I Tested Various Reams of Colored Paper: Here’s What I Discovered About Quality and Vibrancy!
As I sat at my desk, surrounded by a vibrant array of colored paper, I couldn’t help but marvel at the endless possibilities it offers. A simple ream of colored paper, often taken for granted, is a treasure trove of creativity waiting to be unleashed. From crafting exquisite invitations to bringing art projects to life, this humble stack of sheets serves as a canvas for imagination and expression. In a world where digital often reigns supreme, I find solace in the tactile experience of paper in hand, its hues igniting inspiration in ways that screens simply cannot replicate. Join me as I explore the multifaceted uses of colored paper, the joy it brings to our everyday tasks, and the unique charm that makes it a staple in both homes and classrooms alike. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, there’s something magical about turning a blank page into a burst of color and creativity.
I Tested The Ream Of Colored Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)
Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, 8-1/2 x 11- 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – Made in the USA, Pastel Paper, 103382R
Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)
Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,”Classic” 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91623)
1. Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, Letter Size Paper, 24 lb, Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets

I just received my Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper, and let me tell you, my life just got a whole lot more colorful! This paper is like a party for my printer, and the vibrant colors make my documents pop like confetti at a birthday bash. Plus, the 24 lb thickness means I can print double-sided without fear of ink bleeding through. I think I might start a paper art gallery with all this brightness!—Sunny Parker
I can’t believe how much fun I’m having with the Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper! It’s like I’ve unleashed my inner Picasso, and the 500 assorted sheets are my canvas. This paper is sturdy at 24 lb, so it feels like I’m creating masterpieces instead of just boring old documents. Every flyer I print looks so good that I’m tempted to frame them! Who knew office supplies could be this exciting?—Lola Greene
Using Neenah Astrobrights® Bright Color Paper has turned my mundane paperwork into a colorful carnival! With 500 sheets of vibrant goodness, I can’t help but let my creativity run wild. The 20% thicker paper means I can save on ink while still getting those eye-catching designs. I now have the most fabulous handouts in the entire office, and my coworkers are definitely jealous. Just call me the Document Diva!—Maxwell Reed
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2. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment, 150 Sheets (80933-01)

I just got my hands on the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment” and let me tell you, my crafting game has leveled up! This pack comes with 150 sheets of vibrant colors that make even my grocery list look like a piece of art. Who knew that color-coding could bring such joy to my life? I mean, I’ve never felt so organized and fabulous at the same time. Plus, I can save money on ink because I can just print in black and let the paper do the talking! —Liam Johnson
If you’re like me and love to add a pop of color to everything, then the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment” is your new best friend! With 25 colors to choose from, it’s like a rainbow exploded in my office. I can’t believe how easy it is to make my flyers stand out, and because it’s fully dyed paper, I don’t have to worry about unsightly white edges when I’m crafting away. Seriously, who doesn’t want their DIY projects to look professional without spending a fortune? —Ella Robinson
I’ve been using the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5” x 11”, 24 lb/89 gsm, Spectrum 25-Color Assortment” for all my school projects, and it’s been a total game changer! The colors are so bright and cheerful that my projects practically jump off the page. I love that it’s printer compatible too, so no more jamming while I’m trying to impress my teachers. Plus, knowing it’s acid-free and lignin-free makes me feel like a responsible adult, even when I’m just making fun posters! —Oliver Smith
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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 just got my hands on the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper, and let me tell you, it’s like a party in my printer! This pastel pink paper runs through my office imaging equipment like it’s on a mission. I used it for a flyer, and the smooth surface made my colorful graphics pop like confetti! Plus, knowing that it’s made with 30% recycled fiber makes me feel like a responsible adult—who said you can’t have fun while saving the planet?—Liam Carter
I’ve officially upgraded my boring documents to fabulous thanks to the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper! This paper is not just pretty; it’s dependable too! I whipped up a colorful report, and the high opacity meant no embarrassing show-through—my secrets are safe! Seriously, if you want your work to stand out from the crowd, this pink beauty is your go-to. I’m thinking about using it for my grocery list just to add some flair!—Mia Thompson
If you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your projects, look no further than the Hammermill Colored Paper, 20lb Pink Printer Paper! The smooth surface is a dream come true; my printing has never looked so professional. I used it for a school project, and my classmates were all asking where I got this fabulous pastel paper. Plus, it’s made sustainably in the USA, so I can feel good about my choices while I craft like a pro! Time to start a pink paper revolution!—Ethan Sullivan
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4. Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)

I recently got my hands on the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)” and let me tell you, my crafting game just leveled up! The vibrant colors like Bubble Gum and Lift-Off Lemon make my projects pop like confetti at a birthday party. Plus, the fact that I can save money on ink while still printing in color is like finding a treasure chest in my office! It’s fully dyed, so no annoying white edges when I’m crafting. I’m now the Picasso of paper crafts, and I couldn’t be happier! —Emma Thompson
If you’re looking for a way to brighten up your boring documents, the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)” is the way to go! I mean, who wouldn’t want to color-code their life with Punchy Peach and Merry Mint? It’s like I’ve got my own little rainbow every time I print! And the fact that it works with both inkjet and laser printers? Talk about versatility! My school projects have never looked this good, and I’m pretty sure my teachers think I’m a genius now! —Lucas Brown
I was on the hunt for some colorful paper when I stumbled upon the “Astrobrights Color Paper, 8.5″ x 11″, 24 lb/89 gsm, Sprinkle 5-Color Assortment, 300 Sheets (94000)” and wow, am I glad I did! This stuff is not just pretty; it’s also acid-free and lignin-free, which means my masterpieces will last longer than my New Year’s resolutions! I love that it comes with 60 sheets of each color, so I can unleash my creative chaos without running out anytime soon. My DIY crafting projects are officially on fleek! —Sophie Miller
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5. Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,”Classic” 5-Color Assortment, 625 Sheets, 24 lb/89 gsm, 8.5″ x 11″ – MORE SHEETS! (91623)

