At a glance
- Paper paths have different limits.
- The straight path requires the appropriate manual loading procedure.
- Paper accepting both ink types simplifies the ink check.
Choose the right paper path
The ET-8500 offers several paths that are not interchangeable. A straight-path limit does not automatically apply to the front cassette or rear feeder. Consult the manual’s loading procedure for the path you choose.
For thick media, the straight path is an option to assess against the sheet specifications. Follow the procedure for the rear unit and single-sheet loading; never force a resisting sheet.
Check coating and black ink
The ET-8500 combines dye photo inks with a pigment black. For dye-only papers, you need to know which channels the driver uses with the selected setting; the word “photo” in an option is not that evidence.
Matte and Luster accept both ink types according to their specifications. This concerns the coating only: still compare size, thickness and the chosen path’s limits. Keep the uncertainty visible when a paper’s thickness is unknown.
Prepare manual double-sided printing
A successful front print does not validate automatic duplex on cardstock. Prepare to turn the sheet manually and let the printed face dry before feeding it again. Also check roller marks in solid areas.
- Check orientation and scale on plain paper.
- Load one sheet following the selected path’s manual instructions.
- Record media type and quality, then inspect the dry front.
- Print the back after checking orientation, then measure a cut card.
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 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 350 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Matte Paper · Black Core · 330 gsm | 330 gsm 370-375 µm | A4 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 375 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Holographic Front / Matte Back Paper · Blue Core | 330 gsm 370-375 µm | A4 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 375 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. 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 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 395 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Luster Paper · Black Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm 350 µm | A4 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 350 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. 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 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 315 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. Start with one test sheet using your paper and settings. |
| Double-sided Golden Holographic Paper · 385 gsm | 385 gsm 315 µm | A4 | Compatible under conditions The declared ink types match the coating. 315 µm ≤ 1300 µm · Rear thick-media feed, one sheet Use the manufacturer’s straight paper path, one sheet at a time. Reinsert the other side manually. 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 thick-media feed, one sheet
Up to 1.3 mm according to Epson. Follow the manual's feed procedure; turn thick sheets manually.
Questions about this guide
Can I use the same limit for every tray?
No. Each limit applies to a particular path and sometimes a particular paper type. Use the row matching the actual loading method.
Does a specification-based status replace a test?
No. It compares published data. Feeding, drying and appearance still need checking with your sheet and settings.
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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