| InfoCenter » Inkjet Tips |
Tips for feeding heavy / thick papers in your printer.
Please note that inkjet printers (even the same models) are not all the same. One may feed better than another. Don't expect every printer you buy to perform the same.
Tip #1 - Clean Your Printer
Properly maintain your printer. If you use the printer often, use cotton art papers, and especially 2-sided inkjet papers, you should clean the feed mechanism often.
To keep your printer clean you can do the following:
- Order a cleaning pack from Red River
- Follow the do-it-yourself instructions we offer here
Tip # 2 (especially for Epson users)
Do not push the paper tray guide up against the paper. Leave no more than 1/4" gap between the guide and the paper.
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Tip # 3 Place a stiff card stock or chip board as the bottom sheet in the feed tray. This helps keep your paper upright and closer to the feed rollers. Note: Make sure to set your print count so that the printer does not feed the board. |
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Tip # 4 When using card stock, put no more than about 5 sheets in the feed tray at a time. You should experiement with the number between 1 and 5 to see what your printer likes best. Tip # 5 Fan your paper before feeding placing in the printer. Simply fanning the paper will better separate the sheets, release any excess coating or paper dust, and introduces a little air in between each sheet. |
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Tip #6 Curl the edge of the paper paper that feeds first upward slightly just before feeding. The slight curl will press the paper upwards toward the feed rollers and may make the process easier. |
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Tip #7 - Use your Printer's Heavy Paper Features
If your printer has features to help with extra thick paper printing, please use them with thick papers (over 12mil thick)
Please refer to your printer manual for more information.
Epson Pro Printers
Set the PLATEN GAP to Wide or Wider. See your printer manual for more about the settings.
Epson Desktop Printers
Set the printer to Thick Paper. Go to the Maintenance tab in printer properties, click the Printer and Option Information button, then click the Thick Paper checkbox. Turn this off when you go back to standard thickness paper.
Canon Desktop Printers
Set printer to Prevent Paper Abrasion. Go to the Maintenance Tab and click on Custom Settings. In the next menu, choose the Prevent Paper Abrasion option. Turn this off when you go back to standard thickness paper.
