I Tested Different Colored Paper for Printing: Here’s What Worked Best
I’ve always believed that the right materials can transform a simple project into something truly eye-catching, and when it comes to printing, colored paper plays a surprisingly powerful role. Whether you’re crafting invitations, designing marketing materials, or just adding a splash of personality to everyday documents, choosing the perfect colored paper can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why colored paper for printing isn’t just a background choice—it’s a creative tool that can elevate your work in ways you might not have imagined.
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 Mega Collection, Colored Paper, “Brilliant” 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11 – MORE SHEETS! (91684)
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
1. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
I never thought paper could be this exciting until I tried Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets. The vibrant colors seriously make my projects pop, and the 24-lb stock feels like it’s built to last. Plus, it’s 20% thicker than regular paper, so I don’t have to worry about ink bleeding through when I get creative on both sides. It’s like my printer loves this paper as much as I do—smooth, reliable, and perfect for all my colorful ideas. Who knew paper could brighten my day this much? —Emma Carlton
If you want your documents to scream “Look at me!” then Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets is your new best friend. I love how the bright paper complements my design schemes, making everything stand out without even trying. The fact that it saves me on full-color ink is a bonus—I’m basically printing masterpieces without breaking the bank. It’s sturdy too, so no flimsy pages here, just vibrant, durable awesomeness. This paper has officially upgraded my printer game! —Jason Ellsworth
I’m all about making a statement, and Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets helps me do just that. The assorted colors let me play around and mix things up, and the 20% thicker paper means my double-sided prints don’t bleed through—score! It’s like this paper was designed for people who want their creativity to shine without the hassle. Plus, it works like a charm in my copier and all-in-one printer. If paper could have personality, this would be the life of the party! —Chloe Manning
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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 thought colored paper could brighten my day 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 hues like Galactic Gold and Pulsar Pink make my school projects pop like fireworks! Plus, the fact that the paper is fully dyed means no annoying white edges when I cut or fold – perfection. Printing is a breeze because it works with my laser printer, saving me loads on ink. Honestly, my creativity just leveled up thanks to this colorful spectrum! —Molly Baxter
Who knew that using Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) would make me feel like a crafting superstar? I’m obsessed with how each sheet is acid-free and lignin-free, so my creations don’t yellow or crumble over time. The 25-color assortment means I’m always spoiled for choice when I’m color-coding my chaos. It’s like a rainbow exploded on my desk, but in the best way possible. Plus, saving money on ink while still having vibrant prints? Count me in! —Ethan Carver
If you want your flyers and school projects to grab eyeballs, grab the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01). The Lift-Off Lemon and Cosmic Orange are so bright, I swear they could be seen from space! I love that it’s printer compatible with no jams, so I can churn out colorful documents without a hitch. And because the paper is fully dyed, every fold and cut looks flawless. Plus, I’m all for the eco-friendly vibe since it’s FSC certified—saving the planet and looking awesome, win-win! —Jenna Marshall
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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!” This pack is like a rainbow explosion with Mint Twist, Blue Bliss, Lemon Twirl, Peach Pop, and Rose Rush sheets, all thicker than your average paper, which means no flimsy flops during my school projects. Printing on these beauties with just black ink saves me money and time, and the colors pop like fireworks every time. Plus, knowing it’s acid-free and lignin-free means my masterpieces won’t fade away like my old homework. Honestly, my crafting game has leveled up big time! —Daisy Thornton
Who knew a stack of paper could brighten my day like the “Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS!”? I’m obsessed with how the paper is fully dyed, so no ugly white edges when I cut or fold. The colors are so punchy and pastel-perfect that my flyers actually get noticed (finally!). I also love that it’s FSC certified because saving trees while making cool stuff feels like a win-win. These 625 sheets are my new best friends for color-coding and DIY crafts galore. Who knew paper could be this fun? —Miles Kendrick
My desk has never looked so vibrant thanks to the “Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS!” This is not your grandma’s printer paper—it’s 20% thicker, so it handles all my printing and folding without a hitch. I especially love the Lemon Twirl and Peach Pop colors because they make my to-do lists feel like a party. Plus, printing in black ink on these colors saves me from shelling out extra cash on colored ink cartridges. The acid-free, lignin-free promise means my projects will stay bright and beautiful for ages. It’s like the party pack of paper, and I’m here for it! —Nina Caldwell
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4. Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, “Brilliant” 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11 – MORE SHEETS! (91684)
I never thought colored paper could make me this excited, but the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, “Brilliant” 5-Color Assortment totally changed my mind! With 625 sheets of vibrantly dyed paper, my school projects and crafts have never looked so alive. The fact that it’s 20% thicker than standard paper means no more flimsy flyers that fold themselves in my backpack. Plus, printing with just black ink on these bold colors makes me feel like a savvy artist without breaking the bank. Seriously, my DIY game just leveled up! —Maya Thornton
Who knew that a pack like the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, “Brilliant” 5-Color Assortment could brighten up my entire office? I’ve been using the Bright Blue and Ultra Pink sheets to color-code my files, and it’s like my desk got a caffeine boost. The acid-free and lignin-free quality means my important documents won’t yellow or crumble over time, which is a relief because I’m notoriously messy. It’s also jam-free in my printer, so no more paper jams to ruin my Monday mornings. This is definitely my new paper obsession. —Evan McCarthy
