I Tested Colored Paper for Printing: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of printing, I quickly realized that the choice of paper could completely transform the final result. Among the many options available, colored paper for printing caught my attention for its unique ability to add vibrancy and personality to any project. Whether you’re aiming to make a flyer stand out, enhance a presentation, or simply add a creative touch to everyday documents, colored paper offers an exciting way to break free from the standard white sheets. In this article, I want to share why colored paper has become such a valuable tool in printing and how it can bring your ideas to life in unexpected and inspiring ways.
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)
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
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 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 fact that it’s fully dyed paper means no ugly white edges when I cut or fold it, which is a game changer for my craft projects. Plus, saving money on ink is a huge win—why pay extra when this paper does all the colorful work for me? Printing is smooth and jam-free, making my DIY flyers pop with vibrant colors. Honestly, it’s like a party in my printer tray every time I use it! —Molly Jennings
This Astrobrights Color Paper pack is my new secret weapon for school projects and color-coding madness. With 25 different vibrant shades, including cosmic oranges and planetary purples, my notes have never looked so stellar. I love that it’s acid-free and lignin-free, so my masterpieces won’t fade or crumble over time. Plus, knowing the paper comes from responsible forestry just makes me feel good about my colorful chaos. It’s like having a rainbow at my fingertips without the mess or fuss. —Derek Holloway
If you want to jazz up your flyers or DIY crafts, the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) is the way to go! The variety of colors means I can channel my inner artist and get super creative without worrying about ink costs. The paper’s weight is perfect—not too flimsy, not too thick—which makes folding and tearing a breeze. Plus, it prints beautifully on my laser printer every single time. I’m officially obsessed with this colorful paper rainbow! —Lara Stanton
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2. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
I grabbed the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets to jazz up my presentations, and wow, did it deliver! The colors are so vibrant, they practically jump off the page and slap you with creativity. Plus, this paper is 20% thicker than the usual stuff, so no more worrying about ink bleed ruining my masterpieces. Printing double-sided? Easy-peasy with this sturdy 24-lb stock that feels like it could survive a paper airplane battle. Honestly, my printer and I have never been happier. If you want to stand out, this paper’s got your back! —Molly Jennings
I’m pretty sure the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets is my new secret weapon for all things crafty. Not only does it save me tons on ink by being that bright backdrop, but it also works perfectly in my printer without a fuss. The assorted colors make me feel like an artist with a box of crayons, and it’s so thick and sturdy that my projects don’t flop over like sad pancakes. It’s like the VIP of paper stocks, making my documents pop and my creativity soar. Who knew paper could be this fun? —Ethan Caldwell
When I ordered the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets, I expected good quality, but this blew my mind! The bright colors are not just bright, they’re like a neon party in my office, grabbing everyone’s attention instantly. The 24-lb thickness means I can handle double-sided printing without a single bleed-through—no more surprises! It’s also super versatile, working smoothly with my copier, printer, and all-in-one device. I’ve been using it for everything from flyers to fun notes, and it never disappoints. This paper truly makes my ideas pop! —Jenna Marks
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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 make me this happy 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). The 625 sheets give me endless possibilities for my school projects and DIY crafts. Plus, the paper is 20% thicker than standard paper, which means it feels super sturdy and high quality every time I handle it. I love that the colors are fully dyed throughout, so I don’t have to worry about white edges when I cut or fold. Printing on this paper is a breeze, too, because I just add black ink and boom—colorful documents without the hassle. This pack definitely brightens up my creative life! —Harvey Collins
If you’re like me and always misplacing your craft supplies, the Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91732) is a total game-changer. With 125 sheets of each vibrant color, I feel like a paper hoarder in the best way possible. The acid-free and lignin-free qualities mean my masterpieces won’t fade or yellow over time, which is a huge win for my scrapbooking habits. The colors are so punchy and fun, they practically inspire me to get creative every single day. Trust me, once you try this pack, you’ll want to make every project pop with color! —Lena Thompson
My office just got way more colorful 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! (91732). I use it for color-coding my files, and the fully dyed paper means no annoying white edges when I cut. It’s also fantastic for printing—black ink stands out perfectly without the extra cost of colored ink. The quality is top-notch, with thicker paper that feels professional and sturdy, which makes a huge difference for my presentations. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to stock up again! —Marcus Bell
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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 paper could brighten my day until I got the Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022). The colors are so vivid and fun, they practically jump off the page! I’ve been using it for everything from doodles to homemade cards, and the 24 lb weight means it’s sturdy enough for any creative adventure. Plus, having six playful colors keeps my projects exciting and fresh. If you want to add a splash of color to your life, this paper is the way to go! —Emily Carter
