Photo or Couché Souvenir Paper: Which Doesn't Fade?
Quick summary: The best party favor paper is the 180 gsm glossy photo paper, ...because it absorbs ink better, has a glossy finish, doesn't smudge, and ensures a professional finish. This is my firsthand account as someone who has been working in this field for over 12 years.
If you've already tried to make party favors and realized that the paper was still there:
- Mole,
- Faded,
- Blurred and/or
- Looking amateurish.
Keep in mind that the problem isn't your skill, but rather choosing the wrong material. The truth is that Using the wrong paper or printer can ruin any party favor, even if the mold is beautiful.
The good news is that there's a simple way to fix this.
In this article, I will share my real-life experience 12 years of experience working with custom stationery and using party favor paper photo and coated paper. You'll definitely find out:
- QWhat kind of paper should I use to make party favors? that doesn't smudge or run,
- What are the best types, ,
- Which printer and
- Tips on how to choose the right paper for a professional finish.
The Main Party Favor Paper
(Quick Overview for those looking for a quick answer)
| Paper | Where to use | Printer |
|---|---|---|
| 180g Photo Paper | Boxes, Toppers, and Tags | Inkjet |
| Offset or Opaline 180 gsm | Boxes, Toppers, and Tags | Inkjet |
| Lying down | Premium printing | Laser |
| Color Plus | Structure | Inkjet |
| Kraft | Rustic style | Inkjet |
| Vergé | Invitations | Inkjet |
| Sticker | Tags | Inkjet |
Source: Ana Claudia Personalizados
After making hundreds of party favors for children’s parties, I can say with confidence that of all the papers listed in the table above, The only type of paper that really doesn't fade is coated paper.
Why Coated Paper Doesn't Fade: Because the laser printer It does not use liquid ink, but rather powdered ink that fuses with the paper; furthermore, the coated finish provides greater resistance to UV rays and water splashes, significantly slowing down fading
But hold on—before you rush out to buy the glossy paper, read the article all the way through; you’ll be surprised.
So, what’s the best paper for party favors?
If you're looking for paper that doesn't fade or smudge, It is true that coated paper is the only type that is more resistant to fading, but That doesn't mean that photo paper is bad and I'll explain because I prefer photo paper to coated paper.
Coated Paper vs. Photo Paper: Pros and Cons
I’ll outline the pros and cons of using these two types of paper, and at the end I’ll tell you how I use them in my daily life.
Couché paper
Advantages of coated paper
- Smooth, even surface
- Excellent print quality (on laser printers)
- Good clarity and professional finish
- Ideal for print production
- Great for large print runs
Disadvantages of coated paper
- Not suitable for inkjet printers
- Low ink absorption (may smudge depending on the ink)
- Slower drying with inkjet
- Requires specific equipment
Photo paper
Advantages of photo paper
- Much more vivid and vibrant colors
- Glossy finish (high perceived value)
- Quick drying with the right settings
- It does not smudge when the printer is set up correctly
- Ideal for home use
- Lower production costs
Disadvantages of photo paper
- It may smudge if the printer settings are incorrect
- More sensitive to moisture before it is completely dry
- It may scratch if handled improperly
- Not suitable for laser printers
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Main disadvantage of coated paper (critical point)
To use coated paper properly, you need a laser printer. And here's the big problem:
A color laser printer can cost up to 10 times more than an inkjet printer, and can amount to more than R$100,000.
IMPORTANT: These laser printers The ones you find at stores like Casas Bahia or Americanas aren't any good; while they're affordable to buy, the toner cartridges are extremely expensive (because the ink runs out so quickly).
In other words, use glossy party favor paper is:
- very high initial investment
- not feasible for beginners
- drastically reduces the profit margin
How to prevent smudges on photo paper
O Photo paper is a type of souvenir paper that is printed using inkjet technology in the correct configuration, ...there's no way the ink will smudge. Below is a step-by-step guide to setting up your printer correctly.
To find out which type of paper to use for each party favor, read here
How to Print on Photo Paper (Simple Step-by-Step Guide)
If you want to avoid smudges and achieve a professional finish on your party favors, it’s essential to use the correct printer settings.
See the complete step-by-step guide:
1. Click “Print”
For this tutorial, I'm using the Canon printer but it's the same thing for the Epson Ecotank , on your computer screen, after opening the souvenir file:
- Click on Print
- Select your printer (e.g., Canon G4010)
Here you can also adjust:
- orientation (landscape or portrait)
- paper size (A4)
Pro tip: Select “Full page or fit to page” to avoid cropping the layout.
