3 Best Printer Paper for Coloring Pages | Guide & Review in 2024

Printer paper is also used for coloring pages. These printer pages can be used in offices or homes daily. However, when it comes to printing coloring pages, the choice of the best printer paper for coloring becomes crucial.

Some printers may struggle with this task, while others excel at producing vibrant and high-quality colored prints.

In this article, I will explain some steps on how you can print color pages with a printer. Different types of printers that are used for coloring pages and the best printer for film positives will be discussed here. So just read till the end.

How to Choose the Best Printer Paper for Coloring Pages?

Follow some instructions. 

  1. Every artist has their preferences. You’ll want to choose paper based on your coloring technique, the brand of pencils or markers you use, and even your style of art. The reason there are so many choices is that there’s no clear guide to buying the right paper.
  2. Many people use color with pencils or markers, and both react differently to paper.
  3. In paper reviews, you don’t often see this because they’re usually aimed at pencil artists, not at coloring pages. In my coloring, it was hard to use many of the higher-quality papers.
  4. Also, your location and budget – paper is expensive to ship internationally, so some brands might be hard to find in your area. Always check your budget before buying a printer for yourself.

Choosing the Right Paper for Printing [Key Notes]

Each printer is different, so what works for me may not work for you.

  • Check your printer’s capacity. The best printer paper for coloring pages we usually use A4. Fortunately, most of our printers also take US Letter paper. Must remember to check the capacity before using the printer.
  • When I tried cutting down the large paper to the right size for my printer, it just got jammed, and I just cut it down smoothly. You must need to try it. 
  • It is much easier to handle thicker paper with a flat tray or a multipurpose tray, so use one if your printer has one.

How to Choose a Paper Texture?

Standard printer paper usually has a very little tooth, so even the best pencils are limited by their tip. There are plenty of paper options with more tooth – ranging from vellum finish to watercolor paper or mixed media papers.

Always choose a textured paper. Paper with a smooth texture is generally better for markers or pen artwork but doesn’t have enough texture to absorb pastels or layers of pencils.

If you don’t use enough layers, textured papers will absorb too much marker ink. A medium texture is a great starting point for pencils. In detailed work or hyperrealistic art, some artists prefer smoother papers, like Strathmore Bristol smooth.

How to Choose the Right Paperweight?

Weight is measured in lbs or GSM. Different companies use these terms, which can be confusing – and unfortunately aren’t easy to translate, since they are based on completely different measurement methods.

The “base size” is calculated by weighing 500 sheets of paper. Because not all paper types have the same base size, this measurement changes if the paper is cut to different sizes, leading to confusion.

A GSM is grams per square meter. G/m2 is sometimes used Sheets cut to one square meter are used for this type of measurement. Since GSM is consistent regardless of paper size, it’s more reliable than lbs. 

Bristol Paper:

Bristol is a stronger paper made of two more sheets of paper glued together. Smooth or vellum surfaces are available. If you’re just starting with colored pencils. Many artists prefer the smooth surface for hyper-realistic drawings. 

The Bristol works well with markers and other mediums, so if you’re layering markers and pencils together, they’re a great option. If you use colored pencils, the Bristol paper should be in your collection.

Top 3 Printer Paper for Coloring Pages:

IMAGE PRODUCT Rating PRICE
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Strathmore 300 Series Bristol
4.8
Check on Amazon
Strathmore 300 Series Strathmore 300 Series
4.8
Check on Amazon
NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router NETGEAR Nighthawk Smart WiFi Router
4.7
Check on Amazon

Types of Bristol Paper:

1. Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Smooth Surface

Our Top Pick
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Specifications:

  • Brand: Strathmore
  • Color: Smooth
  • Material: Paper

It’s great for mechanical drawing, marker work, airbrushing, and drawing with pen or ink. Due to its incredibly smooth finish, colored pencil artists are increasingly using this medium for striking manner drawings. 

It’s great for mechanical drawing, marker work, airbrushing, and drawing with pen or ink. Due to its incredibly smooth finish, colored pencil artists are increasingly using this medium for striking manner drawings.

