Printer Settings

[codswallop]

Is it possible to adjust the printer to get reasonable results on "cheap" photo paper? I've been given a few packs of Polaroid photo paper and the ink just "sits" there and takes ages to dry. Thanks.

[Fanriffic]

It's always trial & error when using new paper to get the best results.
You may have too change the Quality & Media settings from your Print Dialogue box to 'Glossy Photo Paper'. You may still be printing on the Plain Paper setting under Media Type.
Also, only print a small test photo to save your ink until you find the correct settings for your Polaroid paper.

[Buenchico]

I wouldn't even bother to try. As I've written here many times before, you can get away with using cheap inks but it's pointless using cheap photo paper; it simply won't work.

While 'Polaroid' was once a much-respected brand name in photography, the name has now been bought and is available for anyone to use [under licence] if they pay to do so. So, for example, 'Polaroid' batteries are from a completely different firm to where 'Polaroid' printing papers come from. That means that some 'Polaroid' products might be of good quality (the alkaline batteries are reasonably good) but others can be damned awful. That definitely includes Polaroid printing paper which seems to be imported into this country exclusively for sale in Poundland (which is almost certainly where your gift comes from). Donate it to a charity shop! (The poor sod who then buys it from there will be just as frustrated as you but at least the charity will make some money from it).

Then treat yourself to some top-quality photo paper (such as Kodak Ultima/Ultra) to show off your favourite photographs and look for some mid-priced stuff (with a reputable manufacturer's name on the box) for everything else. Most of the supermarket stuff is rubbish. (I wouldn't be surprised to find that Morrison's photo paper and your Polaroid stuff are actually the same). The only exception I know of is Tesco's 'Finest' paper, which is surprisingly good. Otherwise stick to papers from Kodak, Ilford, or any of the main printer manufacturers (Canon, Epson & HP, for example).

If you insist upon trying to get good results from rubbish paper, you need to try to work out what's wrong with the prints and then click on 'Properties' (after clicking on 'Print') to see what options your printer's driver software offers, and then experimenting. However my guess is that all you'll do is to waste a lot of expensive ink!

Sorry!

[woofgang]

what Chris said. I do digital craft and its well worth spending out on excellent paper.

[codswallop]

Thanks folks I think that I'll give up on that one then!

[Ann]

Well that's strange as I always use Poundland photo paper called "Polaroid" for all my photos (unless I want super duper ones for best - when I use HP photo paper) The cheap Polaroid paper works just fine on my HP Photosmart C6180 Three-in-one printer and the ink dries instantly - great value for money.

[Buenchico]

Codswallop:
You now know who to give your Polaroid paper to!!!
;-)

[codswallop]

Hi there Ann I know that my printer is different to yours(Epson)but I'd appreciate it if you could give the exact setting you use on your HP. Thanks.