How to print on vellum

[KatyG]

Computer is iMac 9,1.

Printer is HP Officejet Pro 8500 Premier Model A909n

Operating system is ?

I am trying to print a Microsoft Word for Mac document on vellum.  

I get an error message that "paper size or type is incorrect."

I am using 8 1/2" x 11" vellum.  

When I click on the "Copies & Pages" drop down from the Print Screen, none of the options show vellum as an option.  

I have tried clicking on the "other paper" options but none have worked yet.  

Help!

[MBJustice]

First make sure that you have the right Printer, paper size and orientation selected under File/Page Setup.  Then make sure that Automatic isn't selected under Media type in the priver driver dialog box.  You may need to create a custom media size if you are still getting a media size error. 

[KatyG]

Dear MBJustice:

Thank you for the quick response!

I have no problem printing the document on regular printer paper so the paper size and orientation so I don't think I need to select a custom media size.  And I am using 81/2" by 11" vellum.  

Do you have any other ideas?  (I am not all that "tech savvy" so small words help!)

Katy

[MBJustice]

Hi,

Logic doesn't always apply in tech support. 😉  I've seen printers have issues with a particular media and when we have the user create a custom size, it no longer rejects it.  I don't believe this particular product has a specific media type available for Vellum, so make sure you have a specific heavyweight media selected in the driver dialog and give it a try.  If it rejects it you might have to try several to find one that works.  If it continues to tell you it is the wrong size, try the custom media size option. 

[KatyG · Accepted solution]

Dear MBJustice:

I was just about to give up.   I was almost defeated.  I can print on 110 lb. cardstock but not on vellum.  This poor vellum sheet has been rejected more times than a 1st time home buyer in a tight credit market.  

But then - success!  There is NO setting on an HP Officejet Pro 8500 Premier that will print on vellum.  I  tried them all.

You have to trick this persnickety printer by glue the feeding edge of the vellum to a sheet of regular printer paper.  Set the printer for "fast draft" and - presto magic-o -  it prints! 

When our house is hit by lightning this summer, and we have to replace this printer, I will find one that can print on vellum.  Problem solved!

Thank you for your help!  

[ayazaali]

Hi. Did you find a good printer for printing on Vellum? Cheers.

[VYinLA]

A few tricks I've learned:  Inkjet multifunction C7800?

ALWAYS keep an extra piece of vellum underneath the pile in the paper tray; if not, it inevitably misfeeds.  

Print one page at a time.

Turn off "automatic" feed and specify the tray

Use "normal" not "best" quality

Clean printheads occasionally with command from printer.