A Guide to All the Printing Paper Options at Your Local Office Supply Store

Printing papers – they may not be the most exciting purchase on your shopping list, but they’re certainly one of the most necessary. Whether you operate a bustling home office, manage invoices and records for a small business, or just need to print out the occasional document for personal reasons, having a steady stock of quality printer paper is essential. But with so many types, weights, sizes, and brands on the shelves these days, choosing the right reams and packages of paper for your specific printing needs can easily become an overwhelming task.

That’s where OfficeMax comes in. As one of the largest office supply chains around, OfficeMax offers an extensive selection of printer paper to meet virtually any demand. From basic copy paper to specialized photo stock, eco-friendly recycled paper to extra-thick cardstock, OfficeMax has you covered. But with all those options to sort through, how can you be sure you’re getting the right paper for your printer and your print job?

Don’t worry – help is on the way! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through all the various types of printing papers available at OfficeMax. We’ll discuss the key differences, pros and cons, and ideal uses for each kind of paper. Whether you need paper for your inkjet printer, laser printer, copier machine or specialized equipment, you’re sure to find the perfect reams and packages for your needs at competitive prices. And if there’s any doubt, OfficeMax’s knowledgeable staff is always happy to offer advice.

So read on for the definitive guide to printer paper selection at OfficeMax!

The Full Range of Printing Paper at OfficeMax

First, let’s take a broad look at the main categories of paper you’ll find on the shelves at OfficeMax:

• Copy Paper – This is your standard 8.5″ x 11″ multipurpose paper for basic printing and copying needs. Choose from various weights between 16 lb up to 32 lb.
• Inkjet Paper – Specifically designed for use in inkjet printers, with special coatings to absorb ink. Options include photo paper, presentation paper, brochure paper and more.
• Laser Paper – Works well for laser printers, prevents jams. Sold in weights between 16 lb and 28 lb.
• Specialty Paper – Colored paper, card stock, parchment paper, pre-punched paper and other options for special print projects.
• Eco-Friendly Paper – Made from recycled materials or sustainable sources. Great for environmentally conscious printing.

Now let’s explore some of the most popular and versatile printer paper choices at OfficeMax in greater detail:

Everyday Copy Paper

Copy paper, also known as multipurpose paper, is the workhorse of any home or office. It handles most basic black-and-white printing, copying and faxing jobs with reliable quality. OfficeMax offers an array of excellent copy paper options:

• OfficeMax Everyday Copy Paper – Available in both white and assorted colors, this economical brand offers dependable performance for everyday office and school tasks. Sold in 20 lb and 24 lb weights.
• Sparco Copy Paper – A step up in quality from the Everyday brand. Crisp white multi-use paper suitable for letterhead, newsletters, flyers and more. Choose 20 lb, 24 lb or 28 lb.
• Boise ASPEN® 30 Copy Paper – This leading brand is known industry-wide for reliable performance and exceptional brightness. Reams stay crisp and professional-looking. 30 lb weight.
• Hammermill Copy Plus Copy Paper – A top brand used by offices everywhere. Hammermill is favored for its bright white shade, smooth texture, and durability across multiple prints. Available in 20 lb, 24 lb and 28 lb weights.
• Xerox Copy Paper – A strong contender when you need slightly heavier-weight copy paper. Xerox brand offers 22 lb, 24 lb and 28 lb options.

When choosing everyday copy paper, consider both the weight and brightness. Heavier paper is better for double-sided printing, while brighter paper produces more vivid blacks and vivid documents overall. OfficeMax makes it easy to find the right fit for your specific copying needs.

Inkjet Paper for Vibrant Color Printing

One of the joys of owning an inkjet printer is the ability to print not just text documents, but full-color photos, charts, menus, flyers, invitations and more. But to get the best quality prints, you need paper specifically engineered to work with inkjet technology. At OfficeMax, you’ll discover a wide selection of inkjet paper:

• OfficeMax Multipurpose Inkjet Paper – Compatible with all inkjet printers. Produces bright colors and bold blacks on documents, photos and otherprojects. Choose Matte or Glossy finish.
• HP Premium32 Inkjet Paper – HP’s premium option is optimized for use with HP inkjet printers. Resists bleeding and delivers bold, vivid color reproduction. Instant-dry matte finish.
• Hammermill Color Copy Digital Print Paper – This popular inkjet paper yields remarkable quality for color documents, brochures and photos. Ultra-smooth texture allows for rich, saturated color definition.
• Epson Signature Presentation Paper Matte – The ultimate paper for high-impact color presentations and reports printed from your inkjet. Heavyweight with bright white finish.
• Kodak Perfect Touch Inkjet Photo Paper – As the name implies, this paper produces stunning photo prints, with Kodak quality and longevity. Available in Glossy, Lustre and Matte finishes.

Be sure to match the paper’s finish – glossy, matte, etc. – to the type of project you’ll be printing for the best outcome.

