Paper and specialty media guidelines
Paper and specialty media are paper, card stock, envelopes, paper labels, and transparencies. A number of items
must be considered concerning the selection of paper and specialty media before printing. This chapter provides
information on making select ions and caring for p apers and specialty med ia.
It is recommended that you try a limited sampl e of any paper or specialty media you are c onsidering using with the
printer before purchasing large quantities.
For more information about types of paper and specialty media your printer supports, see the Card Stock & Label
Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com.

Paper guidelines

Selecting the correct paper or specialty media reduc es printing problems. For the best prin t quality, try a sample of
the paper or specialty media before buying la rge quantities.

Paper characteristics

The following paper characteristics af fect print quality and r eliability. Consider these c haracteristics when ev aluating
new paper stock.
Weight
The printer trays can automatically feed paper w eights up to 90 g/m2 (24 lb bon d) grain long paper. The multipu rpose
feeder can automatically feed paper weights up to 163 g/m2 (43 lb bond) grain long. Paper ligh ter than 60 g/m2
(16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, u se 75 g/m2 (20 lb bond) grain
long paper. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m2 (24 lb) or heavier paper.
Note: Duplex printing is supported only for 60–90 g/m2 (16–24 lb bond) paper.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for paper to curl at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl can occur
after the paper passes through the printer, whe re it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in
hot, humid, cold, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause
feeding problems.
Smoothness
Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. I f paper is too rough, toner cannot fuse t o it properly. If paper is too
smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print qualit y issues. Always use paper between 100–300 Sh effield points;
smoothness between 150–250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in paper affects both prin t quality and the ability of the printer t o feed the paper correctly.
Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is tim e to use it. This limits the exposure of paper to moisture changes that
can degrade its performance.
Paper and specialty media guidelines
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