Very slow printing
I'm not sure that there is a problem here. The correlation between print speed and print quality,
especially on InkJet printers, is a negative one. That is, the higher the quality setting, the lower
the speed. So, if you're selecting the greatest quality for your print option you will suffer the
lowest output speed. This is because the printer is taking time to ensure that it prints each
minute detail onto the page.
If you are looking to keep the quality optimal, one solution may be to select a different grade of
photo paper (or perhaps one with a different coating [matte, semi, gloss]) and test to see if you
can lower the quality setting on these higher-end paper types and still achieve your desired
results.
To get what you want from your printing paper, you will have to consider what you like in a print,
how you intend to use your prints, and what you are willing to pay to achieve this at home.
Some things to think about include: paper thickness, color brilliance and resistance to fading.
1. Paper Thickness
When it comes to paper thickness, paper that resembles the look and feel of traditional prints
will be the best if you like to print a lot of photos and pass them around. Thick paper just feels
right in your hands and will also stand up better to handling. However, if you are going to put
the majority of your photos straight into an album, a thinner paper may work just as well for you.
2. Color Brilliance
To ensure the photo paper you purchase produces good color, you can purchase small sheaves
of a short list of photo papers which you think will suit you. Next, print a series of colorful test
photos on each to see which has the best color. If you can incorporate colorful photos that also
have prominent straight lines and people in them, you will also be able to check the quality of
sharpness and skin tones in the same test.
3. Resistance to Fading
Always try to check the resistance of the paper to fading. Simply take your batch of test photos
and tape them to the window that gets the most sunlight throughout the day. Then, before you
go in to pick up a batch of replacement paper, check to see which photos, if any, are showing
signs of fading. Any paper that shows signs of fading in this short time frame should be avoided.
4. Changing Your Ink
It is also important to remember that any time you change ink for your printer, you may find
yourself getting dramatically different results.
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