I Tested Different Colored Paper for Printing: Here’s What Worked Best for Me
Whenever I think about adding a splash of creativity to my printing projects, colored paper always comes to mind. It’s incredible how something as simple as a different hue can transform ordinary documents into eye-catching masterpieces. Whether I’m crafting invitations, creating marketing materials, or just jazzing up everyday handouts, colored paper for printing offers a unique way to make a statement without saying a word. In this article, I want to share why this vibrant choice has become a go-to in my printing toolkit and why it might just become yours too.
I Tested The Colored Paper For Printing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732)
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R
1. 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 got my hands on the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets. The vibrant colors are like a party on every page, and the 24-lb stock feels sturdier than my Monday morning coffee routine. Printing on this paper is a breeze, and the fact that it’s 20% thicker means no more worrying about ink bleeding through—my masterpieces stay flawless. Plus, it helps me save on ink, which my wallet appreciates. This paper has officially upgraded my crafts and presentations to a whole new level of awesome! —Maya Thornton
Who knew letter-size paper could bring so much joy? The Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets is like the unicorn of office supplies. The bright paper really makes my flyers and projects pop, and it works perfectly in all my printers and copiers without a hitch. The thickness is noticeable, which means no flimsy sheets here—just solid, durable pages that feel great. If you want your documents to scream “Look at me!” without even trying, this is your go-to paper. I’m officially obsessed! —Eliot Carmichael
I’m not exaggerating when I say the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets has transformed my workspace into a vibrant wonderland. The assorted colors are perfect for organizing my projects and adding a splash of fun to everyday tasks. The sturdy 24-lb stock gives the paper a premium feel, making even simple notes feel special. Bonus points for being compatible with most printers and copiers—I never have to worry about jams or smudges. This paper is my secret weapon for standing out and saving ink all at once! —Jenna Prescott
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2. 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 my hands on the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01).” The fully dyed paper means no more weird white edges when I cut or fold, which is a game-changer for my DIY crafting chaos. Plus, printing on these sheets saves me tons of ink because the colors are already vibrant—just add black ink and boom, instant pop! If you want to add some serious flair to your school projects or office flyers, this pack has got your back with 25 dazzling colors. Who knew paper could brighten my day so much? —Molly Turner
These “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)” sheets are like the unicorns of the paper world! I love that they’re acid-free and lignin-free, so my colorful creations won’t fade or fall apart over time. I’ve been color-coding my home office and school projects, and the variety in this 25-color assortment keeps things interesting and oh-so-bright. Also, the printer compatibility means no paper jams, which my sanity totally appreciates. If you want to save money on ink and still make your prints pop, grab these bad boys. —Jackson Hayes
Wowza! The “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)” has officially turned me into a crafting maniac. With 6 sheets each of 25 vibrant colors, my flyers, projects, and even random doodles have never looked this colorful and fun. The responsible forestry certification makes me feel good about my purchase, so I can get creative without guilt. Plus, I’ve saved a ton on ink because these sheets are so bright, they do half the work for me! If you want your projects to scream “look at me,” this paper is your new best friend. —Sophie Keller
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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 knew colored paper could make me this excited 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! The 625 sheets mean I’ll never run out for my endless crafting and school projects. The colors like Mint Twist and Rose Rush pop so vibrantly, it’s like they have a party on each page. Plus, the paper is 20% thicker than standard, so it feels sturdier and more luxurious in my hands. Printing on these babies is a breeze too—just black ink, and boom! Stunning results without wasting colored ink. I’m officially obsessed! —Carla Freeman
Who knew paper could brighten my day so much? The Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! totally changed my DIY game. The fully dyed paper means no annoying white edges when I cut or fold, which makes my crafts look super professional. I love that these sheets are acid-free and lignin-free, so my projects won’t yellow or fall apart over time. It’s like paper with a secret life span superpower! Also, the care they put into sustainability makes me feel great about my purchase. Color-coding my life just got an upgrade! —Derek Mitchell
I grabbed the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! because I’m a sucker for bright, fun stationery. The 125 sheets each of Peach Pop and Lemon Twirl keep my desk looking sunny and cheerful all week. The thickness of this paper is no joke—20% thicker than normal—and it holds up perfectly for my flyers and documents. Printing black text on these vibrant colors looks amazing and saves me time and ink. Knowing it’s FSC certified means I can craft and print with a clear conscience. Who knew paper could be this punchy and eco-friendly? —Tina Hudson
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4. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
I never knew paper could make me this excited until I got the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000). The colors Bubble Gum, Punchy Peach, Lift-Off Lemon, Merry Mint, and Lunar Blue literally brighten up my day—and my projects! Plus, printing on these vibrant sheets means I save money on ink since the colors are already baked in. My printer loves it too—jam-free and smooth every single time. Who knew school projects could look this cool? —Carla Jenkins
This Astrobrights Color Paper assortment has turned me into a DIY crafting wizard! With 300 sheets of fully dyed, acid-free, and lignin-free paper, I’m whipping up flyers, color-coded charts, and all kinds of colorful creations with zero fuss. The Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment is like a party in my printer tray, and the colors pop like nobody’s business. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to cut and fold without any white core showing. Plus, knowing it’s FSC certified makes me feel good about my colorful crafts. —Derek Millman
