Carbonless Paper For Inkjet Printers

Okay, so picture this: I’m at a craft fair, and this lady is selling these amazing handmade journals. I’m dying to buy one, but she’s taking orders on… wait for it… a triplicate form filled out by hand. By. Hand. It’s 2024, people! I’m thinking, "Surely there’s a better way!" And that got me wondering, can you even print on carbonless paper with a regular inkjet printer? I mean, the stuff feels kind of… special.

Turns out, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. But spoiler alert: it’s generally a no.

Why Can't Inkjets Handle Carbonless?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Carbonless paper, also known as NCR (No Carbon Required) paper, is designed to transfer markings from one sheet to another using pressure. It has a coating on the back (CB – Coated Back) that reacts with a coating on the front (CF – Coated Front) when pressure is applied. When you write on the top sheet, the pressure releases micro-capsules of dye that react with the clay on the sheet below, creating a copy. (Science!) So no, you don't need to write hard when you're using carbonless paper.

Now, inkjet printers work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper. They don't rely on pressure to transfer the image. That's the first issue. And that can lead to the second issue.

Here's the thing: the coatings on carbonless paper aren’t always formulated to play nice with inkjet inks. Sometimes, the ink can smear, bleed, or just not adhere properly. You might end up with a muddy, illegible mess. And nobody wants that, right? I mean, you may end up with something legible, but not what you were looking for. (Especially if it's for taxes, receipts, or other business related tasks.)

Plus, the surface of carbonless paper can be a little too smooth or coated for some inkjet printers to grip properly, leading to misfeeds or paper jams. If you've ever had a paper jam, you know how frustrating those are! I just had one yesterday! I thought I was going to throw my computer out the window!

But... There's Always a But...

Okay, so I've been all doom and gloom. But here's the thing: some people have had success printing on carbonless paper with inkjet printers. Usually only one sheet, but the key is finding a carbonless paper that is specifically designed for inkjet printers. Some manufacturers have started producing NCR paper that’s been treated to be more compatible with inkjet inks.

Look for products specifically labeled "Inkjet Compatible Carbonless Paper." These papers usually have a special coating that allows the ink to dry quickly and adhere properly. Even then, I would recommend testing a small batch before committing to a large print job. You don't want to waste all of that paper!

Pro Tip: Before you start printing, adjust your printer settings. Try using a lower print quality setting (like "draft" or "economy") to reduce the amount of ink being sprayed. This can help prevent smearing and bleeding. Also, make sure you load the paper correctly. The coated side should face the print head. I almost did not do that, and it was a disaster.

What Are the Alternatives?

If you're struggling to get good results with your inkjet printer, there are definitely other options. Consider using a laser printer instead. Laser printers use toner, which adheres to the paper using heat. This is often more compatible with carbonless paper and can produce sharper, more durable prints. Or print on plain paper and make copies. It may be old school, but it works. Or, if you need multi-part forms, consider using a service that specializes in printing them.

Another option, and the one I would've suggested to that craft fair lady, is to go digital! Use an online form builder to create your order forms, and then email them to your customers. It’s eco-friendly, efficient, and saves you from having to decipher messy handwriting. (Seriously, some people’s handwriting should be classified as a secret code.)

So, can you use carbonless paper in an inkjet printer? Maybe. Should you? Probably not unless you're really careful and have the right kind of paper. But hey, at least now you know all the pros and cons before you try it and end up with a printer ink explosion (speaking from experience here… kinda).