And if we talk about the textured surface. It is very smooth and easy to use. Many people gave positive reviews regarding this paper. And the weight of this paper is 100 lb. (20″ x 26″ x 500 sheets) 270 g/m2

This Strathmore 300 is the best printer paper for coloring pages I’ve used this paper a few times and like it, although not all brands of pencils are as vibrant or easy to use on this type of paper.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Weights and sizes available
  • Ideal for pencils, pens, and inks
  • Paper without acid prevents yellowing
Cons
  • Some media, such as watercolor, may find it too absorbent
  • For precise pen work, it is not as smooth as some other papers

2. Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Vellum Surface

2nd Pick
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Specifications:

  • Brand: Strathmore
  • Color: Vellum
  • Sheet Size: 14×17

Colored pencils work best on vellum surfaces. They have a toothy texture so you can layer pencils, and they feel nice. It’s not so rough that it uses up a lot of pencils and has a lot of white grain like rougher papers.  

Colored pencils work best on vellum surfaces. They have a toothy texture so you can layer pencils, and they feel nice. It’s not so rough that it uses up a lot of pencils and has a lot of white grain like rougher papers.

Strathmore 300 is the best paper for coloring with markers, books, color printing, colored pencils, alcohol markers, and weight. 

Strathmore 300 series Bristol vellum can be used with graphite pencils, colored pencils, charcoal, sketching sticks, pen & ink, markers, soft pastels, mixed media, oil pastels, and more.

If we talk about the texture of this Strathmore 300, it is a vellum surface. And the weight of this page is like  100 lb. (20″ x 26″ x 500 sheets) 270 g/m

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Weights and sizes available
  • Pencil, pen, and ink compatible
  • Paper without acid prevents yellowing
Cons
  • Watercolors can be a bit too absorbent
  • Pen work may not be as precise on this paper

3. Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Vellum Surface

3rd Pick
Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Strathmore 400 Series Bristol Paper Pad

Specifications:

  • Brand: Strathmore
  • Material: Paper
  • Paper Finish: Smooth

From Strathmore’s 300 Series, the 400 Series is an upgrade. For this comparison, I have used vellum rather than smooth surfaces from the 400 series.  

From Strathmore’s 300 Series, the 400 Series is an upgrade. For this comparison, I have used vellum rather than smooth surfaces from the 400 series. 

In addition to pencil, charcoal, pastels, and airbrush, the 400 series vellum bristol is excellent for airbrushing and light washes. Traditional watercolor techniques should not be used.

If we talk bout the texture of this 400 series it’s a 2-ply Vellum surface (medium).

Pros
  • Tough paper
  • Sizes and weights available
  • Pen work on a smooth surface
  • Paper without acid prevents yellowing
Cons
  • Costly
  • It can be too smooth for some media, like charcoal or pastels

Best Printer Paper for Coloring Pages [Buying Guide 2024]

  • Consider your coloring technique. You need paper with some teeth if you’re using colored pencils. Use paper that won’t bleed or feather if you’re using markers.
  • Think about your budget. The best printer paper for coloring pages can cost you only $20. Don’t forget to check the paperweight. There are two ways to measure paper weight: pounds (lb) and grams per square meter (gsm). The heavier the paper, the more durable it will be, but the more difficult it will be to blend colors.
  • Consider the paper texture. There are smooth, vellum, and rough paper textures. Markers work best on smooth paper, while vellum is good for everything. Charcoal and pastels work best on rough paper.
  • Look for acid-free paper. You can prevent your coloring pages from yellowing with acid-free paper.

Final Verdict:

The best printer paper for coloring pages depends on your coloring technique, your budget, and your personal preference. If you don’t know what type of paper you need buy a mixed paper sheet.

Choose a paper of your choice. if you want to use colored pencils. If you’re using markers, use paper that won’t bleed or feather. Try different types of paper to see what works best for you.

Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What paper should I print coloring pages on?

The pages should be printed on thicker paper such as cardstock or watercolor paper.

what is the best paper for coloring in?

Medium-grain paper is also sometimes called cold press, vellum, regular, or “Not” (not hot press). Because it’s a good compromise between rough and smooth, it is the most popular choice for colored pencil artists.

What is the best printer paper for coloring pages or colored pencils?

In the end, your colored pencil work will be determined by your personal preference. Because of its high quality at a reasonable price, Strathmore 300 Series Bristol has become a top favorite among colored pencil artists.

How do I print my coloring pages?

To print printable pictures to color, you may need to know how to do it. When the pages are jpeg pictures, you can print them right from your browser, or right-click the picture, save it to your desktop, open it on your computer, and print it.

What is the name of the Colouring paper?

Construction paper, also known as sugar paper, is colored cardstock paper. The texture is rough and the color is unfinished. This coloring paper material is mainly wood pulp, small particles that can be visible easily on the paper.

Mariana Kelly