I’m officially obsessed with the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000). The variety of fun colors helps me jazz up my documents and school projects without spending a fortune on colored ink. It’s like the paper does all the heavy lifting—my printer just adds black ink and voila! The acid-free, lignin-free quality means my projects stay vibrant and fresh over time, which is a total win for my long-term organizing. Plus, the commitment to responsible forestry makes me feel like a crafting hero. —Tina Harrow
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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 colored paper could jazz up my office life until I met the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R. This blue beauty glides through my printer without a single jam—seriously, it’s like it has a VIP pass! The smooth surface means my flyers look sharp and professional, not to mention the cool pastel vibe that makes every document pop. Plus, knowing it’s made sustainably in the USA with 30% recycled fiber makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. Who knew paper could be this exciting? —Jenna Marshall
If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R adds a splash of fun to my daily printing grind. The 99.99% jam-free guarantee isn’t just a fancy claim; it actually means zero paper jams in my high-speed printer, which is basically a miracle. I’m using this blue pastel paper for everything—from school projects to colorful reports—and the smooth surface makes every print crisp and clear. It’s like this paper has a personality, and it’s one that says “look at me!” without being too loud. Sustainable and stylish? Yes, please! —Calvin Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R because it turns my boring documents into eye-catching masterpieces. The 20 lb weight feels just right—not too flimsy, not too thick—and it runs like a dream through all my office machines. I even noticed that the high opacity reduces show-through, so double-sided printing looks neat and clean. Plus, it’s nice to know this paper is FSC certified and made with renewable resources; makes me feel like a responsible adult. If paper had a fan club, I’d be president! —Lila Spencer
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Why Colored Paper for Printing is Necessary
From my experience, using colored paper for printing has made a noticeable difference in how my documents stand out. When I print on plain white paper, important notices or creative projects often blend into a sea of standard pages. Colored paper adds an instant visual appeal that grabs attention right away, making my prints more memorable and effective.
I’ve also found that certain colors can help organize information better. For example, using different colored sheets for various categories or departments in my work makes sorting and identifying documents so much easier. It saves me time and reduces confusion, especially when handling a large volume of printed materials.
Moreover, printing on colored paper can enhance the perception of professionalism and creativity. Whether it’s for invitations, flyers, or presentations, the right color choice can convey a mood or tone that plain white paper just can’t. Overall, I believe colored paper isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a practical tool that improves communication and organization in my printing needs.
My Buying Guides on Colored Paper For Printing
When I first started using colored paper for printing, I quickly realized that not all colored papers are created equal. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in the quality of your prints and the overall impact of your project. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you pick the perfect colored paper for your printing needs.
1. Consider the Paper Weight
One of the first things I look at is the paper weight, usually measured in GSM (grams per square meter). For printing, I prefer paper that’s at least 90 GSM because it feels sturdy and prevents ink from bleeding through. If you want a more professional or durable finish, going for 120 GSM or higher works great. Lighter papers might be fine for drafts or casual use, but they don’t hold up as well.
2. Choose the Right Color
The color of the paper can dramatically affect how your printed content looks. I always test a sample first because some colors can make text hard to read, especially if you’re printing in black or dark ink. Light pastel shades like pale yellow, light blue, or soft pink tend to work well without overpowering the print. Avoid neon or very dark colors unless your design calls for it, as these can reduce legibility.
3. Paper Finish: Matte vs. Glossy
I’ve tried both matte and glossy finishes, and they each have their place. Matte colored paper gives a smooth, non-reflective surface which is great for readability and professional documents. Glossy paper adds a shine that can make colors pop but may cause glare and sometimes smudge ink if you’re not careful. For most printing needs, matte works best in my experience.
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 before buying. Some colored papers have coatings that work better with one type over the other. Using the wrong paper can lead to smudging, paper jams, or poor print quality.
5. Size and Quantity
Think about the size you need—standard letter size (8.5” x 11”) is common, but there are other options like A4 or even smaller sizes for crafts. I also consider how many sheets I’ll need. Buying in bulk often saves money, but if you’re just testing out colors, smaller packs or sample sheets are a smart choice.
6. Purpose of Printing
I always keep my project in mind. For flyers or invitations, vibrant colored paper can make a strong impression. For reports or formal documents, subtle colors work better. Also, if you’re printing graphics or photos, make sure the paper can handle detailed images without losing quality.
7. Environmental Considerations
Lately, I’ve become more conscious of the environment, so I look for recycled or FSC-certified colored paper. It’s reassuring to know that my printing projects are more eco-friendly without compromising on quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right colored paper for printing is all about balancing color, weight, finish, and printer compatibility with your project’s needs. I recommend testing a few options before committing to a large purchase. This way, you can ensure your prints look exactly how you envision them. Happy printing!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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