2. Choose the right type of party favor paper (MOST IMPORTANT STEP)
Now comes the part that makes all the difference in the outcome.
In the option “Paper type”, select:
Profis Photography. Brilliant
(or equivalent, such as “Glossy Photo Paper”)
Other options that might work:
- Glossy Photo Paper
- Semi-Gloss Plus
Read more…
Please note:
If you leave it as “Common Paper”, the result will be:
- muted colors
- poorly applied paint
- risk of smudging
Summary:
The right paper = perfect printing
Wrong paper = poor print quality
3. Adjust the print quality for the party favor paper
If available under “More settings”:
- Define quality as Check-in or Maximum
That's an improvement:
- image definition
- color intensity
- final finish
4. Click “Print”
Once everything is set up:
Click on Print
Now all you have to do is wait for it to print.
Learn how to choose the best printer for custom items for your studio
(Click on the image to enlarge)
Care instructions after printing the party favor paper
To ensure the best results:
- Avoid touching the printout right away
- Please wait a few seconds for it to dry completely
- Hold it by the edges
Expert tip (THIS ONE IS A GAME-CHANGER)
If the photo paper is smudging, it's not the paper.
The problem is almost always:
- wrong paper type in the settings
- poor quality
- inappropriate paint
With the right settings, photo paper:
- DOES NOT smudge
- has a professional finish
- adds much more value to your product
When should you use coated paper, and when should you use photo paper?
If the party favor is the kind that the person keeps as Piggy banks, Keychains, notebooks, personalized pencils, and other items—ideally, you should use coated paper printed on a laser printer.
But if it's the fast-moving consumer goods, such as milk cartons, pyramid boxes, and other personalized party favors that children already use at parties. You can use 180g photo paper.
| Purpose of the Party Favor | Paper | Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Save for later or use after the party | 180 gsm coated paper | Laser |
| Consumed immediately at the party | Photographic 1800g | Inkjet |
An honest account of my experience with photo paper
If your goal is to sell and delight your customers, you can use 180g glossy photo paper with confidence, Because it doesn't fade that easily—I've tested it myself—and if it's stored properly and kept out of direct sunlight, it lasts a long time. Check out my story in the video below
How can I overcome my fear of selling?
I I don't work with coated paper, all My works are on glossy photo paper and I've never had any problems. I'm telling you this so you don't hesitate to get started because the paper might fade and the customer might complain.
I know it's a real concern, but to prevent that from happening, first Learn how to put together a portfolio, because it’s very important that you tell the customer what you’re selling, rather than letting the customer tell you what to sell.
The key to ensuring a successful sale is to have a clear sales strategy that includes:
- Defined portfolio
- Prices
- Specials
🎓 Want to master custom stationery once and for all? During training Making a Living from Custom Stationery You'll learn everything from choosing materials to pricing and selling safely. [Learn more about the training →]
Which brands of photo paper should I use for party favors?
For my party favors, I use three brands:
Here’s why I like and recommend these brands: because the ink adheres well, they have a shine that I love, and they’re easy to find at any school supply store.
What weight of photo paper should I use for party favors?
The ideal weight for photo paper is 180 grams (no more, no less).
A common misconception about photo paper
A lot of people who are just starting out, When you pick up a 180g sheet, it feels thin and ends up buying a heavier paper, such as 250-gram photo paper, and when assembling it, discovers:
- He's too thick-skinned to take the hint
- The paint cracks easily
- It shortens the lifespan of the inkjet printer
Conclusion
It became clear that even though coated paper doesn’t fade, I prefer 180g photo paper. This is because it’s easy to find, more affordable, and I can use it in my inkjet printer. For all these reasons, if you’re just starting out, you can use photo paper without hesitation for your personalized keepsakes.
Would you like to receive exclusive tips right on your WhatsApp? I invite you to join my "Viver da Papelaria Personalizada" group and get my weekly tips [I want to join the WhatsApp group →]
Frequently asked questions
What is the best paper for souvenirs?
180g glossy photo paper
Does photo paper smudge?
No, if the configuration is correct.
What kind of paper should I use for a milk carton?
180 gsm photo paper (but you can also use 180 gsm offset or opaline paper)
What kind of paper should I use for the boxes?
180g photo paper
How can I prevent photo paper from fading?
Store it away from light in a box or in small bags; this helps protect it from UV rays
How can I prevent photo paper from smudging?
Set the printer to use this paper Profis Photography. Brilliant or Glossy Photo Paper.
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