Using non-printer paper in a printer?

Question

This is probably a stupid question. is it safe for me to put, say, wax or parchment paper through a regular home printer?

Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

Not a stupid question at all. Though it is scary to offer advice on a device you don't own! I would err on the side of caution.

My experience with an inexpensive Lexmark inkjet printer is that uncoated paper with the same approximate weight (cut to the regulation 8 1/2 x 11) is no problem. I have put through heavier weight paper, like cardstock, also with no problem. Obviously, it cannot be so heavy that it will not bend easily around the internal mechanisms. Thinner, more lightweight paper is a problem -- tissue paper, etc -- usually jams and/or tears and can leave bits inside that can require disassembly, which is a bad idea. Handmade paper of a decent weight with inclusions (like flowers, leaves, glitter) sometimes jams, and if the inclusions are loose, these can come off too. Be sure the surface on these papers is as smooth as possible, but light texture on regular paper is OK.

As for wax paper or parchament paper, there are two problems.

1: Any coating can come off in a printer if there is any heat involved in the printing process. There is none in my inkjet to my knowledge, but if you know there is a heating element, don't use wax or plastic-coated paper. The residue will gum up the works and break it. As for wax paper, the wax can be scraped off by friction even when cool, and this will build up. I would never put through wax paper.

2. In addition, even if it didn't harm the printer, it won't work. Any coating that is moisture repellent will prevent the ink from sticking to the surface and will smear. This would obviously apply to both parchment paper (if you mean the baking kind of parchment paper) or wax paper, and 99% of vellums as well. There are end-runs around this problem if you know anything about rubber stamping and ink and embossing, but it is pretty elaborate and requires stamping supplies.

There are a variety of papers made for printers above and beyond standard "typing" printer paper: transparencies, sticker paper, translucent paper, etc. Check out a large online office store like officedepot.com and you may find just what you want that is designed for inkjet or laser printing.

Good luck!

Answer 2

No!
Man, the damage you could cause.
Consult with your local art store. If the printer is laser you need a paper that is heat resistant. Otherwise, the paper will fuse to the roller. Roller replacement is expensive.
If the printer is inkjet you need a paper that has some absorbtion qualities. Otherwise, the ink will pool and run. That may work ok depending on the effect you're looking for, but the cleanup will be h*ll.
.

Answer 3

Usually regular home printer is water-based. It might go through the printer but the ink might not dry if you're using a wax paper. Some paper (usually a thicker or uneven one) might damage the printer head. However there are some printer (my previous epson) that could accept thicker and uneven paper, but you have to set the printer first.

Answer 4

I honestly have got here upon that laser is more effective extreme priced to purchase and the ink is more effective extreme priced. in spite of the undeniable fact that the yield is way more effective. So if it value two times as a lot to purchace and the ink expenses two times as a lot. in spite of the undeniable fact that the yeild is 10 cases what ink jet is??? It honestly expenses a lot less in step with print. for instance. 4 cartridges @ $70.00 each/2500 =.112 a million Drum for $one hundred good for 40,000 Prints =.0.5 a million Deveolper$one hundred and sixty good for 40,000 Prints =.004 the price of the printer $ one thousand good for 2 hundred,000 Prints, I honestly have colour printers which have over 2 hundred,000 prints and nonetheless =.0.5 going Laser total 11.5 cents in step with basically the price of the ink for inkjet is more effective than 3 cases what laser expenses. 2 cartdridges @ 35 each $70.00 / 250 = .28 in step with web page And the ordinary of the print is more effective useful with laser. and that i have never had a laser ink cartridge dry up on me, because the ink is already a dry toner. it really is basically 15 years of journey that I honestly have had with printers.

Answer 5

well i dont think the wax paper would be a good idea, hence the wax and all. ive used lined paper before and nothing bad happened, but thats me and im a dud, soo i'd do it ahah