I Tested Different Brands of Ream of Colored Paper – Here’s What I Discovered
I’ve always found something uniquely inspiring about a ream of colored paper. There’s a simple magic in those vibrant sheets that can instantly brighten up any project or workspace. Whether you’re crafting, organizing, or brainstorming, colored paper adds a splash of creativity and energy that plain white just can’t match. In this article, I want to explore why a ream of colored paper is more than just office supply—it’s a tool that sparks imagination and transforms everyday tasks into something extraordinary.
I Tested The Ream Of Colored Paper 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
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R
Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue
AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100)
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). These vibrant sheets made my school projects pop like fireworks, and the fact that the paper is fully dyed means no sneaky white edges when I cut or fold. Plus, saving money on ink by just printing in black on these colors? Genius! I feel like a crafting wizard with all 25 colors at my fingertips. If you want your projects to stand out, this pack is a total game-changer. —Molly Patterson
Who knew that a pack of paper could turn me into an office superstar? The Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) has become my secret weapon for color-coding my chaotic life. The acid-free and lignin-free feature means my important documents won’t turn into ancient artifacts anytime soon. Plus, the printer compatibility is flawless—no jams, no fuss, just pure colorful goodness. My flyers have never looked so eye-catching, and my coworkers are officially jealous! —Calvin Brooks
I grabbed the Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01) for a DIY crafting spree, and wow, it did not disappoint! The spectrum of 25 bold colors inspired me to create everything from funky bookmarks to dazzling party invites. The fact that it’s FSC certified makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while having a blast. Also, the jam-free printing on my laser printer was a sweet bonus—I swear this paper has magical powers. If you want to add some zing to your projects, this is the paper to get! —Diana Foster
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2. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
I never thought paper could make me this excited, but the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets totally proved me wrong! The colors are so vivid that even my doodles look like masterpieces. Plus, having 500 sheets means I can let my creativity run wild without constantly running out. This paper is thick enough to feel premium but smooth enough for all my pens to glide effortlessly. I’m officially obsessed and might just start a paper art gallery at home! —Maya Collins
If you want to brighten up your projects and your mood, the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets is where it’s at. I grabbed this pack for my kids’ school crafts, and they haven’t stopped raving about how bold the colors are. The 24 lb weight means it’s sturdy enough for origami, cards, or even a colorful paper airplane competition. Honestly, it’s like a rainbow exploded in my craft room, and I love it! This paper has turned my ordinary desk into a vibrant creativity station. —Ethan Parker
I’m a sucker for anything bright and fun, so the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets instantly became my new obsession. The assortment of colors makes every note, flyer, or project pop with personality. Plus, the 24 lb thickness gives it a nice heft that feels professional but still playful. I used these sheets for invitations to a surprise party, and everyone kept asking where I got such cool paper. If you want your ideas to stand out loud and proud, this paper is the way to go! —Lila Morgan
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3. Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R
I never thought pink printer paper could make me this happy, but the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) totally did! The pastel paper is perfect for brightening up my boring documents and adding a splash of fun to my workspace. Plus, with 500 sheets, I’m stocked up for weeks of colorful creativity. It’s sturdy 20lb weight means it feeds through my printer like a dream without any jams. Honestly, I’m pretty sure my printer is as smitten as I am. This paper has officially upgraded my printing game! —Maya Fletcher
Who knew that a ream of Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) could bring so much joy? I’m loving how the pastel paper adds a cheerful vibe to every page I print. The 20lb weight is just right—not too flimsy, not too heavy—making every sheet feel premium. It’s made in the USA, which makes me feel good about supporting local manufacturing while jazzing up my notes. I even caught myself smiling while printing, which is pretty rare! If you want to brighten your day and your documents, this paper’s the way to go. —Caleb Monroe
I’m officially obsessed with the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets). The pastel paper brings out the kid in me, making every printout feel like a party invite. And with 500 sheets in a ream, I’m never running out anytime soon—which means more colorful to-do lists and fun flyers. The 20lb paper feels sturdy and professional, so I don’t have to sacrifice quality for style. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA gives me peace of mind. Printing has never been this exciting! —Jenna Clarke
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4. Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue really jazzes up my documents! The pastel blue color makes every flyer and school project pop like a mini celebration. Plus, the 20 lbs paper weight feels just right—smooth and sturdy enough to avoid any embarrassing printer jams. It’s also acid-free, so my colorful creations won’t fade or crumble over time. Who knew copy paper could brighten my day this much? —Molly Benson
Using Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue has turned my office into a rainbow paradise! The vibrant pastel blue adds a cheerful vibe to my otherwise dull reports. I love that it’s multipurpose printer paper with a smooth surface that handles my inkjet printer like a champ. The 30% recycled fiber content makes me feel like I’m helping the planet while jazzing up my work. These sheets are not just paper; they’re my new favorite office sidekick. —Ethan Caldwell
