment for professional results when printing newsletters, flyers, reports, memos, and more. It’s also acid-free paper to prevent yellowing over time.
- SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, which means they are made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
- 3 ream case (1,500 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
- MADE IN USA - HP Papers is sourced from renewable forest resources and has achieved production with 0% deforestation in North America. See images.
- OPTIMIZED FOR HP TECHNOLOGY - All HP Papers provide premium performance on HP equipment, as well as on all other printer and copier equipment. 100% satisfaction . See images.
- PERFECT OFFICE PAPER WHEN YOU NEED TO PRINT COLOR DOCUMENTS - HP All-In-One22 is thicker, brighter and whiter than ordinary multipurpose printing papers and is optimized for all inkjet and laser printers and copiers.
- CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE - HP All-In-One22 22lb printer paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified and contributes toward satisfying credit MR1 under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). See images.
- COLORLOK TECHNOLOGY PRINTING PAPER - Colorlok technology provides more vivid colors, bolder blacks and faster drying. See images.
- 5 ream case (2,500 sheets) of 8.5 x 11 white copier and printer paper for home or office use
- Multipurpose letter size copy paper works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers and fax machines
- Smooth 20lb weight paper for consistent ink and toner distribution; dries quickly and resists paper jams
- Bright white paper (92 GE; 104 Euro) offers great contrast for crisp printing and vivid color
- Virgin copy paper providing professional quality results; acid-free to prevent yellowing
- Multi-purpose copy printer paper; works with laser/inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines
- Includes 3 reams (500 sheets per ream, 1500 sheets total) of 24 pound copy paper
- Bright white for better contrast; 97 GE brightness level
- Acid-free material prevents the paper from yellowing over time
- Product dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches (WxL, per sheet)
- FOR COLOR-INTENSIVE PRINTING – Hammermill 8.5” x 11” 24lb Premium Laser Printer Paper is designed for professional-looking, color-intensive printing. This premium copy paper is manufactured to run in all laser and color printers.
- ULTRA-SMOOTH SURFACE – This premium computer paper features a heavier weight and an ultra-smooth finish that’s specially formulated for superior color images and text. It’s white printer paper that’s capable of holding up to 2400 dpi resolution.
- 99.99% JAM-FREE GUARANTEE – We guarantee that you will not experience more than one jam in 10,000 sheets of copying paper on high-speed digital equipment or we’ll replace your Hammermill paper purchase. You can trust Hammermill paper quality, guaranteed.
- ACID-FREE PAPER – This acid-free white printer paper prevents sheets from yellowing over time to ensure long-lasting archival quality. It’s ideal copier paper for professional-looking design proposals, direct mail, brochures and full color presentations.
- SUSTAINABLY MADE IN THE USA – Original Hammermill copy paper is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified contributing to “MR1 Performance” for paper and wood products under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Choosing the Right Paper for Your Laser Printer
Why Paper Matters for Laser Printing
Laser printers use heat and toner to put images and text on paper. The paper you choose makes a big difference in how your prints look. Good paper makes your documents sharp and professional. Bad paper can cause jams and blurry prints.
Key Features to Look For
1. Brightness
Brightness is how white the paper is. It’s measured on a scale from 0 to 100. A higher number means a brighter white paper. Brighter paper makes colors pop and text stand out clearly. For important documents or photos, look for paper with a brightness of 90 or higher.
2. Weight (or Basis Weight)
Paper weight tells you how thick the paper is. It’s usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Standard copy paper is often 20 lb or 75 gsm. Thicker paper feels more substantial and is less likely to bleed through. For reports or presentations, 24 lb or 90 gsm paper is a good choice.
3. Smoothness
Smooth paper helps toner stick evenly. This means sharper text and clearer images. Rough paper can lead to splotchy prints. Many papers are rated for smoothness. You can often feel the difference too. Gently rub two sheets together; smoother paper feels slicker.
4. Opacity
Opacity is how much light the paper lets through. High opacity means you can’t see the print on the other side. This is important if you print on both sides of the paper. It prevents the ink from showing through and making the page look messy.
Important Materials
Most laser printer paper is made from wood pulp. This is called virgin fiber. Recycled paper is also an option. Recycled paper is good for the environment. High-quality paper often uses a higher percentage of virgin fiber. This makes it stronger and brighter.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Things That Help:
- Coated Paper: Some paper has a special coating. This coating helps toner lay flat and look sharper. It’s great for printing photos or graphics.
- Acid-Free Paper: Paper made without acid lasts longer. It won’t turn yellow or brittle over time. This is important for archival documents.
Things That Hurt:
- Dust: Paper dust can build up inside your printer. This can cause jams and damage parts. Look for paper that is cut cleanly.
- Moisture: Paper can absorb moisture from the air. This can cause it to curl or wrinkle. Keep your paper dry in its original packaging.
- Wrong Type: Using paper not made for laser printers can cause problems. Inkjet paper, for example, might not handle the heat of a laser printer well.
User Experience and Use Cases
The paper you use affects how easy printing is. It also impacts how your finished prints look. For everyday printing like emails or drafts, standard 20 lb copy paper works fine. For important reports, resumes, or presentations, choose a heavier, brighter paper. This makes your work look more professional. If you print photos, a special photo paper for laser printers will give the best results. Consider the finish you want, too. Glossy paper makes photos shine. Matte paper gives a softer look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best type of paper for laser printers?
A: The best paper depends on what you’re printing. For general use, a bright, smooth 20-24 lb paper is usually good. For high-quality prints, consider coated or photo paper.
Q: Can I use inkjet paper in my laser printer?
A: It’s not recommended. Inkjet paper isn’t designed for the heat of a laser printer. It might melt or cause jams.
Q: Does paper brightness really matter?
A: Yes, it does. Brighter paper makes text and images stand out more. It gives a cleaner, more professional look.
Q: How does paper weight affect my prints?
A: Heavier paper is thicker. It feels better in your hand and is less likely to have ink bleed through to the other side.
Q: What is “gsm” when talking about paper?
A: Gsm stands for grams per square meter. It’s another way to measure paper thickness, common outside the US.
Q: How can I prevent paper jams?
A: Use paper made for laser printers. Keep paper dry. Don’t overfill the paper tray. Fan the paper before loading it.
Q: Is recycled paper good for laser printers?
A: Yes, many recycled papers work well. Look for ones specifically made for laser printers. They are often treated to reduce dust.
Q: What is the difference between glossy and matte paper?
A: Glossy paper has a shiny finish, making colors vibrant. Matte paper has a duller finish, which is softer and less reflective.
Q: How should I store my printer paper?
A: Store paper flat in its original packaging in a cool, dry place. This prevents curling and moisture damage.
Q: Can I print photos on regular laser printer paper?
A: You can, but the results won’t be as good as on special photo paper. Regular paper won’t show all the detail and color richness.