Experts give pointers on how to get the most out of digital printing’s critical element: paper.

—Victoria Keane, Boise Paper

Buying in bulk can have drawbacks. Paper wants to adapt to the environment in which it is stored. Extremes in temperature or humidity can have a big impact on paper. “Bulk” packed paper generally does not enjoy the protection offered by ream-sealed packages of paper, which have a vapor barrier to protect the paper until you are ready to load it into your print engine. If you do buy in bulk for heavy volume usage, be sure to leave paper in mill cartons until you are ready to print.