Question for Hybrid Girls :)

[mariewilcox]

When you print various items from digital kits, what kind of paper do you use? I realize it depends on the project, and I know white cardstock is probably best for a heavier weight, but what do you use for a lighter weight paper?

Thanks so much!

[NeverendingJen]

I use double sided matte photo paper for just about everything, unless it has a large photo on it, then I also print the photo on traditional photo paper..because I love the shiny look

[MamaBee]

Ditto to Jen... double sided matte presentation paper. I haven't used cardstock... I had heard that it sucks up a lot of ink. :)

[mariewilcox]

Thanks for the info! I didn't realize there was such a thing as double-sided photo paper :huh: - LOL

[heathergw]

Ditto to Jen and Rebecca... it's amazing the difference the printing is between regular cardstock (comes out very mute) and the double sided presentation paper (very vibrant and accurate).

[nun69]

where do you get this double matte paper please :)

[Andrea Gourley]

Hi, I don't use photo paper for my printing I buy 160gsm brilliant white presentation paper that is suitable for both laser or inkjet printers. I buy mine from Staples here in the UK and it is their own make. I'm sure they would have a similar product in the US. For 250 sheets of A4 paper I pay about £6.99 (for me £7 is about $11ish)

Why don't I use photo paper? Well I used to when I first started out but now I want my projects to look just like they had been created with regular scrapbook products and no matter which photo paper I tried they all had a sheen or shine to them. I want to be able to tear it, ink it, crumple, stitch or distress it and for my printed papers to behave in just the same way as if I had bought a 12x12 sheet of paper from the scrapbook shop. Whatever you use you will want a dense paper where the ink will sit 'on top' of the paper instead of soaking in and this will keep the colours bright and the images really sharp.

Hope this helps :)

[heathergw]

where do you get this double matte paper please :)

Amazon is where I get it - here's a link (http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Double-Sided-Inkjet-Brightness-S041568/dp/B00006B7PY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1297014712&sr=8-1) to what I use

I also get it at Office Max

[MamaBee]

where do you get this double matte paper please :)

All the Office Stores have... even Walmart has it. :) I get mine at Sam's Club. On my printer, I haven't noticed a difference between name brands...

[sarahbhb]

I use HP Matte double sided presentation paper. Not quite as heavy a weight as Heather's but I paid less than $15.00 for 150 sheets and it works wonderfully. I bought it at one of the major office stores, not sure which one but they all have it I think.

I do occasionally print on photo paper, but very very rarely, even my photos for mini books and such I usually print on the presentation paper. I love the matte finish and that it's not uber thick.

[AmberK]

I've used the double sided matte presentation paper (can't remember the brand) and didn't like the look at all. I get the best results from double sided matte photo paper but I really hate to use it for hyrid projects. I usually save that for printing LO's but I think I need to find a different brand of presentation paper.

eta: I just checked and it was BROCHURE paper that I had purchased. Probably makes a huge difference, huh?

[calvinawalsh]

Another question- when you make your hybrid project do you use anything to protect the ink from smudging? or something in case someone gets water droplets on the ink?

[Joana1n]

Add me to the double-sided matte presentation paper. I use Epson, Heather posted a link to it. I have tried several other brands and always come back to Epson. I haven't found anything else that gives as vibrant and true a color as this brand.

As far as protecting my projects - I don't. I haven't had a need to, and getting them wet actually hasn't caused any problems. I make a LOT of paper flowers and half the time I spritz them with water to crumple them up. They act just like any other paper I have and the ink stays put.

[mariewilcox]

Thanks so much to everyone for the wealth of information :) I will be trying the Epson double sided paper - I have always loved the quality of my photos on Epson and always went back to it when I strayed.