Laser Paper for Crisp Text in Black & White

For business printing with laser printers – Think invoices, handouts, letters, reports – you’ll want paper specifically designed for laser equipment. At OfficeMax, top options include:

• Boise Polaris® Premium Multipurpose Paper – A top choice for offices using laser printers. Jam-resistant and toner-compatible for clear, professional black text pages. Weights from 20 lb to 28 lb.
• Hammermill Laser Print Paper – Another leading brand for laser printers. Hammermill paper produces fine, exact text and images without bleeding or show-through. 24 lb and 28 lb options.
• OfficeMax Laser Paper – An affordable option perfectly suited for daily printing from your laser printer. Reduces jams and delivers strong black text. Sold in 20lb and 24 lb weights.
• Xerox Bold DigitalTM Laser Paper – Specifically engineered for use in digital copiers and laser printers. Resists curling in the machine for smooth, hassle-free printing. Available in 24 lb and 28 lb.

For best results in your laser printer, stick to paper weights of at least 20 lb, or higher for double-sided printing. This prevents thinning of the paper and maintains legibility.

Eco-Friendly Printing Paper Options

In addition to performance, many customers also consider environmental impact when purchasing printer paper. The good news is OfficeMax offers plenty of earth-friendly options made from recycled materials or sustainable sources:

• OfficeMax Recycled Copy Paper – Contains 30% post-consumer recycled fiber. Works well for everyday copying and printing needs while also conserving resources. 20 lb weight.
• Sustayn® Premium Office Paper – Recycled paper made from a mix of bamboo and sugarcane fibers (Bamboo is quick-growing and renewable). Bright white shade; prints beautifully. 24 lb and 28 lb options.
• Boise ASPEN® Recycled Paper – Boise’s popular Aspen paper line also comes in a recycled 30 lb stock containing 30% post-consumer waste. Highly reliable performance.
• Hammermill Fore® Recycled Copy Paper – A bestselling eco-friendly paper, made with 30% recycled fiber. Prints clean and consistent. Offered in 20 lb, 24 lb, and 28 lb sheets.
• Domtar EarthChoice® Office Paper – Contains 100% post-consumer waste recycled fiber. Sheet colors may vary slightly. 20 lb weight. One of the most environmentally friendly options.

No need to sacrifice quality or performance to be kinder to the environment. OfficeMax’s selection of recycled and sustainable printer papers offers top reliability.

Specialty Printing Papers for Projects

Beyond standard copy paper, OfficeMax also provides specialty paper stocks for specific printing applications:

• Astrobrights Colored Paper – Add some flair to school projects, flyers or brochures with vibrant colors. Astrobrights come in 12 vivid hues perfect for crafts.
• OfficeMax Card Stock – Heavy, durable paper with thickness of 110 lb to 140 lb. Ideal for business cards, invitations, signage, book covers and other projects requiring rigid paper stock.
• Premium Presentation Paper – Make your school reports or work presentations stand out with ultra-smooth, super bright paper. Resists ink bleed-through.
• Inkjet Photo Paper – As discussed earlier, these papers ensure professional photo quality results from inkjet printers. Choose matte or glossy finish.
• Officemate Laser Labels – Peel-and-stick sheets formatted for laser printers. Great for organizing files, envelopes, products, and more.

Don’t limit your printing strictly to office documents – explore OfficeMax’s specialty papers to unleash your creativity!

Helpful Features to Look for in Printer Paper

Beyond weight, finish and grade, printer papers may offer other useful features:

• Brightness Rating – Papers with brightness ratings of 90 and above print sharper blacks and more vivid colors. Great for professional business printing.
• Acid-Free – Acid-free paper resists yellowing and deterioration over time, keeping printed documents looking fresh. Archival quality.
• Pre-Punched – Sheets come pre-punched with holes for easy insertion into ring binders and subject notebooks. Saves time and hassle.
• Waterproof – For documents that may be exposed to water or outdoor weather, waterproof paper prevents blurred ink and maintains legibility.
• Texture/Tooth – Subtle textures like cockle, linen, etc. add aesthetic interest to printed materials like invitations or stationery.

Think ahead to how you will use the printed paper, and choose options offering features that best fit your purpose.

Helpful Printer Paper Shopping Tips

Keep these tips in mind when shopping for printer paper at OfficeMax for maximum satisfaction:

• Check your printer specs – Ensure you get paper within the size, thickness, and coating specifications recommended for your specific make and model printer. This prevents jams.
• Consider quantity – Buying in bulk means savings on larges quantities. But smaller packs may be preferable if you print infrequently or want to try different papers.
• Compare deals carefully – Generic store brand papers offer big discounts. But name brand paper is worth the extra cost if print quality is paramount. Weigh options carefully.
• Feel paper samples – Look for paper sample books in store. Nothing gives you a better sense of thickness, texture and quality than touching sheets yourself.
• Ask associates – OfficeMax staff have deep knowledge of available papers and can offer tips to find the right fit for your printer and project.

Following these simple guidelines will set you up for printing success with paper from OfficeMax!

Print With Confidence Using Paper from OfficeMax

We’ve just scratched the surface of the vast printer paper selection available at OfficeMax. From basic multipurpose paper to specialized cardstock, there are reams and reams of options to explore. The important thing is to carefully match the paper to your printer make and model, as well as the specific documents or images you aim to print. Keep paper type, weight, finish and special features in mind.

OfficeMax makes the process easy by stocking a tremendous variety of paper styles and brands to match any printing needs. And helpful in-store experts are always ready to offer advice if you need guidance finding that perfect paper. With the information in this guide as a starting point, you can shop OfficeMax with confidence and leave with printer paper that meets your needs from every perspective – performance, quality, features and budget. Happy printing!