Types of Photo Paper
Photo paper is the medium on which we print photographs. Picking the right type of photo paper can help you achieve the look and results you want in the photos you print. Photo paper can be porous or nonporous, and it comes in different sizes and with different types of finishes.
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Porous
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Porous photo paper has fine particles glued together on the surface with air spaces, or pores, between the particles. Also known as "instant-dry paper," it works well with printers that print quickly and require photo paper that both absorbs ink and dries quickly. Unfortunately, porous media is prone to air fading.
Nonporous
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Nonporous, or swellable type, photo paper has no pores; pictures printed on this type of paper are less susceptible to air fade. Nonporous paper has the ability to swell to twice or three times its original thickness as it absorbs ink. When the coating has absorbed all the ink, the coating dries, returns to its original thickness and encapsulates the ink.
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Size
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Each size of photo paper serves a different purpose. For example, 4-by-6 and 5-by-7-inch paper work well for printing scrapbook and album photos. A larger size, such as 8.5-by-11-inch photo paper, lends itself well to framed photos and otherwise on display. Posters, calendars and studio-quality enlargements will likely require 11-by 17-inch photo paper.
Finish
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Photo paper comes with two main types of finishes: high glossy type and matte. A glossy finish reflects a great deal of light and lends itself well to scrapbooks, family albums and prints not displayed near bright lights and windows. A matte finish works well for framed photos because it reduces glare.
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References
- Photo Credit Patrick Ryan/Lifesize/Getty Images