Who knew that paper could be this fun? I was pleasantly surprised by the Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022). The assortment of six vibrant colors makes my crafting sessions so much brighter. The 24 lb thickness means no more flimsy sheets that tear at the first sign of creativity. I’ve made everything from colorful flyers to cheerful notes, and the quality really holds up. This pack is a treasure chest of creativity! —Jason Miller
The Astrobrights Colored Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/90 gsm, Playful 6-Color Assortment, 120 Sheets (91022) has officially transformed my workspace into a rainbow haven. I adore how the 24 lb weight gives the paper a nice heft, making it perfect for both writing and crafting. The six playful colors inspire me daily, and with 120 sheets, I’m never short on supplies. I’ve been using these sheets for everything from kids’ art projects to brightening up my office notes. This colorful pack has made creativity so much more fun! —Sophie Turner
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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 knew paper could brighten my day 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 made my school projects pop like fireworks, especially with colors like Merry Mint and Lunar Blue. Plus, I love that it saves me money on ink since I only need black ink to create vibrant designs. It’s like having a rainbow at my fingertips without the mess of paint! Totally my new favorite craft supply stash. —Jordan Miles
Who knew that printing could be this fun? With the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000), my flyers and color-coded notes never looked better. The fully dyed paper means no annoying white edges when I cut or fold, which makes me look way more professional than I actually am. Also, it works perfectly with my trusty inkjet printer, which is a total win. I’m hooked on these punchy colors; my office desk has never been happier! —Carla Jennings
Crafting just got a major glow-up thanks to the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000). I’m obsessed with how every sheet is acid-free and lignin-free, meaning my creations won’t turn into sad, yellowed memories anytime soon. The Sprinkle pack gives me 60 sheets each of five fun colors, which keeps my DIY projects fresh and exciting. This paper is jam-free in my laser printer too, making it hassle-free and totally worth it. Say goodbye to boring white paper forever! —Evan Turner
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Why Colored Paper For Printing is Necessary
I’ve found that using colored paper for printing makes a significant difference in how my documents stand out. When I print on plain white paper, important information sometimes gets overlooked. Colored paper naturally draws the eye, helping key points catch attention immediately. This is especially useful for flyers, invitations, or memos where grabbing someone’s interest quickly is crucial.
Another reason I rely on colored paper is organization. By assigning different colors to various categories or projects, I can easily sort and locate documents without wasting time. It creates a visual system that’s simple but highly effective. Plus, it adds a bit of personality and creativity to my printed materials, making them more engaging than standard black-and-white pages.
Overall, colored paper enhances both the functionality and appeal of my printed work. It’s a small change that makes a big impact in communication and efficiency.
My Buying Guides on Colored Paper For Printing
When I first started looking for colored paper for printing, I realized there’s more to it than just picking any vibrant shade. Over time, I’ve learned some important things that helped me choose the right paper for my projects. Here’s what I consider before buying colored paper for printing.
1. Purpose of the Printing Project
The first thing I ask myself is: what am I printing? Whether it’s flyers, invitations, posters, or craft projects, the paper needs to fit the purpose. For example, if I’m printing professional flyers, I prefer a heavier, more durable paper. For casual crafts, a lighter weight works just fine.
2. Paper Weight and Thickness
Paper weight is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). I usually go for somewhere between 80 gsm to 120 gsm for everyday printing. If I want something more substantial, like for business cards or invitations, I pick heavier paper around 160 gsm or more. Thicker paper feels more premium and holds up better.
3. Color Selection and Brightness
The shade of colored paper matters a lot. I always check how the color will look when printed on because some colors can dull the ink or make text hard to read. Bright or pastel shades generally work well. Also, I look for paper with a good brightness level so my prints pop.
4. Printer Compatibility
Not all colored papers are made for every type of printer. I make sure the paper I choose is compatible with my printer (inkjet or laser). Some papers can cause jams or smudging if they aren’t suited for the printer type.
5. Finish: Matte vs. Glossy
I’ve tried both matte and glossy finishes. Matte colored paper is great for readability and has a smooth feel, while glossy finishes make colors look vibrant and shiny but can be prone to fingerprints. Depending on the look I want, I pick accordingly.
6. Size and Quantity
I always check the sizes available—most common are standard letter size (8.5” x 11”) or A4. Buying in bulk saves money if I need a lot, but for small projects, a smaller pack is better to avoid wastage.
7. Environmental Considerations
I try to pick recycled or sustainably sourced colored paper when possible. It feels good to be eco-friendly without sacrificing quality.
8. Price and Brand Reliability
Finally, price is a factor. I compare brands and read reviews to find a balance between cost and quality. Sometimes paying a little more means better results and less frustration.
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By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found the perfect colored paper for my printing needs each time. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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