R200 - what do the settings actually affect?

[sync]

What is actually affected when you change these settings?:
1) quality
2) paper type

[Skith]

Quality likely refers to resolution (360dpi 720, 1440, etc.) and will be limited based on the type of paper. For example, Premium Glossy Paper might allow printing up to 2880dpi, while Matte Paper may be limited to 1440dpi.

The paper setting is more complex and affects the
Ink coverage. Different settings basically tell the printer to increase or decrease the amount and mixture of different colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and any other colors).

These settings are adjusted to compensate for the nature of the media used (how porus the surface is). Matte paper absorbs ink very well, while glossy papers usually are RC (plastic feel) with a coating that absorbs ink. If you were to switch settings (Matte setting with glossy paper) you might end up with "puddles" of ink on your print out.

If you are adventurous, you could try mixing paper settings and actual paper. If you do so, I would not recommend using the highest quality setting (limit to 720dpi) to prevent an inky mess.

An example: I printed some Premium Luster Paper with a setting of "Glossy Film" - the result was an image with a strong magenta overcast. The printer was a Stylus Photo 1280. Changing the paper setting to "Premium Glossy" resulted in a more natural image.

[sync]

If the paper setting affects the mixture as well as the amount of ink then it seems that using a non-Epson paper will require some experimentation and even then it might not give good results.

[tim6661234]

A lot of other paper makers detail how to set up your printer for their paper. Check out the packaging or web site.

[sync]

It's Hammermill paper. There's nothing on the packaging and I couldn't find anything on their site.

[tim6661234]

Then back to the experimentation.

[sync]

I think I might be better off getting paper that is known to do well in this printer. This paper was recommended here, but I realize now that I don't know what printer they have.