How to print on smaller photo paper with a normal printer?

[PortVista]

I'm trying to figure out how to print on 4x6" sized photo paper with a normal printer, usually used to print on 8.5x11"

I have two different consumer grade HP ink jet printers -- and these smaller sheets are always very difficult to align. The glossy side needs to be face down, which makes it very sticky on the plastic surface. I tried putting down an 8.5x11" sheet, but both sheets go through, or it still comes out misaligned. I tried sticking the 4x6" sheet in the optional input (for smaller sized paper, such as envelopes), but it's worse. It gets stuck, damages the paper, and doesn't line up.

My alternative seems to be buying a photo printer just for 4x6" paper, which seems ridiculous to me. I'd rather buy a larger printer at the same price if it could print on these small sheets.

Is there any device or guide I can buy to help me use my 2 perfectly fine printers with this paper?

I may see if I can modify the tray to accept these sheets, maybe glue something on there, like wax paper and maybe a little piece of plastic to help guide the smaller sheets.

 

[GandL]

I have a Canon printer but when I go to File then Print, it brings up my printer setup window and one of the windows I have is media type. I then can pick 4x6 paper and it works fine...Hope that helped

 

[PortVista]

I was talking about how the smaller sized photo paper physically does not go through the larger printers very well, but ok. I guess no one has tried to do this. Maybe it's just HP printers. Photos always come out crooked when it does finally go through.

 

[MowermanEd]

Years ago I had an HP printer that I used for my business. I constantly had problems printing envelopes on it. I switched to Canon printers (have had several now) and have never even thought of going back. Weather it be letter sized paper or 4x6 photos, my i960 feeds them and envelopes flawlously. The paper path on the Canon is almost straight, that's the reason, IMHO, it doesn't have any trouble.

 

[Grixer-2]

I have several HP printers including the 7150, the 3820, the 1510, and the 830. All have a slider in the paper tray that adjusts to the size of the paper. I cut my 8X11 paper in 4 parts which gets me kindava odd size. I choose 4X6 card in the printer menu. I have no problems with any of the printers. I also have the Canon ip4000 printer and it works just as well as the HPs but no better. ...Grix

http://grix3378.fotopic.net

 

[Bruce Oudekerk]

Most printers today should have no problem printing on 4x6 paper. The key word is "should". In all likelihood only individuals that own your specific printers will be able to help you and they might not read the post. If you don't get a good answer soon, I'd repost with a title like "HP ???? & HP???? 4x6 problem” That should elicit some responses.

On most printers, just sliding the paper guide over solves the problem.

Bruce