How to Choose the Best Paper for Printing Coloring Pages 🎨

Before you dive deep into those mesmerizing swirls and patterns, let’s chat about the canvas itself: the paper.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably about to embark on another colorful journey, bringing a black and white page to life with your arsenal of crayons, colored pencils, or markers. But wait! Before you dive deep into those mesmerizing swirls and patterns, let’s chat about the canvas itself: the paper.

Choosing the right paper can make all the difference. After all, it’s not just about filling in those spaces but ensuring your artwork pops and lasts. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the ins and outs of picking the perfect paper for your coloring adventure.

The Art of Picking Paper

When it comes to printer paper, there’s more than one that will generally be suitable for any given project. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t important things to consider. We’ve listed a few below.

The “Weight” of the Matter

Think of paper weight like the thickness of a good blanket. You wouldn’t want a flimsy one that tears up, right? When we talk about paper weight, we’re referring to its sturdiness.
Standard printer paper (like the stuff you might snag from your home office printer) is around 20lb. For coloring, though, it’s best to go a bit thicker. Aim for something in the 28lb to 32lb range. This weight ensures your paper holds up well, even if you’re a passionate colorer!

Smooth or Textured: The Great Debate

Smooth Paper: If you’re all about those markers, especially alcohol-based ones, a smooth paper is your best friend. It allows for even coloring without too much ink absorption.
Textured Paper: For colored pencils, a bit of texture can be magical. It gives the pencil something to “grip” onto, allowing for layering and shading. Linen is often a popular choice for textured work.

Brightness – Let It Shine!

Ever noticed that some papers look brighter than others? That’s because they are! Paper brightness affects how your colors will turn out. A super bright paper (rated 90 and above) will make your colors pop and appear more vibrant.

Compatibility Mode: Coloring Tools & Paper

For Crayon Lovers

Ah, crayons! Childhood nostalgia in a colorful stick. If crayons are your jam, most papers will do. However, a mid-weight, slightly textured paper is ideal. It provides a perfect canvas for those waxy wonders.

Team Colored Pencils

As mentioned earlier, textured paper or those with a bit of “tooth” are great. The coarser surface allows for better layering and blending.

Marker Maestros

Now, markers are a bit diva-ish. They bleed, they feather, and they can be a bit unpredictable.
A heavy, smooth paper is what you need. Consider cardstock or marker-specific paper. And always do a bleed-test at the corner to avoid any heartbreaks later on!

Some Extra Tips & Tricks

Acid-Free Please!

If you want your artwork to last without yellowing over time, opt for acid-free paper. It’s a bit pricier but worth it for those masterpieces.

Sample Packs for the Win

If you’re still unsure about the best paper for you, many brands offer sample packs. It’s a fun way to test different papers without committing to a big pack.

When in Doubt, Ask!

Pop into any art store, and you’ll find folks who live and breathe art supplies. They’re a goldmine of information, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice!

Wrapping It Up

Alright, Picasso-of-Coloring, now that you’re armed with all the paper knowledge you need, it’s time to get out there and find the perfect one for you. Remember, at the end of the day, the “best” paper is the one that feels right for your style and your tools. So, experiment, have fun, and let those colors flow!