Printer Paper Problems Solved: Pro Tips for Storage & Use
Printer Paper Problems: Are You Making These Common Mistakes?
We’ve all been there. You’re halfway through a print job when the paper jams, the corners curl, or the pages come out smeared. It can be really frustrating. It’s simple to blame it on paperwork issues.
The majority of these issues are not caused by a stubborn printer or a problem with the machine’s internal components. They are frequently the result of a few common user errors in printer paper storage and handling.
Let’s examine the root cause of paper problems and explore ways to prevent them. In this post, we’ll guide you through the proper printer paper storage and help you keep it jam-free.
Why Does Paper Cause Problems?
Paper isn’t just plain paper. It can absorb moisture from the air, get bent or curled, and even stick together. When that happens, your printer can struggle to pull in just one sheet at a time, causing jams or messy prints.
Keeping paper in good shape before printing is the key to hassle-free printing. Just a few best practices can make all the difference.
Tips to Prevent Paper Issues Before They Start
Store Paper in a Cool, Dry Environment
Paper absorbs moisture from the air. If your paper feels slightly wavy or heavy, humidity is the likely culprit. Store your paper in a dry, cool area away from radiators, open windows, and direct sunlight. Ideally, maintain a stable temperature and avoid fluctuations.
Let Paper Acclimatise Before Loading
When paper is moved from a cold storeroom to a warm print room, it can absorb moisture quickly. Allow your paper to adjust to the room temperature for at least 24 hours before using it. This can help avoid sudden paper feed issues or static cling.
Keep Paper in Its Wrapper Until Use
Reams are sealed to protect the paper from environmental changes. Only open what you need when you need it. And if you’re not using a whole ream, reseal it in its packaging.
Stack It Right, Keep It Flat
Paper that’s stored vertically or on an uneven surface can warp. Always stack paper flat on a sturdy, level surface. If you’ve ever seen a paper with a curl, it was likely leaning or stored incorrectly.
Stack paper flat on a shelf or in a drawer. If you leave it in the original package, keep it sealed or covered to prevent dust and moisture from entering.
Don’t Overfill the Paper Tray
It might be tempting to cram as many sheets as possible into your printer tray, but this is a big cause of paper jams. Follow the max paper line inside the tray and keep the stack neat.
Fan the Paper Gently
Before loading paper into your printer, gently fan the stack to release any pages that may be stuck together. This simple step can reduce the chance of multiple sheets feeding at once, one of the top causes of print interruptions.
Bonus Tip: Choose the Right Paper for the Job
Not all paper is created equal. Inferior paper can suffer from significant quality issues such as poorly cut edges and inconsistent thickness, which can cause feeding issues. Make sure you’re using paper that’s right for your printing job, including if using speciality inks.
Next time you print, remember these simple steps and avoid that dreaded paper jam!
At RISO, we believe printing should be fast, easy, and reliable. Most of these paper problems aren’t problems at all, just opportunities to store and handle your paper a little differently. With the proper habits in place, you can minimise downtime, reduce waste, and get the most out of your printer.
Fed up with your printer? Get a free demo from RISO today, and discover the beauty of reliable, hassle-free printing.