Did you know that there are many different types of photo paper rolls available? And glossy photo paper is just one of those. As a result, you might be wondering if glossy photo paper is suitable for your project, or if matte (or another kind of paper) would be better.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of glossy photo paper and paper rolls. Then, we explain precisely what they are and why you might want to use them.
Read the quick guide below to help you decide.
A Short History of Glossy Photo Paper
The history of glossy photo paper is long and storied, with many companies contributing to this product’s development.
In the late 1800s, glossy photo paper was developed by Kodak, which they called Kodalith. It was made with cellulose nitrate and camphor. In the 1920s, DuPont began producing a similar product called Mylar. Then, in 1935, Eastman Kodak introduced Kodacolor II film with a glossy finish.
In 1950, Polaroid introduced its first instant camera that used color negative film on a piece of plastic instead of traditional silver halide emulsion. The resulting photos were not durable because they were made with plastic rather than paper; however, they had an attractive glossy finish and could be considered fine art.
In 1983, Polaroid introduced the SX-70 camera that produced high-quality pictures with a glossy finish; however, it was expensive and difficult to use. FujiFilm later adapted the technology behind this camera for their popular Instax cameras, which are still in production today (though FujiFilm also makes other types of instant cameras).
Today, the best-selling cameras on the market are hundreds of times more powerful, but the paper to print the photographs has remained the same.
Why Semi-Glossy Photo Paper Is an Excellent Choice
Glossy photo paper and printer plotter paper is the best choice when you want to produce a realistic photo even if you use wide-format inkjet printing. The glossy finish adds to the vibrancy of your image.
However, glossy paper can be a bit more expensive than the other types of photo paper. It also tends to have shorter life spans than matte or semi-glossy paper.
Semi-glossy photo paper is an excellent middle ground between glossy and matte. It has more vibrancy than matte paper, but not as much as glossy paper does.
The semi-gloss paper also has a longer lifespan than glossy paper. Matte photo paper is the least expensive type of photo paper, but it also offers the least amount of vibrancy. It’s not as vibrant as glossy or semi-glossy paper because it doesn’t have a reflective surface.
Invest in Bright White Glossy Photo Rolls
Glossy photo paper, on the other hand, has a higher Dmax than matte. Dmax is the maximum density of a print and is determined by measuring how much light it absorbs. In short, glossy photo paper will give you more vibrancy. That said, glossy paper does not necessarily always mean brighter colors.
To ensure that your images look their best, we recommend checking out a color chart to find out if your photos are suitable for printing on glossy or matte media before ordering them. You might also consider using a wide format printer—otherwise known as a wide format inkjet—if you have wide photos.
If you’re unsure which type of paper you should use for your project but want to increase its vibrancy without losing detail or contrast in your images, try using an inkjet printer with an HD mode setting (or equivalent) beforehand.
This is so that when they’re printed on one of these papers, they’ll have extra vibrancy without sacrificing detail or contrast—something which can happen when using plain old “high quality” mode settings which don’t account for all aspects, including color gamut limitations within each device’s hardware capabilities.
Sizing Issues
The standard size for photo paper rolls is 24″ x 100′, but they come in several widths and lengths. If you’re only printing a few photos, the price per roll may be higher than what you’d pay for smaller quantities of other paper sizes. However, if you’re planning on printing more photos or posters from your inkjet printer, then buying more paper at once can save money in the long run.
For example, if you’re planning on making (20) 8″ x10″ prints and (10) 11 “x14″ prints on glossy photo paper, it would cost $5 per 8″ x10” print and $7 per 11 “x14”. The total cost would be $51 plus shipping. Buying one roll with 24 sheets of each size would be cheaper at $43 plus shipping—a savings of over $8.
If you’re unsure how much photo paper you’ll need, consider buying a smaller quantity first to see if it fits your needs. For example, if all of your photos are printed at 8″ x10″, then buying a single sheet would be enough to test the quality of the paper before purchasing more.
Remember, you can always talk to one of our experts if you’re unsure what size will work for you. They will always be able to set you straight.
Buy Glossy Photo Paper Rolls Online in Bulk
Buying in bulk is the best way to ensure you don’t run out of paper. Many online retailers offer discount prices when you buy a certain number of rolls at once, so it’s worth looking for these deals. These discounts can be as much as 25% off if you buy four rolls or more, depending on the product that you need.
Buying in bulk will also save you time and money when it comes to shipping costs because most online retailers offer free shipping on orders above a certain threshold (usually $50). Buying from an online retailer with multiple locations also means that if there is a warehouse close to where you live, your order may arrive faster than if it had been shipped from another state or country.
If Vibrancy Is Important to You, Choose Glossy Photo Paper Rolls
If vibrancy is essential for your project, you’ll want to go with glossy photo paper rolls. Bright white glossy photo rolls give you more vibrancy and color saturation than matte or luster papers.
The standard size for photo paper rolls is 24″ x 100′, but they come in several widths and lengths. Some sheets have a border around them that can be trimmed off after the roll has been cut into 12″ x 12″ sheets—an easy option if you’re working on an automated cutter machine.
The standard size for photo paper rolls is 24″ x 100′, but they come in several widths and lengths. Some sheets have a border around them that can be trimmed off after the roll has been cut into 12″ x 12″ sheets—an easy option if you’re working on an automated cutter machine.
Photo paper rolls are available in standard sizes, but you can also order custom-sized rolls. This is great if you’re looking for a specific size or shape that isn’t readily available from your supplier. However, if you need something out of the ordinary—say, an A4 landscape sheet with rounded corners—you’ll have to cut this type of paper by hand.
Alternatives to Glossy Photo Paper
Consider these options if you’re looking for an alternative to glossy photo paper. Buy a matte printer and use it to print your photos. You’ll get a much more affordable option that still looks great.
Use a linen/canvas print. Linen/canvas prints are made with natural fibers and have a beautiful texture that makes them perfect for hanging on the wall. They also have a more matte finish than glossy paper, making your photos look less shiny and more natural.
Use matte photo paper. Matte photo paper is not as shiny as regular glossy photo paper and is often easier to find in stores than glossy paper. Hence, it’s a great alternative if you’re on a budget or don’t want to order online.
Finally, consider using an inkjet printer. Inks are water-based and less harmful to the environment than toner-based printers like those used in offset printing processes (which produce most traditional glossy prints).
Why Glossy Photo Paper Is (Usually) the Best Choice
If vibrancy is essential for your project, you’ll want to go with glossy photo paper rolls. They create a more vibrant result than other types of paper and will stand out in any professional setting.
There are alternatives to glossy photo paper. However, glossy photo paper has a long and varied history that illustrates its uses and flexibility. It comes in various sizes and shapes that are perfect for all occasions, including bright white photos.
For more on glossy photo paper and paper rolls, check out our shop today.
