What is the difference between papers for laser printers and copiers and inkjet printers?

Inkjet printers use inks that soak into the paper. Laser printers and copiers use toners that stay on the surface of the paper. Inkjet printers and laser printers can both use uncoated papers. But when the papers are coated to hold heavier coverages of inkjet inks or engineering copier toners, the properties of the coatings are different. For example, if you tried to print ink on a coated glossy paper for laser printing, the ink would probably smear and not adhere to the paper.

Significant differences also exist in the types of coatings used for the different types of inkjet inks (aqueous, eco-solvent, latex, and UV-cure) and the many different types of paper being coated. Various manufacturers of inkjet papers also create unique coating formulations for the specific printing requirements of different types of customers.

Read more about the different types of inks and coatings in our Learning Center and on our Printing Ideas blog.