For coloring enthusiasts, the question often arises: “What is the best paper to print coloring pages on?” Whether you’re bringing digital designs to life or seeking the perfect surface for your artistic expressions, selecting the right paper is crucial. From budget-friendly copy paper to premium artist-grade options, the variety can be overwhelming. This guide dives deep into the world of Print Coloring Paper, helping you make informed decisions to enhance your coloring experience and achieve breathtaking results.
Why Paper Choice Matters for Print Coloring Pages
The type of paper you choose significantly impacts how your coloring pencils, markers, or other mediums perform. Just as artists carefully select canvases for painting, colorists should thoughtfully choose paper for printing their designs. The paper’s texture, weight, and composition affect color vibrancy, blending capabilities, layering potential, and overall durability of your artwork. Using the wrong paper can lead to frustration – colors may appear dull, pencils might skip or crumble, and markers could bleed through.
To truly understand the difference paper makes, a comprehensive test was conducted using a wide range of colored pencils on various paper types. This hands-on approach reveals how each paper interacts with different pencils, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of paper characteristics and their impact on coloring.
Paper Types Tested for Print Coloring
To provide a practical guide, a variety of papers were tested, ranging in weight, texture, and brand. These include:
- Neenah 104 gsm: A lightweight paper, often used for general printing.
- Quill 125 gsm: Slightly heavier, considered a mid-weight option for everyday use.
- Quill 200 gsm: A cardstock weight, offering more thickness and rigidity.
- Neenah 148 gsm: A step up in weight from standard paper, providing a smoother surface.
- Neenah Solar White (various weights): Known for its bright white color and smooth finish, available in different weights like 216 gsm and 148 gsm.
- Neenah 352 gsm: A very heavy cardstock, designed for durability and mixed media.
- Mont Marte Sketch Pad 150 gsm: A budget-friendly sketch paper, commonly used for practice.
- Reno Art Illustration Pad 150 gsm: Another affordable option, designed for illustration and drawing.
- Canson Mi Teintes 160 gsm: A textured paper, popular for pastel and colored pencil work, available in various colors.
- Art Spectrum Draw & Wash 125 gsm: Designed for mixed media, suitable for both drawing and light washes.
- Spectrum Noir Pencil Pad 160 gsm: Specifically designed for colored pencils, offering a smooth surface.
- Neenah Vellum (67/147 gsm): A paper with a slight tooth or texture, good for layering.
- Arteza Drawing Pad 80lb/130 gsm: A drawing pad offering a balance of quality and affordability.
- Bristol Drawing Board 250 gsm: A smooth, heavy paper, excellent for detailed work.
- Strathmore Colored Pencil 100lb/163gsm: A premium paper specifically crafted for colored pencils, known for its performance.
These papers were tested with a diverse selection of colored pencils, including brands like Prismacolor, Faber-Castell Polychromos, Spectrum Noir, Holbein, Caran D’Ache Pablo, and many more. This extensive testing provides a visual comparison of how different pencils perform on each paper type.
You can observe the swatches of each paper below, noting variations in color vibrancy, texture (tooth), and color intensity. This visual comparison emphasizes the importance of paper selection in achieving desired coloring effects.
Color swatches on Neenah 104 GSM paper showing pencil performance for print coloring pages
Color swatches on Quill 125 gsm paper showing pencil performance for coloring artwork
Color swatches on Neenah 148 gsm paper demonstrating paper quality for printed coloring sheets
Color swatches on Quill 200 gsm cardstock ideal for printing detailed coloring pages
Color swatches on Neenah Classic Solar White 216 gsm paper for vibrant coloring page prints
Color swatches on Neenah 352 gsm heavy cardstock suitable for printing coloring pages
Color swatches on Mont Marte Sketch Pad 150 gsm paper for affordable coloring page printing
Color swatches on Reno Art Illustration Book 150 gsm paper for budget coloring page projects
Color swatches on Canson Mi Teintes 160 gsm textured paper for unique coloring effects
Color swatches on Art Spectrum Draw & Wash 125 gsm paper for mixed media coloring pages
Color swatches on Spectrum Noir Pencil Pad 160 gsm paper designed for colored pencils
Color swatches on Neenah Vellum 67/147 gsm paper with textured surface for coloring
Color swatches on Arteza Drawing Pad 80lb/130 gsm paper for versatile coloring page printing
Color swatches on Bristol Drawing Board 250 gm paper for smooth and detailed coloring
Color swatches on Strathmore Colored Pencil 100lb/163gm premium paper for coloring
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Print Coloring Paper
Selecting the ideal paper for your print coloring pages involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your artistic needs and printing capabilities.
Cost Considerations
The price of paper varies significantly across brands and types. While artist-quality papers offer superior performance, they can be considerably more expensive. For casual coloring or practice, budget-friendly options like copy paper or sketch paper might suffice. However, for creating finished pieces or gifts, investing in higher quality paper can elevate your artwork. Determine your budget and balance it with the desired outcome for your coloring projects.
