Look after your paper...

Storing your paper is something you may not have given much thought to, other than the basic practicalities and space considerations.

How you store and handle your paper matters more than you may think, and getting it wrong can lead to an increase in printing problems, including paper jams.  This is because paper is hygroscopic, and variations in ambient temperature and humidity can alter some of its important physical properties.

Here's a few simple tips to make sure that, having invested in good paper, you can use it at its best.

1. Keep paper in its original wrapping until you're ready to use it.  The wrapping not only protects the paper from tears, creases and other visible damage, but it is also formulated to protect the paper's moisture content

2. Store the paper at room temperature (20 to 24 degrees centigrade) and within a relative humidity range of 45% to 55%

3. Avoid storing paper in areas where there may be extreme atmospheric conditions or large fluctuations in temperature and humidity.  High temperatures, near heaters for example, can dry paper out, removing moisture and making mis-feeds of multiple sheets more likely.  High levels of humidity can raise the moisture content of the paper, potentially causing the paper to distort and jam in the printer.

4. Store paper on a flat surface. This helps to avoid distortions in the paper that may lead to problems including jams, mis-feeds and poor print quality.

5. Handle the paper with care and follow your printer's instructions on re-filling paper trays, using the paper guides as directed.

Of course, buying the correct paper in the first place is crucial.  We stock a vast range of different papers and every paper we stock is chosen to meet our demanding standards for reliability, consistency and quality.  All paper stocked by Polycopy is also responsibly sourced and makes a positive contribution to the environment.  If you would like advice on the best paper choice for your needs, call 01509 610077 and one of our experienced advisors will be very happy to discuss it with you.