Best Colored Paper of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 27, 2026

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Colored paper is a versatile and essential material for various arts and crafts projects. It comes in a wide range of colors, sizes, and textures, making it perfect for creating colorful origami, scrapbooking, card-making, and other decorative items. Colored paper is also commonly used in schools and offices for printing, drawing, and writing. It is available in both standard and heavyweight options, making it suitable for different printing and crafting needs. With its vibrant colors and smooth texture, colored paper is a must-have for anyone who loves to create and express themselves through art.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment Cover #TOP 1
Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) Cover #TOP 2
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Astrobrights Bright Color Paper Cover #TOP 3
Astrobrights Bright Color Paper
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Colored Paper

#TOP 1

Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment

80933-01
8.5 x 11 inches
Astrobrights Color Paper Assortment Cover
Neenah Paper Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)

Astrobrights Color Paper is perfect for your everyday projects. The “Spectrum" 5-Color Assortment of 24 lb/89 gsm paper is 20% thicker than regular paper and boasts vivid assorted colors for documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding and more. The paper is fully dyed throughout for seamless cutting, folding, and tearing, without a white core. Printing on Astrobrights saves money on ink with all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra time of printing with colored ink. Astrobrights products are FSC certified for responsible forestry.

What We Like
Vibrant and bold colors
Thick, sturdy paper
Wide color variety
Great for crafts and printing
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Not as heavy as cardstock
Packaging could be improved
#TOP 2

Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets)

103309R
Blue
1 Ream | 500 Sheets
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) Cover
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20 lb Blue Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103309R

Hammermill Blue Colored Paper is a reliable 20lb printer paper that runs smoothly in all office imaging equipment. Its high opacity minimal show-through and even surface make it perfect for newsletters, flyers, forms, school/art projects, reports, and color coding. With a 99.99% jam-free guarantee, you can trust Hammermill paper quality, guaranteed to provide visual appeal & impact to make your work stand out. This paper contains 30% recycled fiber, making it a sustainable choice for all home printers, office machines, and electronic imaging equipment. Plus, Hammermill Blue Colored Paper is sustainably made in the USA and FSC certified, ensuring it's made with renewable resources from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.

What We Like
Vibrant color quality
No paper jams
Professional appearance
Thick and durable texture
Versatile for multiple uses
What We Don't Like
Minor printer compatibility issues
Occasional damaged packaging
#TOP 3

Astrobrights Bright Color Paper

99608-01
Multi-colored
Astrobrights Bright Color Paper Cover
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets

Astrobrights Color Paper is the perfect choice for those who want to make a statement with their documents. With its vibrant colors, this paper will help your designs stand out and draw attention. The 20% thicker stock ensures durability and gives the paper a distinctive feel. Whether you're printing single- or double-sided documents, you can achieve bleed-free results. Not only does this paper complement your design schemes, but it also helps you save on full-color ink. Compatible with most printers, copiers, and all-in-ones, this versatile paper is the perfect canvas for your creative projects.

What We Like
Vibrant consistent colors
Good print quality
Durable paper weight
Excellent value pack
Versatile for crafts
What We Don't Like
Reported open packages
#TOP 4

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets

91732
Multicolor
Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper, 625 Sheets Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Punchy Pastel 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb./89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91732)

Astrobrights Punchy Pastel Colored Paper comes in a pack of 625 sheets that includes 125 sheets each of Mint Twist, Blue Bliss, Lemon Twirl, Peach Pop and Rose Rush colors. This paper is perfect for everyday projects such as card-making, DIY crafting, school projects, and more. Printing on Astrobrights paper saves money on ink as it gives all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra time of printing with colored ink. It's compatible with printers including inkjet and laser and crafted to be lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results.

What We Like
High-quality pastel colors
Printer-friendly, no jams
Generous quantity, great value
Consistent color uniformity
Versatile for crafts and classrooms
What We Don't Like
No 65lb cardstock option
#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper

Amazon Basics
AMZNPINK1RM
Pastel Pink
8.5" x 11"
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Pastel Pink Copy Paper Cover
Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Color Copy Paper, 8.5" x 11", 20lb, 500 Sheets, Pastel Pink

The Amazon Basics Pink Copy Paper offers a 500-sheet pack of eco-friendly paper made with 30% recycled content, helping you reduce environmental impact while adding a splash of color to your projects. Its pastel pink shade makes your documents stand out clearly without sacrificing readability. This multipurpose paper works smoothly with laser printers, inkjet printers, copiers, and fax machines, providing you with great versatility for both home and office tasks. With a standard 8.5 x 11-inch size and 20lb weight, it dries quickly and resists jams, ensuring your printing runs efficiently and your ink appears sharp and consistent.

What We Like
Reliable printing performance
Consistent quality
Affordable price
Soft pastel colors
Eco-friendly recycled content
What We Don't Like
Not premium or fancy
#TOP 6

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets

91630
Classic
Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Cardstock 320 Sheets Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Cardstock,"Classic" 5-Color Assortment, 320 Sheets, 65 lb/176 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91630)

The Astrobrights Colored Cardstock Pack offers 320 vibrant sheets in five bright colors, giving you plenty of material for both personal and professional projects. The heavyweight 65 lb cardstock is sturdy and ideal for making flyers, invitations, scrapbooks, and more, ensuring your creations look polished. You can easily print on these sheets using just black ink, saving you time and money since you don’t need colored ink. Plus, the paper is fully dyed through, so when you cut or fold it, you won’t see any white edges, keeping your projects neat and colorful throughout.

