As one of the most important parts of the printing process, the paper you choose can make or break it.  Paper comes in three different varsities, cheap everyday stuff, medium grade stuff that is designed to impress, and the highest grade, premium printer paper that will make whatever is printed on it golden.  Most consumers use the everyday paper, but professionals, like successful real estate agents, use the best printer paper.

First, let’s talk about what makes “everyday” paper.  Everyday paper you find at the store for a few dollars is typically 20# with a 92 brightness.  The weight: 20# describes how flimsy the paper is when you feel it.  The higher the weight, the more substantial the paper will feel to you.  Paper weight will range from about 20# to over 110# (which is cardstock).  The brightness of the paper refers to how bright the paper itself is.  92 bright paper is very dull and will give dull, everyday results.  98 bright or higher papers will give much lively, reactive results.

Choosing the best printer paper is very important.  Typically, when you’re looking at premium paper that will be used for fliers or marketing materials, you’ll want to lean towards a paper with a weight around 44#.  If you need paper to put into a binder for a presentation, 24# is the weight you’ll want for optimum page-turning results.  Many paper manufacturers will have products that state what they’re good for.  HP papers, for example, will have right on their label their purpose.  HP brochure papers would be, of course, for people printing brochures.

The brand of paper you choose is really based on your preference.  While HP is definitely a highly recommended brand by many printing professionals, you can find many other premium papers from manufacturers like Hammermill and Boise Cascade.  So when choosing your brand, find one that meets your printing needs and budget.  The most expensive paper you can buy may not be the one you need and so keep your mind open while shopping.