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Loading Thicker Paper NOTE: Fine Art Papers are thick and may cause paper feed problems in some desktop ink jet printers. This is because most desktop printers, like the Epson, recommend a paper weight no greater than "52 lb." -- but this is referring to automated, an unattended paper feeding -- we will show you how your printer can handle thicker papers, using the "manual" method. But first, unless you have used these or similar papers before, you may wish to test a 10-sheet sample package. Many printers will have difficulty with papers of 120 lb. (or 250 gsm weight) and above (We offer the thinner, 90 lb. or 185 gsm weights on the Arches and Lanaquarelle papers).

WE SUGGEST SINGLE-SHEET MANUAL FEEDING: Feeding thick papers from the Epson Stylus Color 3000 or the 1520's bottom paper tray is almost impossible, because the paper must make a sharp,180-degree turn. It is best to load single sheets from the back (a straight path -- preferred for thick roll papers), or from the top/back (a 45-degree angle path -- preferred for most thick paper sheets). Once the paper is inserted (pushed) to a certain position, it will trigger the feed rollers and pull the paper into the "start" position, directly under the print head -- waiting for your command to "print". With other smaller Epson models having top stack loading trays, you should also only load in one sheet at a time. Then, momentarily press the LOAD/EJECT button on the front of your printer, while applying a small amount to pressure to the top of the sheet with the other hand. The sheet will load into the printer and stop directly under the print head -- waiting for your command to "print". These methods will totally eliminate false starts and paper jams that cause you to have to reset your printer. (Note: Try this manual load method first with regular weight paper first, so you can see it work properly, before going to the thicker paper.) ADDITIONALLY: Some Epson printers are manufactured with different paper paper feed tolerances and may cause "pizza wheel" tracks on the thicker papers.

On the 3000 and 1520, you will also need to go into your "page set-up" before you print and be sure that you have "manual feed slot" selected rather than the Auto feed tray.

Also, Paul Bingham submitted a possible solution to the Epson Inkjet Mailing List:

"I use Somerset Enhanced on an EX and experienced the same problems with feeding. The paper thickness is beyond what the machine can reliably pick up in the feed mechanism. After three hours of experimentation I have been able to get consistent feeding of the paper, but unfortunately one sheet at a time. The extra inconvenience of feeding one at a time is well worth effort with this wonderful new paper.

"The method I finally decided on was to add a 1" leader projecting from the edge of the sheet of Somerset. I cut strips of 20lb. bond copy paper 1 1/2" wide and attach them to the back of the Somerset with small patches of double back tape. The 20 lb. overlaps the Somerset by 1/2" leaving a 1" leader which the printer grabs without any problem and pulls the rest of the sheet into the printer. Once into the feed mechanism the printer prints just fine, even on the thin paper setting. You have to adjust your canvas size in photoshop and the paper size in the Epson driver to allow for the extra paper length so that your image prints in the proper place on the Somerset. I use a 3M (Scotch) ATG700 tape application gun to apply three 1/4" spots of tape to the back of the somerset. This gun is used in the picture framing industry and is relatively inexpensive (maybe $20.00). The tape is 3M product #924 and is 1/2" wide. Perfect to create a 1/2" overlap with the bond paper. The tape can be applied by hand if you don't want to invest in the applicator. It would simply take a few seconds longer.

"The entire operation takes me no more than 20 - 30 seconds. You will need to use a sheet of paper behind the somerset in the feed tray to help keep the Somerset in the proper alignment for feeding.

"This method works almost 100% on my printer. I have printed about 30 sheets this way with only one misfeed."

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All longevity estimates should be treated as such, Inkjet Art Solutions is not liable for pre-mature fading of prints or damage to printers through use of our products. Be sure to properly research your purchase and follow the directions given. If you need help, please contact us.
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