Printing Guide: Perfect Paper for Junk Journal Printables

So tell me, how many printables have you collected on your computer? And have you printed them all? Me neither! But I'm working on getting more of them off of my computer and into my journal.

This past summer, I realized that fighting with my printer was the worst part of journaling. So I finally bought a new one and now I've been printing like crazy.

I got an Epson Eco Tank and I'm so impressed. I've printed so many pages with just the bottles of ink that came with it. The colors are amazing and now I love printing off fresh sheets any time I want to add something to my junk journal.

I already used an entire package of this cardstock - time to open a new one!

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Choosing a Printer for Junk Journal Projects

I used inkjet printers for years. They worked fine, but the cost of the ink cartridges added up so fast. Plus, I was always running out right in the middle of a project. 

A few months ago I switched to the Epson EcoTank ET-2800. It's been such a relief for my budget. I’ve had it for about five months now and I still haven’t used even half of the ink that it came with. 

I print a lot, so that's a huge win. The colors are bright and vibrant, and the bottles are easy to top up when the time comes.

Choosing the Right Paper for Printables

Paper makes a big difference in how your printables look and feel and it took me a bit of time to figure out what worked best. I print everything on 8.5" x 11" papers, but I use a few different types, depending on the project. If you're just getting started with junk journaling, give these a try!

Cardstock

I use a lot of Neenah brand, 65lb, Bright White cardstock. It’s sturdy enough for covers, tags, pockets, and any ephemera that needs structure. I also use it when I print folios because it folds easily, without cracking. It gives a clean edge and a nice, solid feel in books and folios.

This Neenah brand cardstock is light, but sturdy and the colors print out perfectly.

Premium Paper

For thinner pages, my favorite is HP Premium 28 Bright White. It’s smooth and a little heavier than regular copy paper. I mostly use it when I print journal pages. It's thick enough that it can be printed on both sides, without the colors showing through.

I love printing my own patterned paper on both sides of a sheet, then using the pages in my journals.

Regular Printer Paper

When I make a collage style page using gel medium, I like the ephemera pieces to blend into the page. Regular printer paper is perfect for this kind of project. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Paper is ideal - it melts right into the background. It's also nice for layering because it doesn't add too much bulk.

The soft paper and mellow colors of this fussy cut sheet will melt perfectly into a collage.

Photo Paper

For my printable photo sets, I use Koala brand, InkJet Glossy Photo Paper. (It says inkjet, but it works great in my Eco Tank printer!) This photo paper gives the colors a bright, crisp look. It also adds a smooth finish that works well when I’m adding little snapshots and

photos to my journal spreads.

The colors of my printable photo set come out beautifully on this brand of photo paper.

Tips for Getting the Best Prints

A few small settings make a big difference. These steps can help your printables look clean and bright:

• Use the right paper setting on your printer. This tells your printer how much ink to use and how to lay it down. If you’re printing on cardstock or premium paper, choose that option in the print dialog. You’ll get sharper edges and richer color.

• Check your print quality setting before you hit print. I always choose high for anything I’m using in a journal. Lower quality settings can look faded unless that’s what you want.

• Let your prints dry for a few minutes. The colors can take a bit of time to develop. Waiting also keeps the colors from smudging when you cut or fold your pieces.

• Do a single test print if you’re working on a big project. It helps you check the color and scale before you print a whole stack.

When you're printing photos, avoid smudges by letting them dry for an extra long time.

Tips for Printing With the Epson Eco Tank

• If you're using the Epson Eco-Tank 2800, I've noticed that the print quality seems a bit better when I use the app on my phone, instead of the printer driver on my computer.

• On the printer settings one of the most important choices is the Media Type. For cardstock, premium paper, or plain computer paper I choose "Plain Paper/Bright White Paper".

• When you print photos, double check that you've switched the media type! I get great results when I use "Premium Photo Paper Glossy" along with the Koala brand paper.

Perfect Prints for Journals

Having the right combination of printer and paper makes printing your own ephemera simple and fun. You can print exactly what you want, when you want it. Any time you're ready to journal, just fire up the printer and get out your glue sticks!

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Junk Journal Printing Guide