TromboneChat

I have a pretty conventional HP Laserjet which prints US letter paper. I've been printing more and more parts lately, and I wonder what you all use for paper. Ideally, it would be a little heavier than the standard 20# weight, take pencil marks well, and not be so shiny (maybe a matte paper; maybe not so bright a white). I tried some 32# paper which was nice, but it's just too bright. I think the office supply industry assumes everyone wants bright white, and when you buy the deluxe heavyweight paper, they don't compromise on the other things.

Yes, I'm overthinking it a bit. But sometimes that's fun, too.

Staples brand 32# Ivory is nice and a little less smooth than the bright white. They also have 28# that's noticeably thicker than 20# but not quite like 32#. I'm not sure if it comes in Ivory.

I think all of those are labeled for laser, but I use inkjet with no problems.

I went through a phase of thinking about printer paper a few years ago. For "on the go" printing of music where I just need a copy for myself, I just go with the standard 20lb paper, normal whiteness. For more "important" printing:

I like 28lb paper. Not just for the density, but it also is opaque enough (at least, the brands I played with) that double-sided printing doesn't have much of any problems with being able to see too clearly the music on the other side from what I'm reading.

For the brightness/whiteness it really depends on how you think it will be read. If it's in less-than-totally-well-lit environments, 100% white is actually really nice. If it's in direct sunlight, that's too much and maybe something less bright would be better.

I hate glossy paper for music, in general, so I never used it.

I use 24 pound 85% paper. 24 pound paper is firm enough to take the handling. 85% is not as bright white, although I'll use something whiter if that's all there is.