choosysue

Not sure I'm using the best paper for printing deco sheets .. help ! I looked around the forum for any tips and saw a lot about photo paper, glossy and matt, and varying gsm.

I have paper that came in a pack with a cd-rom a couple years ago, but never really used either .. not even sure what weight it is, very smooth, but seems maybe a bit flimsy, if you know what I mean .. the designs printed really well, no problems there .. it looks gorgeous, but maybe I need something different ?
I might stay away from glossy though cos I got fingerprints all over when I tried cutting that lol

Any suggestions welcome my printer's a HP 3050 if anyone has the same ?

Thanks for any advice you have,
Sue x

Helen Gomm

Hi Sue
For most of my printing decoupage ect, i find creatandcrafts smooth paper great for printing very good price 200 sheets for 11.99 and they have lots of other kinds, hope that helps . Helenx

Gwyneth George

Hi Sue

If you've got a very smooth paper that prints well it may well be the Super Smooth decoupage paper that you've got (120gsm). It depends on which CD you got it with. I also find this a bit "flimsy" for printing out decoupage, pyramage, etc., but find it great for printing backgrounds and inserts. I tend to go for the Super Smooth card for most printing, which is 250gsm, but find that there are some great 160 to 190 gsm weight paper/cardstock that are excellent for decoupage as they have enough body to hold their shape without being a fight to cut. Having said that, I never stick to just one type and weight of card for printing, even if I use the Super Smooth for most of it. I like having variety in the look of my creations, so also use pearlescent paper and card, and some textured stuff as well at times. Playing around to see what effects are achieved is half the fun of crafting.

GG

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choosysue

Hi Helen and Gwyneth,

Your replies are a big help !

I've had a look at the createandcraft site and I'll get some of the heavier paper/cardstock to try .. and it's a good idea to use what I already have for backgrounds and inserts Gwyneth, thanks for that

Sue x

Hilary Jayne

Hi, I use paper I get from my local Printer Refill Centre. Its called Navigator 120gsm and comes in packs of 250 sheets. I pay £4.50 a pack. It's not flimsy and has the smoothest surface you could wish for.( Both sides are the same finish) It also has no chalk in the coating, so doesn't adversely affect your ink or printer.
It shapes beautifully and no ink comes off as you are cutting. If I am doing teabag printing I use Navigator 90gsm. Beautiful surface and creases really well. I haven't tried searching the internet for it, but both must be widely available.
Hope this helps.
Hilary Jayne

Karen Cogan

I've recently been using some 160gsm paper that I got at Staples which seems to be OK for decoupage & I also use Tesco Glossy Photo paper 190gsm (c.£7 for 50 sheets). I've just bought some 250gsm Tesco Photo Card but I've not tried it yet & I can't remember if its glossy or not. I don't seem to suffer with finger prints on the Tesco stuff.

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