Good at-home printer that prints matte photos?

[Ted]

Hi all,

I'm more of a cardmaker than a scrapbooker (although I enjoy doing both!)

Anyway, I currently am working on creating the fronts of my cards and I will use 5x7 paper in my Epson R1800 large format printer. The quality is WONDERFUL.

The problem is: they're glossy. I can't seem to find matte paper (I think I saw "semi-glossy").

I also have an HP Photosmart All-In-One and it prints out good quality as well...again...GLOSSY. :(

For cards, I love the look of "matte" finish.

Just wondering if anybody has suggestions of a home printer that prints good quality photos but also provides its own name-brand MATTE paper?

Thanks in advance! :)
Ted

[debilou]

I print my cards at home on
Epson Premium Presentation pater Matte Double Sided

47 lb. S041568 - 50 sheets to a box...

I use the double sided, because for cards especially you want both sides to look great.

I print these on my HP deskjet 9800 and the quality is perfect.
But you should have no problem since you already have an Epson printer.
Just check the Epson website BEFORE you purchase.

Also, I have found, that it is cheaper to buy them on-line.. - gosh you would think it would be cheaper to buy directly from Epson - nope they are the most expensive...

I go to Amazon... make SURE you have the correct SKU...
Find the best deal with companies you know... I usually use Andramada (sp?), Amazon, or Office Tech (which is really office depot).

When you get the best price.. check the cost of shipping... because that of course increases the price..

I generally order 3 or 4 at once - thus saving shipping costs even more.

Now if you want to print your own envelopes to match...

I use Epson Presentation Paper Matte S041062 27 lb. - 100 sheets...

One more thing... I do print my own 8 x 8 scrap book pages at home

And, I do print those on the first paper I gave to you .. excellent copy quality for scrapbook pages..

Hope this helps

[Betsyfru]

I know that Kodak makes a matte or satin finish photo paper. I got it at Office Depot.

[debilou]

Be careful with some of the Kodak papers...

I bought some Kodak Professional finish papers at Costco.

It will print fine on my HP Officejet and will NOT print on my HP Deskjet 9800.

I checked the Kodak site... and found out that this paper will not print on all printers.

why --- who the heck knows..

So, just be careful before you buy your paper.

Make sure it matches your printer.

[volvoguy]

We have used Staples Photo Supreme double-sided matte in both 8.5 X 11 and 13 X 19 in our HP9800 large format printer with photo cartridge installed with excellent results for over a year now. We cut the 13 X 19 to 12 X 12 for scrapbook pages.

[Ted]

Hi Debilou, thanks for answering! :)


I print my cards at home on
Epson Premium Presentation pater Matte Double Sided

47 lb. S041568 - 50 sheets to a box...

I use the double sided, because for cards especially you want both sides to look great.




Not sure what you meant by "both sides to look great"? Are you talking about the inside of the card?

My plans were to simply print the front of the card and then cut it out and attach it to a thicker cardstock. Then I could just have a sentiment inside the card.

Is this paper (you mentioned above) sturdy enough to be used as a card (ie. stand up on its own without flopping)?

Amazon is out of stock, but Staples has it for $14.99 and that's not too bad since I can go pick it up and avoid S/H. :)

[debilou]

Hi Debilou, thanks for answering! :)





Not sure what you meant by "both sides to look great"? Are you talking about the inside of the card?

My plans were to simply print the front of the card and then cut it out and attach it to a thicker cardstock. Then I could just have a sentiment inside the card.

Is this paper (you mentioned above) sturdy enough to be used as a card (ie. stand up on its own without flopping)?

Amazon is out of stock, but Staples has it for $14.99 and that's not too bad since I can go pick it up and avoid S/H. :)

I have used this particular paper "both" ways.

I have actually "printed" on both sides on the card...

And, I have created a card using paper supplies, adhered it to the front of this card stock..

And, then printed inside the card my greeting...

So, yes to answer your question it will hold up without flopping.

If you haven't made your own cards before, I would highly suggest that you invest in a card "bone folder".

It will make a great crease in your card that looks professional. You can pick one up at Hobby Lobby or Michael's or any craft store, or scrapbooking store.

And, they only cost about $4 - $5.00, I always use a coupon..

And, how are you going to adhere your great image to the card stock... there are so many adhesives

I would highly recommend the "clear" Alene's tacky glue... Again you can get at Michael's or Hobby lobby...

Just don't over glue...

Hope this helps.

oh, and by saying the paper was double sided - yes, I meant the print looked great on both sides of the card.

But, you want that even if you are going to paste something to the front of the card... your card has 4 surfaces...

Front, you will paste something to.. the back must still look nice... and you could add "created by Ted"...

And, the two inside surfaces... all should be nice - to look professional.