Plotter Paper: What Is the Best Plotter Paper Roll for Your Printer?

You already know that all paper is not the same. But what plotter paper roll is best for your large format printer? Getting the right plotter paper can enhance your project or distract from it. The thickness, gloss level, and durability of the paper should all be factored in.

You need the right paper for your printer and for your project.

We're going to look at the various factors you should consider before purchasing plotter paper rolls. We'll discuss the sizes, strengths, and pros and cons of different paper brands.

Print quality should always be a top priority. You'll want to make sure that you are using a reliable software program so that you can control the paper quality and output options.

You also have to consider the variables, including:

• Ink cartridges
• Paper
• Printing environment

Take the time to clean the printer cartridge heads and do a test page to ensure that you get the most vibrant colours.

The printing environment has to be carefully controlled. Given Malaysia’s humid weather, it is important to make sure the printer is in a dry area. The paper should also be stored in a cool place to avoid warping and curling. Finally, the temperature and lighting of the room should be consistent. Your printer should also be placed on a sturdy and level surface and shouldn't be in a confined area.

Then, you have to look at the paper. Consider the specific application for printing.

When you're printing vector-type graphics, plotter paper is going to be the best. Because it’s on a roll, you can print without needing to reduce the size of the printed content.

Vellum plotter paper is considered the premium choice for printing blueprints because it will provide a clear, crisp print. Many types of paper will ensure that the ink dries quickly, too, so you don't have to worry about smudging.

Alternatively, you can print everyday blueprints using regular office paper on a large roll.

Plotter paper can rip when being fed through a printer. It can also crease and cause other problems, leading to imperfections in the final result.

You don't want to encounter issues that will impact the clarity of the final project. As such, you have to explore not only the plotter printer paper but also the plotter printer itself.

The HP DesignJet T850 is a large format printer that is capable of printing in colour and black and white.

Some of its features include:

• Available in 36"
• Up to 25 sec/page on D, 90 D prints per hour
• 1 GB of internal memory
• Includes a stand, integrated B tray (automatically switches from roll to sheet), output bin
  -Optional accessories: HP DesignJet Sheet Organizer, HP DesignJet Sheet Organizer and Stacker Kit

Regardless of the printer that you have, your paper must be strong enough to withstand being fed through the printer while also being printed upon. Anything too lightweight can lead to problems.

Common options for the paper that will produce a consistent, clear result include:

• Heavyweight coated paper
• Instant-dry photo paper

With the right paper, you can increase your productivity and lower your printing costs. At the same time, you can also ensure that you have a beautiful finished product for in-house use or to share as part of a presentation.

Plotter paper sizes vary based on the type of printer you have and the project you're working on.

The most common uses for plotter paper rolls include:

• Technical drawings
• Architectural drawings
• Blueprints
• Charts
• Maps
• Posters

You'll want to pay attention to a few different factors. These include the width of the paper, the weight of the paper, and the core diameter of the paper roll.

24" and 36" are the most common paper widths, and the size of your printer will likely dictate the width that you utilise.

20 lb plotter paper is common for blueprints and drawings, but anything that is getting frequently handled should be on heavier paper, such as 24 lb or even 36 lb plotter paper.

It's also important to pay attention to the core diameter, as the type of printer that you have will have certain size requirements. Most of the inkjet plotter printers on the market use two-inch core rolls.

Plotter printer paper rolls can be purchased in office supply stores and online. You'll want to ensure you can find the paper that you need at an affordable, competitive price.

Essentially, there are three different types of plotter paper available for your plotter printer: vellum, gloss, and bond. You can print on any medium you choose — as long as it's right for your project.

If you have an HP plotter, consider that it's best to use HP paper. It will ensure that you get the correct core size while also having a durable, reliable type of paper to feed into the plotter.

If you have a DesignJet printer, there is paper that is specifically recommended. Why use what's recommended? This ensures you don't encounter problems with the way the liquid ink dries. Also, it helps ensure there are no issues with the paper feeding into the plotter.

Common problems with using inadequate paper include paper jams, blurring, and bleeding.

If you want to purchase plotter paper for your large format printer, find out what's recommended for the make and model that you have.

Buying plotter paper online can make it easier for you to explore the pros and cons of the specific paper type, read reviews, and get competitive pricing. Additionally, buying online allows you to get the number of rolls you need while having them shipped right to your office. It's a convenient, affordable way to get the quality paper needed for all of your upcoming printing projects.

The plotter paper you buy must withstand everything you put it through. If it's tearing apart as people read through a presentation or it is so glossy that it's reflecting the light, the paper is clearly not going to help you meet your goals.

When you're ready to shop for a plotter paper roll that works for you and your printer, contact us to discuss your printing needs.