What Printing Supplies Do I Need to Get Started?

Now that you've done your research and settled on the perfect printer for your needs, it's time to stock up on printing supplies to start using it.

Paper

The first and most obvious of printing supplies that you'll need is paper. Depending on the type of printing you intend to do, you may want to get more than your standard 8.5 x 11" printing paper. For instance, there is glossy or matte photo paper, envelopes, postcards, business cards, address labels, or other specialty paper.

You will also need to check if you have inkjet printing paper or laser printing paper. 

If you use a laser printing paper in an inkjet printer, the printing can be runny or smeared because laser printer paper isn't designed to absorb ink and allow it to dry faster.

If you use an inkjet printing paper in a laser printer, the paper will burn as inkjet printer paper isn't designed to withstand the heat of the printer's laser.

Replacement Toner or Ink Cartridges

If you do a lot of printing, it's a good idea to keep an extra toner or  ink cartridges around so you don't run out of ink in the middle of a project. This is especially important if you print a lot of photos because photo printing uses a lot of ink.

To keep your prints looking clean and fresh, you may also consider buying a print cleaning kit to use when you change ink cartridges. A typical cleaning kit includes lint-free swabs and cleaner solution. You can find these at most office supply stores.

Surge Protector

One of the USA's largest casualty loss insurers reported over 63% of all loss-pay-outs on electronic equipment is due to power problems. that being said, you should invest in a good surge protector to protect your computer, printer, and hardware accessories. A good surge protector will cost between $20 and $100 and should be “UL” listed. You also should look at the “connected equipment” warranty and buy the one that insures connected equipment for up to $15,000 or more.

Looking for cheap ink cartridges? Feel free to check our brand printer pages for remanufactured HP toner and ink, Epson ink and toner, Brother ink and toner, Canon ink and toner, Lexmark ink and toner or other cheap printer ink cartridges and search for your printer model through the list provided.