If you want the pieces you print out to look like the ones on the screen, you'll need to use the right combination of printer, settings and paper. You can learn more about setting up your printer for printables here. Learning more about printing printables ensures your final project looks it’s absolute best.
Choose Paper for your Printables
You have a lot of choices when it comes to paper for junk journal printables. There is no one right paper -- but it is important to choose the right paper for the specific piece you are printing. The weight of the paper and its finish have the biggest impact on the final look and usability of your printable.
Papers used for junk journal printables include:
Copy paper (the stuff that you use for printing pretty much everything)
Cardstock
Presentation paper
Photo paper
Sticker paper
Specialty paper
The papers I use most often are cardstock and presentation paper. The picture below shows the same printable created using the same printer (HP Deskjet Pro Instant Ink) and the same settings. The only difference is the paper -- and in this case, it makes a BIG difference!
Paper choice impacts printables that are very dark, very light or very saturated or bright the most; these types of images require a test print to be sure they are printing out the way you want them too. If they are not, the paper could be to blame.
Often the largest difference is due to the paper's coating, texture or surface. Both of the prints below are from the same printer, but one is done using good cardstock paper -- the other is just plain copy paper. The ultra smooth grain of the cardstock paper ensures that the details really show up well; they get a little lost on the regular copy paper.
So what paper should you use for junk journal printables? Use the list below as a guide.
Copy Paper for Junk Journal Printables
Medium weight, matte finish copy paper is used for printing documents -- it is sold pretty much everywhere and most brands perform about the same. Use this for printouts in the middle ranges - -not too light or dark -- and for text and typography. Anything with a lot of contrast will print well on copy paper.
Copy paper is lightweight and easy to fold, so I use it for the interior of journal pages in folded journals like the ones below. A thicker paper like cardstock or photo paper won't fold as well or will make the piece too clunky and lumpy.
The pages of this domino junk journal need to be thin, because otherwise they won't fold well. Copy paper worked perfectly for this project. Find this free printable project with directions here.
I do not recommend copy paper for covers, tags, cards or embellishments meant to be free standing (it is ok for those that will be glued down completely). It is too light and flimsy.
Cardstock for Junk Journal Printables
Cardstock comes in different weights -- the one I like best for dimensional projects like this one is 11o lb. It is a little heavier than the 90 lb and holds folds really well. The one I use is below, but any 110 lb paper is a good choice. The reason I like this brand is I can get a pack of 250 sheets for under $10 -- the HP paper is the same quality but $14 for 250 sheets :)
I use this paper for tags, embellishments and any of the dimensional boxes and containers in the free library and shop. A few of the projects made using this cardstock are shown below (I use it a LOT!). These are photos of printed items, not mock-ups, I want you to see how they printed out.
And if you look closely, you’ll see the error in the 12 days of Christmas Fan, 1 page printed out on plain copy paper, so 3 days are not as vibrant as the rest. 4,5,and 6 are the offenders, I tried to hide them ;)
Other Papers
Photograph Paper: This type of paper is useful for the obvious, printing photos. While it does give a lot of detail and accurate color, it is not ideal for folding, the finish will crack if folded aggressively, and it won’t hold a gold as well as the other paper types.
I use some specialty papers too, mostly sticker sheets and printable vinyl. No matter what paper you use, you need to match the printer settings to the paper. If you’re using copy paper, the plain or matte setting is best. Glossy paper needs to be set on the glossy setting or youll end up with an inky mess.
If you’re not sure about which paper is best, test a few (starting with the least expensive type).