At a glance
- The published upper weight concerns the specified Epson photo paper.
- Weight alone does not confirm third-party cardstock feeding.
- Pigment black matters for dye-only papers.
Read the 300 g/m² figure correctly
Epson’s published maximum is tied to its photo papers, including the media identified in the specifications. It is not blanket permission for every 300 gsm card stock.
A sheet of the same weight can have different thickness, stiffness or coating. When no maximum thickness is available for the path, the comparison remains incomplete. Media exceeding a known limit must not be presented as validated.
Pigment black and dye colours
The ET-2850 uses a pigment black and dye colours. Check that combination before choosing Semi-Gloss or Gloss, whose coating is intended only for dye ink.
A finish accepting both inks avoids that coating restriction but does not resolve feeding. Keep the two questions separate: ink can be suitable while mechanical characteristics remain uncertain.
Reduce waste during a test
Start with a plain-paper sheet to check card size and turning orientation. Before third-party media, consult Epson’s restrictions and stop if the sheet catches, deforms or pulls several sheets. One successful feed does not guarantee a consistent batch.
- Read the rear feeder’s limits and restrictions in the manual.
- Check that the paper exceeds no known limit.
- If testing is permitted, load one sheet and inspect it before the back.
- Record any feeding, drying or roller defects.
Papers in the current catalogue
Nominal supplier values, not an in-house print test. Prices and stock are checked on the product page. Where a value is missing, no compatibility is inferred.
| Paper | gsm · µm | Formats | For this printer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double-sided Matte Paper · Black Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm 350 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Matte Paper · Black Core · 330 gsm | 330 gsm 370-375 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Holographic Front / Matte Back Paper · Blue Core | 330 gsm 370-375 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Foil Surge Front / Matte Back Paper · Blue Core · 350 gsm | 350 gsm 385-395 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Luster Paper · Black Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm 350 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Semi-Gloss Paper · White Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm 360 µm | A4 | Ink needs checking The accepted ink type or black ink channel still needs checking in the manuals. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Gloss A3 Paper · White Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm Thickness not documented here | A3 | Unsupported paper size This model does not support A3 paper. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Gloss Paper · White Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm Thickness not documented here | A4 | Ink needs checking The accepted ink type or black ink channel still needs checking in the manuals. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Silver Holographic Paper · 385 gsm | 385 gsm 315 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Golden Holographic Paper · 385 gsm | 385 gsm 315 µm | A4 | Compatibility needs checking The declared ink types match the coating. Available limits concern manufacturer media or do not document this third-party paper. They do not establish compatibility. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
Documented feed paths
Ink system: hybrid, including a pigment black channel. Check the channels actually used by the media setting.
Rear tray
Epson lists 64–300 g/m², with 300 gsm based on its Ultra Glossy paper. This does not validate third-party cardstock.
Questions about this guide
Does 300 gsm mean all 300 gsm papers are compatible?
No. The paper type specified by Epson matters and third-party cardstock can have a different thickness. The number alone does not prove compatibility.
Should I use automatic duplex?
Only if the manual permits it for that media. Duplex limits can be lower than single-sided limits; otherwise prepare permitted manual turning.
Sources
Manufacturer limits apply to the media and feed paths stated in each document. A documentary match is not a physical test of our cardstock.
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