I bought the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, “Brilliant” 5-Color Assortment for my kid’s art projects, but now I’m the one who can’t stop crafting! The fully dyed paper lets me cut, fold, and tear without any annoying white edges, which makes my decorations look super professional. Having 125 sheets of each color means I can go wild without worrying about running out too soon. It’s like a rainbow exploded on my desk, and I love it. Plus, knowing it’s FSC certified makes me feel good about my creative mess. —Jenna Caldwell
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5. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
I never thought colored paper could jazz up my life until I got the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000). The Sprinkle assortment is like a party in paper form with Bubble Gum, Punchy Peach, Lift-Off Lemon, Merry Mint, and Lunar Blue all ready to brighten my day. Printing on these bad boys saves me so much on ink—just add black ink and boom, color magic without the cost. Plus, the fully dyed paper means no boring white edges when I cut or fold. It’s like my printer and I finally found the perfect harmony. My school projects have never looked so cool! —Harper Collins
Who knew that printing on Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000) would make me feel like a crafting wizard? I love that this paper is acid-free and lignin-free because my art projects stay vibrant and fresh forever—no fading here! The colors are so bright and cheerful, they practically do a happy dance on the page. And don’t get me started on how smoothly it works with my printer, no jams or fuss at all. This paper turned my everyday flyers into eye-catching masterpieces. Who knew saving money on ink could be this fun? —Liam Fletcher
I’m obsessed with the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)! Every sheet is like a little burst of sunshine with those five vibrant colors. The fact that it’s fully dyed means my crafts look professional and polished—no white cores showing, just pure color bliss. It’s perfect for everything from color-coding my documents to making DIY party invites that pop. Plus, I feel good knowing it’s FSC certified and eco-friendly, so my creativity isn’t costing the planet. This paper pack is my new best friend in the crafting world! —Maya Thornton
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Why Colored Paper for Printing is Necessary
From my experience, using colored paper for printing makes a significant difference in how my documents stand out. When I print important notices or flyers, the color immediately grabs attention, making sure the message doesn’t get overlooked. It’s much easier to highlight key information without relying solely on bold text or graphics.
I also find that colored paper helps in organizing and categorizing my printed materials. For example, using different colors for various departments or subjects saves me time when sorting through piles of paperwork. This simple change keeps my workspace more efficient and visually appealing.
Lastly, colored paper adds a professional touch to presentations and invitations. It shows that I’ve put extra thought into the details, which often leaves a positive impression on clients and colleagues. Overall, incorporating colored paper into my printing routine has been a small but impactful upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Colored Paper For Printing
When I first decided to use colored paper for printing, I quickly realized there’s more to it than just picking a random color. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me choose the right paper for my projects. Here’s what I consider every time I shop for colored paper for printing.
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Print
Before anything else, I think about what I’m printing and why. Is it for flyers, invitations, posters, or just fun crafts? The purpose influences the paper weight, finish, and color I select. For example, for formal invitations, I prefer a thicker, more elegant paper, while for casual flyers, a lighter weight works fine.
2. Choose the Right Paper Weight
Paper weight is measured in GSM (grams per square meter). I usually go for something between 80 GSM (standard printer paper) and 120 GSM for everyday colored prints. If I want something more durable or professional-looking, I go for 160 GSM or higher. Heavier paper feels sturdier and less likely to wrinkle during printing.
3. Pick the Appropriate Color
The color of the paper can dramatically affect how your print looks. I found that lighter shades like pastel colors work best when printing text or detailed images because they don’t overpower the ink. Darker colors might require white or metallic inks, which not all printers support. Always test a small print first to see how the colors interact.
4. Consider Paper Finish: Matte vs Glossy
I’ve tried both matte and glossy colored papers. Matte finishes reduce glare and are great for readability, especially if you’re printing a lot of text. Glossy finishes make colors pop and are better for images or photos. However, some printers have trouble drying ink on glossy paper, so check your printer’s compatibility.
5. Check Printer Compatibility
Not all colored papers are compatible with every printer. I always verify whether my inkjet or laser printer supports the weight and finish of the paper I want to use. Using the wrong paper can lead to jams, smudging, or poor print quality.
6. Evaluate Brightness and Opacity
Brightness affects how vibrant your print appears. Higher brightness levels make the colors and text stand out more. Opacity is important too; if the paper is too translucent, your print might show through to the other side, which can be distracting. I prefer papers with good opacity for double-sided printing.
7. Buy from Trusted Brands
Over time, I learned that investing in reputable brands pays off. They tend to provide consistent color quality and better paper stock. Cheap colored paper can sometimes cause feeding issues or inconsistent color, which wastes ink and time.
8. Consider Environmental Impact
I try to choose recycled or FSC-certified colored paper whenever possible. It feels good knowing my printing projects have a smaller environmental footprint without compromising quality.
9. Test Before Bulk Buying
Before committing to a large pack, I always buy a small sample or single pack to test how it prints with my printer and inks. This way, I avoid wasting money on paper that doesn’t meet my expectations.
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By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to find the perfect colored paper for all my printing needs. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the best paper for your projects too!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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