Printer Paper: Matte vs Gloss? Also, may need new printer!

[Wiskey]

Hi all ,

I've been getting pretty frustrated with the quality of my covers and I'm not sure whether it's my paper or printer, or both. I've tweaked the settings on my printer to the best quality possible, as well as tried to mess around with the cover art picture color options, and am still getting low to mediocre print quality. It either looks TOO colorful, and the dark colors bleed together, sorry if that is a poor explanation.

The paper I am currently using is Hammermill Color Copy Digital 28LB, 100 bright legal paper: http://www.amazon.com/Hammermill-Digital-Bright-Sheets-102475/dp/B0002NV02C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433144395&sr=8-1&keywords=hammermill+100+legal

The printer I am using is an HP Officejet Pro 8600: http://www.amazon.com/HP-Officejet-Wireless-Printer-Scanner/dp/B005O55TDO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1433144647&sr=8-3&keywords=hp+officejet+pro+8600

Questions:
1) Is there a problem with either the paper I am using or the printer?
2) I've been hearing matte paper or semi gloss paper is the way to go. Could you please recommend a great quality paper in whatever paper type you think is best (with link)?
3) What printer would you recommend, or is mine OK?

Thank you all very much in advance!

[sheep2001]

I think that your problem is that the paper is optimised for laser prints rather than ink jet, that will be why you are getting colour bleed.  The ink is not drying quick enough on the surface.

[Arseen]

Printer is good enough.

You need good photo paper, but not too glossy.
Unfortunately I don't know US sources.

[Ozzy_98]

On my printer, I need a glossy paper for the blacks, it just doesn't print black very well on any matte paper

[Einhander]

On my printer, I need a glossy paper for the blacks, it just doesn't print black very well on any matte paper

That's what I noticed. My PS2 games aren't good for black colors. But what about Satin?

[Mel]

Here is TDIRunner's paper comparison picture.

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 8.5x14



The new stuff is on the right (just in case you couldn't tell )


The difference in person is about a thousand times better than what the pictures are showing (and I think the pictures show a lot).

[Einhander]

Is Satin and Semi Gloss almost the same on paper?

[TDIRunner]

Is Satin and Semi Gloss almost the same on paper?

See my answer to your question in the other thread.

[Wiskey]

Thank you everybody for responding, appreciate it. I saw the Red River Paper in another thread TDIRunner had commented in, very helpful user. I'm going to give that matte paper a try. Also, is this matte paper any good: http://www.amazon.com/Epson-Premium-Presentation-Inches-S041339/dp/B00004Z6XJ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1433152379&sr=8-2&keywords=Ultra+Premium+Presentation+Paper+Matte#Ask

Can anybody recommend a good semi gloss paper in legal size, as well? I'm having trouble finding them.

Thank you!

[Arseen]

Can anybody recommend a good semi gloss paper in legal size, as well? I'm having trouble finding them.

I think this has been the problem with everybody.

[Wiskey]

I found this legal size semi gloss paper. Not sure if it's great or not, but it's a good price for 250 sheets: http://www.desktopsupplies.com/812x14-38lb-laser-gloss-stock.html

[sheep2001]

Again, that paper is optimized for laser printers.  You have an inkjet.