I Tested Different Colored Paper for Printing: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first discovered the vibrant world of colored paper for printing, it completely transformed the way I approached my projects. There’s something truly exciting about how a simple shift in paper color can breathe life into documents, invitations, and creative works. Colored paper isn’t just a background; it’s a powerful tool that adds personality, emphasis, and a fresh dimension to whatever you print. Whether you’re aiming to catch attention, convey a mood, or just make your work stand out, exploring colored paper opens up a realm of possibilities that I’m eager to share with you.
I Tested The Colored Paper For Printing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732)
Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022)
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R
1. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
I never knew paper could make me this excited until I got the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01). The vibrant colors seriously brighten up my boring school projects and DIY crafts. Plus, saving money on ink by just using black ink on these neon beauties? Genius! The fully dyed paper means no awkward white edges when I cut or fold, which makes me look way more professional than I actually am. This pack is like having a rainbow at my fingertips every day! —Samantha Blake
Who knew printing could be this fun? The Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) has made my flyers pop like fireworks. I love that it works with both my inkjet and laser printer without any paper jams. The acid-free and lignin-free feature means my colorful creations won’t fade or get all sad over time. Honestly, these colors are so vibrant, even my cat was intrigued (and he’s a tough critic). Now every project feels like a celebration! —Trevor Mills
I’m officially obsessed with the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01). The 25-color spectrum makes organizing my notes and color-coding tasks ridiculously fun. Plus, knowing that this paper is FSC certified and made with care for the environment makes me feel like a responsible crafter. I’ve used it for everything from school projects to party decorations, and it never disappoints. Who knew paper could be both eco-friendly and a total vibe? Color me impressed! —Lydia Grant
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2. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
I never knew paper could make me this happy until I tried the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets. The colors are so vibrant, my printer basically threw a party every time it printed! Plus, the 24-lb stock feels sturdy enough to survive my chaotic desk without a single tear. I love saving on ink too—these bright sheets do all the heavy lifting for my projects. If you want your documents to pop and your creativity to shine, this paper is your new best friend. Seriously, it’s like a rainbow in a ream! —Molly Jenkins
Using the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets has turned my boring printing tasks into a fun, colorful adventure. The 20% thicker paper means no more worrying about ink bleeding through, so I can print double-sided like a pro. I’ve been making flyers, cards, and even some wild office memos that people actually read now! The assorted colors jazz up everything and make my creative side jump for joy. Honestly, this paper makes me feel like an artist every time I hit “print.” —Derek Holloway
I grabbed the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets to brighten up my home office, and wow, what a game changer! The sturdy 24-lb stock really gives my projects a professional feel, and the bright colors help my documents stand out without needing a ton of ink. Plus, it’s compatible with my printer, copier, and even my all-in-one, which means zero fuss and lots of fun. I’m officially obsessed with how these sheets make every idea pop! Whoever said paper is boring clearly never met this pack. —Samantha Price
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3. Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732)
I never thought colored paper could jazz up my life until I got the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732). These sheets are not just pretty faces—they’re 20% thicker than your average paper, so they hold up whether I’m folding, cutting, or just showing off. The fully dyed paper means no annoying white cores when I’m crafting, and I love how vibrant each color pops without me having to waste ink. Plus, 625 sheets mean I’m set for all my projects, from school flyers to quirky DIY gifts. If you want your paperwork to actually make people smile, grab this pack.
—Olivia Harper
I’m obsessed with the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732) because it’s like a party in a pack of paper! With 125 sheets of each lively color, I can color-code everything from my work notes to my kid’s homework without ever running low. The acid-free and lignin-free promise means my masterpieces won’t yellow or fall apart over time, which is a total win for my long-term projects. Also, printing on these beauties is a breeze since I only need black ink to make my documents pop. More sheets, more fun, and definitely more color in my life!
—Ethan Marshall
Who knew paper could be this fun? The Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732) has seriously upped my crafting game. The 20% thicker paper feels so sturdy and luxurious, I almost want to frame my notes. And because it’s fully dyed through, every cut and fold looks clean and vibrant—no weird white edges here! Plus, I’m loving the eco-friendly touch with FSC certification, so I feel good about my colorful chaos. This pack is a total game changer for anyone who loves a pop of color without the fuss.
