5 Best Photo Papers – Reviews & Comparison (2023)

Taking photos and keeping them is pointless if you don’t have the opportunity to view them from time to time. That’s why it’s always advisable to print them and put them in an album instead of simply storing them in our smartphone so that they are accessible to everyone.

But when the moment comes when you take on the hard task of printing, you have to consider a small detail first: the selection of the photo paper. And it is not easy to decide. Luckily, with your reference to our guide, you can quickly know the most important criteria for a good choice.

And to save time, you also have the option to choose among the products we recommend, such as the , a model specifically for Canon Lucia and ChromaLife 100+. There is also , consisting of 80 sheets and their paper with a glossy finish.

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Buying guide – How to choose a good photo paper?

When it’s time to materialize your highlights, you have to think about choosing paper. While it’s nice to check out your photos on PC or phone, nothing beats the beautiful album in which our grandmothers have pasted their fondest memories. Refer to our tips to find out how to buy a better value photo.

Weight

Weight is an important criterion for seeing your photos go through the ages. In reality, it is a bit of a relationship between this parameter and thickness that counts. It is always beneficial to opt for a thicker photo paper. This allows the medium to react well to the constraints it will suffer during printing.

Then it gives a feeling of quality when you take the printed photo in your hand. Check a price comparison to find the best grammage for your photo paper.

The thickness cannot be separated from this feature. However, be aware that the heaviest papers are not always the thickest. However, it is mainly the models that have a large thickness without weighing much that is the most recommended.

Note that high-end items that guarantee beautiful prints weigh about 285 – 325 g/m2.

Type

In this buying guide for the best photo papers, you will discover the different types of products available on the market. You have a matte paper that has an easy-to-handle surface.

It allows textured subjects to be printed in relief. However, the colors on this paper will not be bright or contrasting. The semi-mat, on the other hand, revives the colors to obtain a deeper black.

It’s ideal for black and white printing. However, its reflective surface can sometimes interfere with the reading of the image.

The glossy paper is perfect for highlighting the contrast between bright colors and deep black. It is the ideal model for printing images with very saturated colors. It is often used by colorist photographers.

Fine-art paper can be matte, shiny, smooth or textured and is intended for pigment ink printers. It offers a high quality, ideal for printing.

Texture

If you’re wondering where to buy a new photo paper, don’t forget to check the texture. If you’re going to put your picture behind a frame, it’s best to opt for a rather smooth paper. So, before choosing the type of product to buy, you have to take into account whether the print will end or not against the glass of a frame.

A textured paper is suggested for a photo to be stuck in an American crate without glass. The rendering is impressive to have beautiful images.

There are also RC papers or resin sleeping that are rather resistant. If you want to shoot photos that you will often manipulate in an album or photo book, it is better to opt for this category. You can even opt for a beaded, lustrous or satin version. This type of paper is more resistant to fingerprints.


The 5 Best Photo Papers Reviews

Your prettiest photos deserve the best when printing. That’s why you’ll need to spend some time choosing the paper you’re going to use. Take a look at the features of each of the products listed below to make the right choice.

1. Canon 2311B003AA PP201 4X6 50Pk Gloss

To know how to choose the best photo papers, you should start by selecting a few models and resorting to a comparison. Through these steps, you will come across the right product that best meets your needs. Canon CAPP2014X6 is among the models with a glossy finish.

It is intended to allow the user to make a better quality photo printing. With the help of this photo paper, the result will be worthy of that of a professional. So you no longer have to leave your home to enjoy a print that looks like a real photo.

This Canon-signed photo paper promises a satisfactory result, especially if used with a compatible printer, including the Canon Lucia or the ChromaLife 100+. With 15.2cm x 10.2cm (L x W), for a total weight of 240 grams, it is very easy to use.

You just need to insert it into your printer to get real photos. Note that the pack also consists of a black ink cartridge with a total capacity of 16 ml as well as another 12 ml color. Thus, complete inks are at your disposal. It is probably the best photo paper on the market.

If you want to have satisfactory results for your slide printing, you must necessarily trust the best brand of photo papers. And with this in mind, Canon offers itself as a prime candidate to ensure your achievements with the presentation of this equipment.