What We Like
Vibrant, eye-catching colors
Thick, sturdy cardstock
Great for arts and crafts
Works well with printers
Excellent value, large sheet count
#TOP 7

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

91684
Brilliant
1 Ream
Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, "Brilliant" 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11 - MORE SHEETS! (91684)

The Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper gives you the "Brilliant" 5-Color Assortment of 24 lb paper with 625 sheets, providing 20% more paper and all the benefits of Astrobrights. The paper is perfect for everyday projects, including color-coding, crafting, school projects, and more. You can save money on ink by printing on Astrobrights and enjoy all the benefits of color without the high cost and extra printing time. The fully dyed paper is easy to cut, fold, and tear without a white core, and it's printer-compatible with inkjet and laser printers for jam-free every day printing. Plus, the paper is lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results.

What We Like
Vibrant bold colors
Thick durable paper
Excellent print quality
Versatile for crafts and printers
Great value pack
What We Don't Like
Not cardstock thickness
Photo may show smaller ream
#TOP 8

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11"

91619
Bright Orange
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Orange, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91619)

Astrobrights Bright Orange Colored Paper is the perfect choice for all your everyday projects. With its vibrant color, this 24 lb. paper will make your documents and projects stand out and command attention. The Mega Collection offers 625 sheets, giving you more than enough to complete all your colorizing needs. Not only does it save you money on ink, but it also works with both inkjet and laser printers for jam-free printing. The fully dyed paper ensures seamless cutting, folding, and tearing without a white core. Plus, it's lignin and acid-free for long-lasting results. Let Astrobrights bring your ideas to life!

What We Like
Vibrant bold colors
Excellent print quality
Good paper weight
Cost-effective pricing
Reliable delivery
#TOP 9

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper

91623
Classic
1 Ream
Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,"Classic" 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91623)

Astrobrights Mega Collection Colored Paper features a 'Classic' 5-Color Assortment, 625 sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, and 8.5" x 11" size. The paper is 20% thicker than regular paper and perfect for printing documents, flyers, crafting, school projects, color-coding, and more. It is fully dyed throughout and works with printers including inkjet and laser for jam-free and seamless printing. Astrobrights paper is a cost-effective option since it enables printing with black ink instead of color ink.

What We Like
Vibrant, bright colors
Thick, good quality paper
Runs smoothly in printers
Large, multi-color packs
Great for crafts and organization
What We Don't Like
Not as thick as cardstock
#TOP 10

Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622)

91622
Bright Green
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622) Cover
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper, Bright Green, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5" x 11" - MORE SHEETS! (91622)

Astrobrights Colored Paper is a perfect choice for those who want to make their documents and projects stand out. With 625 sheets, this Mega Collection offers MORE SHEETS than regular paper. The Bright Green 24 lb. paper is 20% thicker and boasts a vivid color that commands attention, making it perfect for everyday projects such as color-coding, crafting, flyers, school projects, and more. Printing on Astrobrights saves money on ink, as you can print with black ink and still enjoy the benefits of color. The paper is fully dyed throughout, making it easy to cut, fold, and tear without a white core. It is also printer compatible, working with inkjet and laser printers for jam-free everyday printing. Plus, it is lignin and acid-free, ensuring long-lasting results.

What We Like
Bright, eye-catching color
Good weight and sturdiness
Smooth texture
Prints well
Ideal for signage and posters
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can we print on color paper?

Yes, it is possible to print on colored paper. Using colored paper for printing can help draw attention to fliers or other printing projects. It can also provide a background color to save ink on your projects.

2. How do they color paper?

There are different methods to color paper. It can be done by adding dye or pigment to the pulp before the sheet is formed, adding color at the sizing press while the paper is still wet, spraying color in the post dryer section or at the calender, or coating the paper with colored pigment.

3. Why do people use colored paper?

People use colored paper for various purposes. For example, colored overlays or tinted overlays are used to make reading more accessible for individuals with visual processing disorders. It can also be used in art projects, classroom settings, flyers, posters, and to emphasize important notes in business settings.

4. Can I print in color but not black?

If your printer is not printing black, it could be due to a fault or issue with the printer. Before replacing cartridges, it is recommended to check for any other possible faults. However, if all other possibilities are exhausted, replacing the printer cartridges may help solve the problem.

5. What is colored paper used for?

Colored paper, such as printer paper or cardstock that has been dyed during the printing process, is used for various purposes. It is a great choice for emphasis in art projects or classroom settings, as well as for creating flyers, posters, and highlighting important notes in business settings.

6. What can I use to color paper?

To dye paper, you can use paints such as watercolor or acrylic paint. Simply mix the paint with water, submerge the paper in the dye for a few seconds, and then allow it to dry on a piece of paper towel.

Editor's Notes

During our colored paper research, we found 24 colored paper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 146,395 customer reviews through our big data system to write the colored paper list. We found that most customers choose colored paper with an average price of $16.76.

The colored paper are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of colored paper, including Neenah, Hammermill, Astrobrights. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Colored Paper Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Neenah Hammermill Neenah Astrobrights Amazon Basics Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights Astrobrights
Color Yellow,Orange,Blue,Green,White Blue Multi-colored Multicolor Pastel Pink Classic Brilliant Bright Orange Classic Bright Green
Paper Finish Smooth Uncoated Premium Glossy Smooth Smooth - - Smooth Smooth Smooth
Sheet Size 8.5x11 8.5 x 11 inch 8-1/2-x-11-inch Inches 8.5 x 11 Letter - - 8.5x11 8.5x11 8.5x11
Item Weight 1.8 Pounds 5 Pounds 6.02 pounds - - 3.43 Kilograms - - 89 Grams -
Sheet Count - - - 625 500 - 625 625 - 625
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy