Free Magnet-Making Resource
Choosing paper for photo magnets can feel harder than it needs to be. I’ve tested different papers in my own printers and presses, and I’ve learned that the paper itself can make a big difference to the finished magnet. Here’s what I’d look at before buying a large pack.
Start With the Right Paper
If you’re printing photos for magnets with an inkjet printer, use photo-quality paper made for inkjet printing. It’s designed for printing images and will usually give you a clearer, richer-looking result than ordinary copy paper. Copy paper can make photos look duller and less defined.
Check that the paper is suitable for your printer and its ink type. Inkjet photo paper and laser printer paper aren’t automatically interchangeable, so check the paper packaging or manufacturer’s information before you buy.
When printing, choose the closest matching paper or media setting in your printer. The setting tells the printer what kind of paper you’re using, and different papers can need different settings. There isn’t one setting that works for every paper, printer and ink.
Glossy vs Matte vs Semi-Gloss
The finish is partly about the look you like, but it can also affect what you notice on the finished magnet. Mylar covers the print, but you can still see the paper’s surface through it.
| Paper finish | How it looks | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Glossy | Smooth, shiny and bright. | Can look vivid, but fingerprints and some printer marks may be more noticeable. |
| Matte | Little or no shine, with a softer look. | A good choice if you prefer a less glossy finish. |
| Semi-gloss or lustre | Somewhere between glossy and matte. | Some papers have a subtle texture that remains visible through Mylar. |
From my own making: Glossy papers have given me vivid-looking results, but I sometimes notice fingerprints and roller marks. Matte paper has been less troublesome for visible pizza wheel marks in my printing. Some semi-gloss papers have a subtle texture that I can see through the Mylar. These are my experiences with the papers I’ve used; your results can vary.
Does GSM Matter?
Yes. GSM is a way of describing paper weight, but it doesn’t tell you exactly how thick or stiff the sheet will feel. Two papers with the same GSM can still behave differently.
The paper needs to work with your cutter and your press. If it’s too thick, the magnet may not press properly and it could put strain on your machine. If it’s too thin, you may not get the result you want.
Around 120 GSM has worked well for me with many of the presses I own. It can be a useful starting point to test, but it isn’t right for every press or magnet size. Please go to your official supplier’s website and check the paper guidance for your specific press and magnet size.
Common Paper Problems
Pizza wheel marks
Pizza wheel marks are the repeated dots or lines you may see on a print. In my experience, the paper brand, type and surface coating make a huge difference. I’ve noticed marks more on some thin, soft glossy papers. I haven’t had visible pizza wheel marks on the matte papers I’ve used.
If you’re getting marks, I’d try a different paper brand or a different surface coating. Matte paper may be worth testing. With some double-sided glossy papers, you can also try printing on the less glossy side. Test a small amount first to see how the print and pressed magnet turn out.
Fingerprints on glossy paper
Glossy paper can show fingerprints, so try to handle it by the edges and avoid touching the printed image. Give your prints time to dry before handling or assembling them, and keep them clean while you work. Finger oils can affect the paper’s surface over time.
Two sheets feeding at once
Some double-sided glossy and semi-gloss papers can stick together, which may cause two sheets to feed through the printer at once. If you’re using the rear feeder, gently fan the stack before loading it.
On my Epson EcoTank ET-8500, using cassette 2 has helped feed one sheet at a time with double-sided glossy paper. This can vary from printer to printer, paper type and settings, so it may not work the same way in your setup.
Print colours look different
It’s normal for a print to look different from the image on your screen. Paper finish, printer settings and screen brightness can all affect what you see. A bright screen, for example, can make a print seem darker by comparison.
In my own printing with the Epson ET-8500 and ET-2810, changing the paper has sometimes helped when changing settings didn’t. Glossy prints have sometimes looked warmer to me, including skin tones, but that depends on the paper, printer and image.
When trying a new paper, print a small test first and use the closest matching paper setting. If the result isn’t right, try another setting or paper sample before printing a large batch. It can take a little trial and error to find what works well in your setup.
Where to Buy Photo Paper
Australia & New Zealand
Create Print Love is my favourite Australian & New Zealand photo paper supplier. They offer a range of Koala photo papers, including different finishes and weights.
A supplier offer is available through my affiliate link, subject to the current terms.
Shop My Favourite AU & NZ SupplierWorldwide
Koala is an affordable photo paper brand with a range of products to explore. Koala photo paper is available through Amazon in selected regions, alongside other suitable photo paper brands. I’ve used Koala photo paper myself, but products in the range can differ and I haven’t tested every product. Check the specifications and compatibility before buying.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Selected supplier offers may also provide a discount.
Quick FAQs
What paper should I use for photo magnets?
Start with photo-quality paper that’s made for inkjet printing and compatible with your printer. Then check that its weight works with your cutter and press.
Is glossy or matte better for photo magnets?
It depends on the finish you prefer and how the paper behaves in your setup. Glossy has looked vivid in my prints, while matte has been less troublesome for visible pizza wheel marks in my experience.
Can I use ordinary copy paper?
You can test it, but photo-quality inkjet paper will generally give you a clearer, richer-looking image.
Is 120 GSM suitable for every magnet press?
No. It has worked well for me with many of my presses, but the right paper depends on your machine and magnet size. Check your official supplier’s paper guidance.
Will Mylar hide the paper texture?
No. You may still see the paper’s finish or texture through the clear film. Press a sample magnet to check the result.
Why is my printer feeding two sheets?
Some double-sided glossy and semi-gloss papers can stick together. If you use the rear feeder, try gently fanning the stack before loading it.