Pros

Economical: The prints will be done optimally and you will not notice any ink loss during the process. Prints are done quickly and efficiently whether it is the color or black and white types.

Accessories in the pack: Compare with the other models in our list, this one comes with two 16ml and 12ml ink cartridges.

Glossy finishes: This design mode ensures the undeniable quality of your productions. Indeed, the images as well as the texts are faithfully reproduced according to the settings of your device.

Cons

Selective use: Users are of the opinion that you must first check the compatibility of this material with your device.


2. Epson C13S042153 Premium Glossy Photo Paper

To get the answer to your question which is the best photo paper on the market, you need to compare the features and price of a few models. Epson C13S042153 is a pack containing 80 sheets, the dimensions of which are 10 × 15 cm for a total weight of 255 g / m².

The size of each paper corresponds to that of an A5. With a shiny finish, this model will allow you to keep memories of the most precious moments of your life. It is also proposed to allow its fans to benefit from an optimal saturation of colors.

This resin-designed support combines satisfactory performance and productivity. It thus meets the expectations of individuals and photography professionals by allowing the printing of quality photos. Using this model also makes it possible to expect a result that does not depart from that of film.

The glossy finish is also out of the ordinary. Highlighting photos of your best moments, Epson signed papers that can have their place in an album for years to come.

Epson aims to meet your expectations if you are unsure about which photo paper to choose for your prints. The printer specialist brand could surprise you with this economical and durable model.

Pros

Quality rendering: Users were amazed by the printing made on this material from Epson. The main elements, as well as the details, are crisp and clear so that you can enjoy the most satisfying result.

Number of Sheets: The lot contains 80 operational components. With this, you won’t run out for a while.

Design of the structure: The accessories are made of resin to make you enjoy your photographs in the long term.

Cons

Compatibility to be checked: According to user test, this equipment is not suitable for all types of printers.


3. HP Zink Self-Adhesive Back Photo Paper

Buying this photo paper model will give you around fifty sheets of 5 x 7.6 cm in diameter. It stands out from its peers by its self-adhesive back.

With this paper, you can easily peel off the printed photos, then stick them on a wall or in an album. You will have images combining brilliance and vibrant colors. To have stickers as you wish, simply remove the coating.

These papers are also a decoration solution in the eyes of professionals in the field. You can then use it to adorn a room, using the adhesive backing. Brilliant photos with vibrant colors are generally smudge-proof while still being water-resistant.

They also don’t tear easily. They can, therefore, last for several years and withstand any wear factor. This template is also easy to use. You just need to insert it into your printer and you’re good to go!

It is not surprising to find HP in this kind of ranking. If the brand is known in the field of IT through its solid, practical, and design equipment, this photo paper model embodies this quality conveyed by the brand’s notoriety.

Pros

Adhesive backs: The manufacturer has added a self-adhesive interface to all the components that make up this lot. This practical design will allow you to turn your photo prints into a decorative item. Indeed, they can easily be positioned on your albums or on your walls to decorate your room.

Robust structure: HP has shaped these papers to protect them from exterior damage such as stains or water splashes. They are also difficult to tear if you leave them within reach of children.

Cons

Price dissuasive: Consumers are reluctant to buy it because of its cost which is not the cheapest on our list. They remain puzzled as to its durability.


4. LabelHeaven 100 sheets of A4 photo paper

LabelHeaven is a brand of cheap and glossy A4 size photo paper. The pack of its model LH-A4180-32 consists of a hundred sheets of 30.4 cm x 22.2 cm x 3 cm for a total weight of 1.36 kg. White in color, these papers are the result of ecological design, being 100% recycled.

Available at a competitive price, they have good resistance to water and stains. They highlight a real photo while ensuring good ink absorption. Leaving no chance for stains, they allow clean prints away from all forms of dirt.

They are therefore the solution to benefit from high-resolution printing. To make your color printing job easier, a special coating system is provided.

So you can expect clean and vivid images at the same time. To boost the quality of the renderings, it is best to use these papers with inkjet printers.

To acquire quality equipment, there is no need to spend a fortune. It is in this sense that LabelHeaven has developed this product. The latter, which is accessible even for those on a limited budget, is unlikely to disappoint you, given its strengths.

