General Category > General Discussion
What Kind of Paper Should I Print On?
Starwind Amada:
Obviously not regular copy paper but what?
Mel:
It's too bad the Admins don't have topic like this sticky in the FAQS section of the board. You may find this topic helpful. http://www.thecoverproject.net/forums/index.php?topic=18116.0
Here is TDIRunner's paper comparison picture.
--- Quote from: TDIRunner on September 18, 2014, 11:16:44 PM ---Some of you might want to hit me for waiting this long, but I finally bought some good quality paper. The difference really is amazing. I'll probably replace all of my covers eventually, but I'm not in a big rush. I'm mostly concerned with using the better quality stuff going forward.
Red River 50 lb. Premium Matte Double Sided 8.5x11
The new stuff is on the right (just in case you couldn't tell :P)
The difference in person is about a thousand times better than what the pictures are showing (and I think the pictures show a lot).
--- End quote ---
TDIRunner:
If you ask 10 different people, you will get 10 different opinions, but Mel already listed what I'm using. I recommend it. However, just about any HIGH QUALITY paper will look good. Avoid copy paper. Unfortunately, most of your covers will be on Legal sized paper (or something similar). It's slightly more difficult finding good quality paper in that size. You will most likely have to order it online as I've never found anything in my local stores.
Mel:
TDIRunner, I listed what you are using because seem like the only member that has taken a picture which clearly shows the difference between between copy paper and Premium Matte paper.
TheAristocrat0:
I use Office Depot to make my prints. It's more expensive than buying your own paper but I couldn't get my printer at home to produce the same quality I can get at Office depot. If you print using their online upload tool it is 25% cheaper. Once on the site, go to "copies and prints" ===> "My print center" ===> "Copies and Flyers." I use the 80lb glossy paper. Feels close to the quality of a real video game cover.
**NOTE** Be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of submission process where it says "+Add additional comments" and tell them to print your images at 100% actual size. One time the person working that day accidentally scaled all of my images down to 90% or so. They reprinted them from free but it was avoidable.
Below is an image of how I set up my Office Depot prints. The price comes down to $0.96 per sheet after the 25% online discount and if you are smart about how you do your prints you can fit certain cover types vertically. That comes to $0.48 per print with 2 prints on the page, or $0.32 per print with 3 small prints on the page.