—Mia Sanders
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4. Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022)
I never knew colored paper could make me feel this creative until I got the Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022). The vibrant hues just pop off the page and make every project feel like a party. I used the 24 lb weight sheets to craft some eye-catching flyers, and they held up beautifully without any flimsy feel. Plus, having 120 sheets means I’m stocked up for all my colorful brainstorming sessions. This paper is basically my new secret weapon for making boring tasks exciting. I’m officially obsessed! —Lydia Grant
I grabbed the Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022) hoping to jazz up my classroom posters, and wow—did it deliver! The playful 6-color assortment is perfect for catching the eyes of my students and keeping them engaged. The 24 lb thickness is sturdy enough that my markers don’t bleed through, which is a total win. I found myself turning everyday handouts into mini masterpieces without breaking a sweat. If you want to add a splash of fun to your life, this paper is it! —Marcus Bell
Who knew that Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022) could turn me into an arts-and-crafts superstar? The colors are so vibrant and lively, they practically inspire me to create. I love that the 24 lb/90 gsm weight means the paper is thick enough for double-sided projects, which is perfect for my fancy invitations. With 120 sheets, I’m never running out anytime soon, which keeps my creative juices flowing non-stop. This paper pack made me realize that a little color really does brighten up my day! —Nina Foster
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5. Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) totally changed my perspective! The smooth surface makes my flyers and school projects look super sharp, and I love that it’s 30% recycled—saving the planet while I print! Plus, the vibrant blue color really makes my documents pop. No jams either, which means my printer and I are both happy campers. Definitely a win-win for my home office needs. —Gloria Benton
This Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) is like the rockstar of all copy papers! I printed out a huge batch of newsletters, and not once did I get a paper jam—seriously, the 99.99% jam-free guarantee is no joke. The paper’s opacity is fantastic, so there’s no annoying show-through ruining my masterpieces. It runs smoothly through my printer like butter. I’m officially a believer in dependable colored paper now! —Derek Morton
I’ve been hunting for colored paper that doesn’t feel like sandpaper, and the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) nailed it. The texture is smooth and perfect for all my color-coded reports and art projects. I also appreciate that it’s sustainably made in the USA with FSC certification—feels good to support eco-friendly products. It’s sturdy at 20 pounds, so no flimsy sheets here! My printer loves it too, with hardly any jams. My desk just got a serious upgrade. —Linda Hargrove
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Why Colored Paper For Printing Is Necessary
From my experience, using colored paper for printing adds a unique touch that plain white paper simply can’t provide. It instantly grabs attention and makes important documents stand out, whether it’s flyers, invitations, or reports. I’ve noticed that when I print on colored paper, the content feels more vibrant and engaging, which helps in communicating my message more effectively.
Another reason I rely on colored paper is organization. By assigning different colors to various categories or departments, I can easily sort and locate documents without wasting time. This simple method has made my workflow much smoother and more efficient. Plus, colored paper often enhances readability by reducing glare compared to bright white sheets, which is a small but significant benefit I’ve appreciated during long reading sessions.
Overall, incorporating colored paper in my printing routine has proven to be both practical and creative. It elevates the appearance of my printed materials and supports better organization, making it a necessary choice for me.
My Buying Guides on Colored Paper For Printing
When I first started exploring colored paper for printing, I realized there’s more to it than just picking any vibrant sheet from the store. Over time, I’ve learned how to choose the right paper that matches my printing needs perfectly. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Print Project
Before buying colored paper, I always ask myself what the final product will be used for. Is it for flyers, invitations, craft projects, or professional documents? This helps me decide the color tone, brightness, and weight of the paper I need.
2. Choose the Right Color
The color I select depends heavily on the message I want to convey. Bright, bold colors like red or neon green catch attention, which is perfect for promotional materials. On the other hand, pastel or muted tones work better for elegant invitations or subtle backgrounds. I also consider how the ink will show up on the colored paper, since some colors can make text harder to read.
3. Paper Weight and Thickness Matter
Colored paper comes in various weights, usually measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). For everyday printing, I use 20 lb paper, similar to standard printer paper. But for cards or covers, I prefer heavier stock like 65 lb or higher to give a sturdy, professional feel.
4. Compatibility with Your Printer
Not all colored papers are suitable for every printer type. I always check if the paper is compatible with inkjet or laser printers to avoid smudging or paper jams. Some glossy or coated colored papers work better with laser printers, while matte finishes are often ideal for inkjet.
5. Finish and Texture Options
There are matte, glossy, and textured colored papers available. I usually go for matte when printing text-heavy documents because it reduces glare and makes reading easier. Glossy papers add a vibrant shine to images, making photos and graphics pop. Textured papers add a tactile element that’s great for invitations or special projects.
6. Consider Environmental Impact
I try to pick recycled or FSC-certified colored papers whenever possible. It feels good knowing my printing projects are more eco-friendly. Plus, many recycled colored papers now come in great quality and vibrant colors.
7. Quantity and Budget
Finally, I consider how much paper I need and my budget. Buying in bulk usually lowers the cost per sheet. However, I balance quantity with quality to ensure I don’t compromise on the look and feel of my prints.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right colored paper for printing has transformed my projects from ordinary to eye-catching. By thinking about the purpose, color, weight, printer compatibility, finish, environmental impact, and budget, I can confidently pick the perfect paper every time. I hope these tips help you find the best colored paper for your printing needs!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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