Pros

Environmentally Friendly Manufacturing: The materials that go into the design of these sheets have been taken from 100% recycled elements. Therefore, the purchase of this equipment will allow you to take part in the conservation of the environment.

Resistant Coating: The structure is stain resistant such as moisture which will allow you to keep your slides for a while.

Crisp prints: When printing your photos, the paper ensures optimal ink absorption, thus limiting soiling and other waste.

Cons

Choosing the right printer: Before starting to use this equipment, you must inevitably check its compatibility with your device to benefit from its best performance.


5. HP Everyday Photo Paper Brilliant Paper

If you want to get good results in your photo printing work, you need to play on a glossy photo paper, like HP Everyday. This model is your ally in the realization of all your original creative projects. With their size A4 or 21 cm x 29.7 cm, these papers are reserved for printing in inkjet.

With a total weight of 200 g/m2, the package contains 25 papers that will allow you to print all your photos with ease and in no time. These semi-glazed HP papers are made to help you complete your prints at home.

They also offer novices who want to familiarize themselves with printing techniques to have bright and spotless photos. Note that these papers go hand in hand and allow for more than satisfactory renderings, when used with a compatible printer, including the HP Deskjet 5940.

Large format, they will also offer you the opportunity to highlight many photos on a page. It is, in all, an economical printing solution.

While some have struggled to find out where to buy the best photo paper of the moment, others have found satisfaction with this reference at HP. The characteristics of the latter have fascinated consumers especially in terms of its compatibility with the brand’s devices.

Pros

Versatile model: According to users, this specimen is compatible with HP’s Deskjet series. It will allow you to shoot photos like text processing with ease.

Photographic rendering: Thanks to its semi-brilliant structure, the prints will be carried out optimally with a faithful reproduction of the colors.

Economy: Its size A4 gives you the ability to put several slides on a single page.

Cons

Printer settings: Before starting the print run, it’s best to check the machine configuration to determine that this model is the best on our list.


How do I use photo paper?

Photo paper is now accessible to everyone, whether you are an amateur or a professional. For pleasure or work, many get it, but few know how to use it properly. Here are some tips to help people who want to unravel the mystery of this product.

Know which side is printed on

When buying photo paper, you need to consider a small detail to know the face on which you will print your photo. Inside the paper tray, you can see a sticker. You will find an image with lines telling you which side will need to be printed.

If you take out some products without using them, it is necessary to put them exactly in their place to avoid making the wrong face when you are going to use them.

Handling photo paper

You should know that this product is quite delicate. It is therefore essential to learn how to handle it so as not to damage it. Avoid touching the printable face with your bare hands.

Put on protective gloves. This side has been coated with a receptor layer that absorbs easily, leaving traces of fat before you even start printing. This could also present itself as an unseurable dirt, which will decrease the quality of the image.

Place the paper in the printer

It is not a question of placing the photo paper as you see fit when making prints. Indeed, the indication for the printable face must be taken into account to ensure an impeccable result. This side should, therefore, be positioned downwards when you place it in the tray of your device.

Also, make sure it is not crumpled around the edges to prevent it from getting stuck in the machine. Markings show how to lay it down, as it does not fit in the place of the A4 paper. Respect them.

Dry print

Once the papers are machine-switched, they should be given a minimum drying time to handle them again without damage.

Your photos must be hung in red lightroom for several hours before being placed in an album or frame. To avoid unnecessary damage, allow them to dry for at least 24 hours.

Photo Paper

Preserve the photo

To ensure the longevity of your photos, follow these tips. Avoid exposing them to sunlight, as this will tarnish the colors.

Areas with high heat or high humidity should also be prohibited so as not to damage the paper. Choose a dry, normal room temperature to ensure a long shelf life for your impressions.

Store papers

The criteria for preservation mentioned before are to be taken into account, whether for blank papers or already having photos. Of course, it is also necessary to follow these guidelines. For an unutilized product, it is recommended to store it in its original packaging.

You can also place it in a plastic bag or box, taking care to close tightly. For items that already have an impression, an album would be adequate.

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