Best photo paper for Epson printers

Linda Katz · Mar 20, 2002

I lost the thread but I read in this forum earlier this week that people were recommending Office Depot super premium paper- around $39 for 100 sheets.

I was going to get some today, but I wanted to know if those recommending this paper actually had Epson printers. I have a 1280 and have had very bad results trying to use non-Epson papers.

Is the Office Depot paper good with Epson inks? If not, where do you recommend finding the (expensive!) Premium Epson photo paper at the best price?

Or do most of you send out for your prints?

I can't wait to take and print lots of shots when I get my G2 later this week!

(Even though it seems I ordered a week too early to get the amazing prices on the camera that everyone's talking about this week!)

IanG · Mar 20, 2002

Personally I like the Epson Heavyweight matte - it works well with my Epson 890 and is pretty cheap.

for photo quality, I have tried various brands and found that Ilford Satin or Gloss both work well.

For something a bit different (and expensive) the permajet papers (museum classic, Oyster and Belgian linen) are worth a try, just get a sample pack.

Hope this helps?

Ericka Lindstrom · Mar 20, 2002

I found this site to be helpful for printing with Epson printers. Be sure to scroll all the way to the top, for some reason you can end up at the middle of the page and not see the links at the top when you go there.

http://home.att.net/~arwomack01/#papersuppliers

Gordon McGregor · Mar 20, 2002

Totally off the topic but the reason you end up half way down the page is you've got a referrence/ bookmark in your url.

You really want to go to
http://home.att.net/~arwomack01/

the # and bit afterwards referrence you to the middle of the page.

Gordon

Ericka Lindstrom · Mar 20, 2002

Thanks for the info. I was wondering why that was the only bookmark I had that did that.

JimmieD · Mar 20, 2002

Linda,

My personal opinion is that the Office Depot paper provides the best results I've gotten with either my Epson 875 printer or my HP 1220. If I'm printing something to go in an album or under glass, I use the Epson Heavyweight Matte just because it is cheaper. If I'm printing something to share with someone else, I use the Office Depot paper.

I'm not sure about how the 1280 works, but for the 875, I turn the high speed option off and increase the contrast slightly.

Another thing, usually about once every 6 weeks, Office Depot runs some kind of sale on this paper. I've never paid more than $29 for 100 sheets or $8 for their 25 sheet pack.
Good luck,
JimmieD

lenshead · Mar 20, 2002

If you want to print 5X7 use the epson 5x7 boderless paper (glossy). It produces wonderfull prints on a Epson 1280. Using a G2 as the camera Iresize using photoshop elements and touch the pics up to suit my taste. I have got some beautiful prints using the G2 in combo with a 1280...--Jim Allen

Mike R · Mar 20, 2002

Of all the papers that I have used with my Epson 870 during the past 18 months I find that I get the best results with the Heavyweight Matte paper. As an added bonus it is probably one of the cheaper Epson papers available.

Mike R.

murry · Mar 20, 2002

There was a discussion about Office Depot Paper in the PRINTERS &
PRINTING forum under "Where to buy Konica QP paper" 1 day ago.

I only use OFFICE DEPOT PREMIUM HIGH GLOSS PHOTO PAPER in
my Epson 780 printer. The prints are fantastic. I have not found any
other paper that is better.

The package marked "Made in Japan" is Konica paper. The package
marked "Made in USA" is not as good.

Sometimes there is a sale of around $30 for 100 sheets.--Murry

morris · Mar 20, 2002

Linda, I have had bad color shifts with non-Epson papers. You can correct for this but to me the time is worth more than the money. I have an Epson Stylus 780 and get excellent results on Epson Mat Heavyweight Paper. It is one of there photo papers and will provide long life prints with the Epson inks. For my inks it is rated at 25 years when displayed behind glass. Since I only have the printer about a year I can not tell if this is the case :-} I hope it is as I have many beautiful prints up for display. The Mat Heavyweight Paper is much less expensive than the glossy photo paper and produces color and contrast that is just as pleasing. If you like a mat finish, or don’t mind it this is the way to go. Also when you place a mat print behind glass they look the same as glossy prints.

Morris

Kent Griswold · Mar 20, 2002

A better deal is at Costco if you have access to one. For $19.95 you can get 100 sheets of Epson Photo Paper (glossy finish). Another good source is ITSupplies.com for Matte Paper Heavyweight and the new ColorLife paper or for larger paper than letter size. They have very good prices and good service.

crl · Mar 20, 2002

Linda, I too like the Epson heabyweight matte paper because image results are very good and it is inexpensive. When I want glossy I really like Epson Premium Photo Glossy. Images are even better than on the matte but it is more expensive. If you are not already aware there is a difference between Epson Glossy Photo and Epson Premium Photo Glossy.

with so many excellent Epson papers there is really no reason other than maybe price to use anything else. You can find a huge selection of Epson inks and papers at buy.com. They also have excellent prices.

reid thaler · Mar 20, 2002

Linda,

From everything I read, I'd say stay with Epson papers (and inks!) You won't get the archival quality (or at least you won't know for sure) with non-Epson papers, which, I would guess is one of the reason you got the 1280.

Reid

Linda Katz · Mar 21, 2002

Actually- I did get that printer because it has long lasting inks- but they are not truly archival.
Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Gordon McGregor · Mar 22, 2002

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this yet in this thread but
I've been using Epson colorlife paper and the results are totally
fantastic. Much better than with any of the other Epson brand
papers I've tried, or the 3rd party papers I got from a sampler pack from
inkjetart.com

Gordon

Allen S · Mar 22, 2002

Is Matte Heavy available in a 4x6 microperf???
I don't think Epson has it ... other suppliers?

Thanks
Allen S

morris · Mar 22, 2002

Allen, get your self a paper cutter and save money.

Morris

jlinear · Mar 22, 2002

Hi Linda,

I also have a 1280 and use various sizes of Heavyweight Matte with excellent results. Below is a good testimonial for 1270 & 1280:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/epson_1270.htm

Joel

David N. · Mar 23, 2002

I second this opinion. Epson Heavyweight matte produces spectacular results on the Epson photo ink jets and you can get 50 sheets for $12.00 @ Comp USA. Hint: if you don't do a lot of 8x10 prints, take this paper to a copy shop like Kinko's that has a heavy duty electric paper cutter (this would be behind the counter-- not a self service machine) and have them cut some of it down to 5x7 size sheets. I have not actually done this but keep meaning to try it. I rarely print larger than 5x7 due to the cost of ink, unless it is something to be framed.

-- http://www.pbase.com/dnewell228/

morris · Mar 23, 2002

I use a paper cutter for this and can have any size paper I like.

Morris

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