Can I print on card or heavyweight matte paper?

Applies To

• Hardware: Epson inkjet printers (specifications below apply to most A4 Stylus-generation models — check your user guide for your exact product).
• Related Articles:
  • KA-01488 (removing jammed paper, if you're experiencing paper feed problems even with supported genuine Epson media)

Description

Epson printers support plain paper and a wide range of genuine Epson paper and special media. Before choosing a paper, check what weight your printer supports and which paper types it's compatible with — see the "Product Information" or "Paper Handling" section of your user guide, also available in your product's Online Support and Manuals section on the Epson Support website.

Solution

Paper Weight Specifications (Cut-Sheet)

These apply to most A4 Epson Stylus-generation inkjet printers via the Auto Sheet Feeder — check your user guide for your exact model.

• 64–90 g/m²: plain paper, including third-party papers.
• Over 90 g/m²: genuine Epson media only.
• Maximum weight is 300 g/m² using genuine Epson media — some models support up to 255 g/m² maximum (e.g. R800).
• Third-party (non-Epson) paper/media over 90 g/m² isn't recommended or supported by Epson.

Note: Some A3+ small-format photo printers support a range of Epson fine art media via the front or rear paper feed, which may exceed the weights above — check your user guide.

Using Third-Party (Non-Epson) Media

Third-party paper can cause feed issues, either because it's physically too heavy for the feed mechanism, or due to coatings some manufacturers use. If you're having feed problems with third-party media over 90 g/m², we recommend switching to the genuine Epson equivalent.

1. Test the printer with plain bond paper and supported genuine Epson paper.
2. If it operates normally with these, the fault isn't with the printer — it's performing within specification.
3. If you're still having feed problems even with plain bond paper and genuine Epson media, see KA-01488.

Note: Epson doesn't endorse or guarantee ink or media from any third-party company, and doesn't support its use — in Epson's experience, third-party media is often the main cause of paper feed and print quality problems. For the best results, use genuine Epson media: it offers guaranteed stable colour consistency, independently tested lightfastness, and superior image reproduction.

Recommended Epson Matte Papers and Card

Note: Larger formats of Matte Paper – Heavyweight are available for A3+ and Epson Large Format Printers.