6 Using print media ENWW
Paper types
This section describes the following paper types:
Archival paper
Paper that is used for archiving must meet the same specifications as standard paper;
however, the pH should be greater than 7.0. Some archival demands are more stringent
than others, requiring a specific degree of alkalinity and chemical stability. Toner is
chemically stable and should last as long as the paper does. Toner can be degraded by
petroleum-based solvents or plasticizers, such as those found in vinyl folders.
Avoid folding archival documents across printed areas or handling archival documents
roughly. Discuss archival requirements with your paper supplier.
Bond paper or letterhead
Bond paper or letterhead is premium paper that is often watermarked, sometimes uses
cotton fiber, and is available in a wide range of colors and finishes with matching
envelopes. Many manufacturers now design these grades of paper with properties
optimized for laser printing and advertise the paper as laser compatible or laser
guaranteed. Some of the rougher surface finishes, such as cockle, laid, or linen, might
require the special fuser modes that are available on some printer models in order to
achieve adequate toner adhesion. For more information about your printer’s
specifications, see the support documentation that came with your printer.
Coated paper
Clay- or other pigment-coated papers must be specifically designed for laser printers. The
electrical properties must be controlled and the surface designed not to blister during
fusing. The coating must not flake or shed particles that can contaminate the printer.
Some chemically coated papers, such as carbonless paper, can cause swelling of rollers,
damage to the paper path, or buildup on the fuser, and can produce undesirable
emissions. These papers can result in unsatisfactory performance and poor reliability, and
HP does not recommend their use.
Colored paper
You can use colored paper in your HP LaserJet printer if the paper meets the same
specifications as standard paper (see “Guidelines for using paper” on page 9).
Print quality from the HP color LaserJet printers is optimal when printing on white paper.
You also can use an HP color LaserJet printer to print on colored paper that meets all of
the specifications that are listed in this guide. However, colored paper can change the
appearance of the printed colors. This is because HP color LaserJet printers create colors
by printing a pattern of dots, overlaying and varying their spacing to produce various
colors. When these colors are printed on colored media, the shade or color of the media
will vary the shades of your printed colors. Because the printer cannot sense the color of
the paper that you are using, it cannot adjust the output colors for colored paper. To
manually adjust the output colors, see the support documentation for your printer.
● Archival paper ● Glossy paper
● Bond paper or letterhead ● Heavy paper, cover paper, and cardstock
● Coated paper ● Laser paper
● Colored paper ● Preprinted forms and letterhead
● Copier paper (plain paper) ● Recycled paper
● Embossed and debossed paper ● Special print media