Printer Compatibility: Size and Weight Limits
Printers have limitations on the paper sizes and weights they can handle. Standard home printers are typically designed for letter-size or A4 paper and may struggle with very thick cardstock. Paper that is too heavy can cause jams or feeding issues. Before purchasing a large quantity of paper, check your printer’s specifications and ideally, test print on a sample sheet, especially with heavier papers. For larger formats or heavier weights, consider using a print shop, but always confirm their paper compatibility limits as well.
Paper Composition: Cotton vs. Wood Pulp
Paper is primarily made from either cotton or wood pulp fibers. Cotton fiber paper is known for its exceptional strength, flexibility, and archival qualities. According to Strathmore, cotton paper provides a “surface with great strength and flexibility… purity, durability, and permanence,” making it ideal for fine art that needs to last. However, cotton paper is generally more expensive.
Wood pulp paper is a more economical alternative. While not as durable or long-lasting as cotton, good quality wood pulp paper can still withstand layering and erasing, making it suitable for many coloring needs. For personal enjoyment and practice, wood pulp paper often provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Surface Texture: Smooth vs. Vellum (Tooth)
Bristol paper, a popular choice for art, comes in two main finishes: smooth and vellum. Smooth Bristol paper offers a very even surface, ideal for fine line work and detailed illustrations. However, its lack of texture limits the number of layers you can build up.
Vellum Bristol paper has a slightly textured surface, often referred to as “tooth.” This tooth provides more grip for colored pencils, allowing for greater layering and blending. The choice between smooth and vellum is largely a matter of personal preference and the coloring techniques you prefer. Vellum is generally favored for colored pencil work due to its layering capabilities.
Color Options for Print Coloring Paper
While white paper is the most common choice for printing, colored paper can add a unique dimension to your coloring. Toned papers, such as Kraft, gray, or ivory, can dramatically alter how colors appear, making certain hues stand out more vibrantly. Coloring on Kraft paper, for example, makes white and light colors pop. Warm-toned papers can also complement your color palettes.
If you’re interested in printing on colored paper, explore brands like Canson Mi-Teintes, which offers pads with a variety of colors. Experimenting with different paper colors can open up new creative possibilities in your coloring projects.
Intended Purpose: Archival Quality for Lasting Art
Consider the purpose of your colored pages. If you plan to sell, gift, or display your artwork, using archival quality, acid-free paper is essential. Acid-free paper resists yellowing and deterioration over time, ensuring your colors remain vibrant and the paper stays strong. This is particularly important for artwork intended for long-term preservation. While standard papers may be fine for practice, archival paper adds value and longevity to finished pieces.
Paper Weight: Understanding Thickness and Durability
Paper weight is typically indicated in pounds (lbs), grams per square meter (gsm), or grams per meter squared (gm²). It essentially refers to the thickness and density of the paper. According to Strathmore, paper weight is calculated “by weighing 500 sheets (a ream) in the basis size of a particular paper.” Higher weight generally means thicker paper.
For coloring, heavier paper weights are generally preferred. Thicker paper can withstand more pressure, layering, and erasing without buckling or tearing. It also minimizes bleed-through from markers and allows for blending techniques that might damage thinner papers. When choosing paper weight, consider the mediums you use most frequently and the level of detail and layering you intend to achieve.
Availability and Accessibility
The availability of specific paper brands and types can vary depending on your location and current supply chain conditions. Local art supply stores might have limited stock, and online orders can sometimes face shipping delays. Consider the accessibility of your chosen paper, especially if you plan to use it regularly. Opting for readily available brands can ensure a consistent supply for your coloring projects.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Print Coloring Paper
Ultimately, the “best” paper for printing coloring pages is subjective and depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. The key is to consider the factors discussed and experiment with different paper types to find what works best for you and your coloring style.
Based on testing and practical considerations, some recommended papers for print coloring include:
- Canson Mi Teintes: Valued for its color vibrancy, layering capability, and wide color range. Ideal for colored pencils and available in pads and loose sheets.
- Art Spectrum Draw & Wash: Favored for its fine tooth, suitable for delicate coloring and available in various weights and pad formats.
- Reno Art Illustration Pad: A budget-friendly option offering good performance for the price, excellent for practice and general coloring.
For smoother paper options, consider:
- Quill 200 gsm Cardstock: A readily available, lightweight cardstock suitable for various coloring mediums.
- Neenah Solar White (148 gsm & 216 gsm): Known for its bright white surface and available in different weights for varied needs.
Experimenting with different papers is the best way to discover your personal favorites. Consider purchasing sample sheets or pads to test with your preferred coloring tools before investing in larger quantities. Happy coloring!
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