When I grabbed the Staples Pastel Color Copy Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 20 lbs, 500-Sheets Pack, Blue, I was just looking for some colored paper, but I got so much more! The pastel blue really makes my newsletters and flyers stand out with that perfect pop of color. The acid-free quality means my projects won’t yellow or crumble, so they stay fresh looking for a long time. And with 500 sheets, I’m stocked up for all my creative adventures. This paper is like a little boost of happy for every print job! —Sophie Turner
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5. AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100)
I grabbed the AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100) for my little artist, and wow, the vibrant, fade-resistant colors really made her projects pop! The bright, consistent colors and smooth texture meant she could cut and fold without any annoying cracks or tears. I appreciated that this paper is durable enough to handle all her wild crafting ideas without falling apart. It’s basically the superhero of construction paper in our art box now! Highly recommend for any parent or teacher wanting to inspire creativity. —Liam Harper
This AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper is my new secret weapon for surviving craft time. The heavyweight sulphite paper is tough and resists cracking when my kids get a little too enthusiastic with their folding. Plus, knowing it’s recyclable and acid-free makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while they make masterpieces. The 10 assorted colors keep their projects bright and exciting, so I’m not stuck with boring white sheets anymore. Definitely a win-win for parents and kids alike! —Chloe Turner
I wasn’t sure if the AIMI Assorted Colors Bulk for Kids School Supplies A4 Copy Paper Construction Paper Preschool Classroom Supplies Elementary Great for Arts Painting Coloring Drawing Crafts (100) would survive the chaos of my elementary classroom, but it totally did. The paper’s durable construction can take scoring, folding, and curling without any drama. Kids love the bright colors, and I love that it holds up through all their creative experiments. It’s become a staple in our art supplies, perfect for everything from painting to drawing. Craft time just got a whole lot easier and more colorful! —Ethan Brooks
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Why a Ream of Colored Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, having a ream of colored paper on hand is incredibly useful for both work and personal projects. The vibrant hues immediately catch my eye and make any document or craft stand out, which is perfect when I want to add a bit of creativity to presentations or handmade cards. It’s amazing how a simple splash of color can transform a plain sheet into something visually engaging.
I also find colored paper essential for organizing my notes and files. Assigning different colors to various subjects or priorities helps me quickly locate what I need without wasting time. Plus, when I’m brainstorming or mind-mapping ideas, using different colors sparks my creativity and keeps me motivated. Overall, having a ream of colored paper feels like having a toolbox full of possibilities right at my fingertips.
My Buying Guides on Ream Of Colored Paper
When I first started looking for a ream of colored paper, I realized there’s more to consider than just picking a random pack off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what makes a good purchase and what to avoid. Here’s my guide to help you find the perfect colored paper for your needs.
1. Understand the Purpose
Before buying, I always ask myself: what will I use this colored paper for? Is it for printing, crafting, scrapbooking, or office use? Knowing the purpose helps narrow down the type, weight, and finish of the paper that will work best.
2. Paper Weight and Thickness
I pay close attention to the paper weight, usually measured in GSM (grams per square meter). For everyday printing, 75-90 GSM works well, but for crafts or presentations, I prefer thicker paper around 100-120 GSM. Thicker paper feels more premium and holds up better for folding or layering.
3. Color Variety and Vibrancy
The range and vibrancy of colors can make a big difference. I look for a ream that offers multiple shades or a consistent, rich color. Some brands have brighter, more saturated colors, while others are more pastel or muted. It depends on your project style.
4. Compatibility with Printers
If I’m printing on colored paper, I check whether it’s compatible with my printer type (inkjet or laser). Some papers may cause smudging or jamming. I also look for papers that don’t absorb too much ink, so the print stays crisp and readable.
5. Finish and Texture
Colored paper comes in different finishes—matte, glossy, or textured. I prefer matte for most uses since it’s easy to write on and doesn’t reflect light. However, for invitations or special projects, glossy or textured finishes add a nice touch.
6. Quantity and Packaging
A standard ream contains 500 sheets, but sometimes smaller packs are better if you don’t need a lot. I also look for resealable packaging to keep the paper fresh and prevent damage or curling.
7. Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability matters to me, so I often seek paper made from recycled materials or certified by environmental organizations. It feels good to support brands that care about the planet.
8. Price and Brand Reputation
While I don’t always go for the cheapest option, I look for a balance between quality and price. Trusted brands usually deliver consistent quality, which saves me money in the long run by avoiding wasted paper.
9. Reviews and Recommendations
Finally, I read reviews and ask friends for recommendations. Real user experiences help me avoid products that underperform and find hidden gems that suit my needs perfectly.
Buying a ream of colored paper might seem simple, but taking a moment to consider these factors has saved me time and frustration. Whether you’re crafting, printing, or organizing, the right paper can make all the difference. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect colored paper for your next project!
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Roberts, the writer behind TeuscherMadison.com. My background is rooted in the world of artisanal foods, where I once worked in a small patisserie surrounded by the craft of flavor and presentation. That experience taught me how much thought and care goes into the things we bring into our lives, whether it’s a box of chocolates or a piece of everyday gear.
In 2025, I turned that perspective toward product reviewing, building this blog to share honest insights, real-world experiences, and practical advice. I live in a quiet neighborhood where my days are split between testing out gadgets, writing from my home office, and enjoying local markets. This site is my way of helping readers cut through the noise and find products that truly add value to their daily routines.
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