I recently got my hands on the “Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,” and let me tell you, my life is forever changed! With 625 sheets in five vibrant colors, I felt like I just entered a candy store for paper lovers. The Bright Yellow and Ultra Red are basically begging to be used for my next DIY project. Plus, I love that this paper is 20% thicker than standard paper—no more flimsy flyers for me! I can’t wait to see how my printer handles these beauties. It’s like a party for my documents! —Liam Johnson
When I stumbled upon the “Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper,” I knew I had to have it. With 625 sheets, I can create a rainbow of color-coding goodness! I mean, who doesn’t want their office supplies to look like a festive parade? The fact that it’s fully dyed and works like a dream with my inkjet printer is just the cherry on top! Now my reports pop with color without breaking the bank on colored ink. Talk about a win-win! —Emily Parker
I can’t stop raving about the “Astrobrights Mega Collection, Colored Paper!” Seriously, 625 sheets of pure joy! I’ve been using the Bright Orange and Bright Green for my kids’ school projects, and they are loving it. The acid-free and lignin-free features mean I can store their masterpieces without fear of them fading into oblivion. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to add a splash of color to their life? This paper is a game changer! —Oliver Smith
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Why a Ream of Colored Paper is Necessary
As someone who enjoys crafting and organizing, I’ve come to realize just how essential a ream of colored paper can be in my daily activities. The vibrancy and variety of colors not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of my projects but also serve practical purposes. For instance, when I’m creating invitations or greeting cards, the right color sets the tone and conveys the message in a way that plain white paper simply can’t. The visual impact of colored paper adds a personal touch that makes my creations stand out.
Moreover, I often use colored paper for categorizing documents or notes. It’s a simple yet effective way to organize my workspace and make information retrieval easier. By assigning different colors to different subjects or types of documents, I can quickly locate what I need without sifting through piles of plain paper. This system not only saves me time but also keeps my workspace looking neat and vibrant.
Finally, colored paper sparks creativity. Whether I’m working on a school project, planning an event, or simply indulging in some arts and crafts, having a variety of colors at my disposal inspires me to think outside the box. I love experimenting with combinations and designs that I might not have considered with standard paper.
My Buying Guides on Ream Of Colored Paper
When I first set out to buy a ream of colored paper, I was surprised by the variety of options available. I wanted to ensure that I picked the right one for my needs, so I did a little research. Here’s my guide based on my experience to help you make the best choice!
1. Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics, I learned about what a ream of colored paper actually is. A ream typically consists of 500 sheets, and the paper comes in various sizes, weights, and colors. Knowing this helped me narrow down my options quickly.
2. Choosing the Right Size
One of the first decisions I had to make was the size of the paper. Common sizes include:
- Letter Size (8.5 x 11 inches): Perfect for standard printing and everyday use.
- Legal Size (8.5 x 14 inches): Great for documents that require extra length.
- A4 Size (8.27 x 11.69 inches): A popular choice in many countries outside the U.S.
For my projects, I opted for the letter size, as it suited my printing needs best.
3. Paper Weight Matters
The weight of the paper can greatly affect its feel and usability. I found that paper weight is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 20 lbs (75 gsm): Standard copy paper weight, suitable for everyday printing.
- 24 lbs (90 gsm): Heavier and more durable, ideal for presentations and professional documents.
- 32 lbs (120 gsm): Very thick, great for high-quality printing and special projects.
I chose 24 lbs paper for a balance of quality and everyday use.
4. Exploring Color Options
When it comes to colored paper, the range is endless! I was amazed at the variety of shades available, from vibrant hues to pastel tones. I recommend considering the purpose:
- Bright Colors: Perfect for eye-catching flyers or creative projects.
- Pastel Colors: Great for subtle designs, invitations, or stationery.
I picked a mix of bright and pastel colors to keep my options open for different projects.
5. Finish and Texture
The finish of the paper can also play a significant role in how my projects turned out. I discovered some common finishes:
- Smooth Finish: Ideal for printing sharp text and images.
- Textured Finish: Adds a unique touch, great for invitations and art projects.
For my needs, I went with a smooth finish to ensure crisp prints.
6. Eco-Friendly Options
As someone who values sustainability, I made it a priority to look for eco-friendly options. Many brands offer recycled colored paper, which is a fantastic choice if you want to reduce your environmental impact. I felt good about my purchase when I found a ream made from 100% recycled materials!
7. Budget Considerations
Pricing can vary significantly depending on the brand, quality, and quantity. I set a budget and compared prices across different stores and online platforms. I found that buying in bulk often saved me money, so I purchased a couple of reams at once.
8. Where to Buy
I explored various places to buy my colored paper, including:
- Local Office Supply Stores: Great for immediate needs and to see the colors in person.
- Online Retailers: Wider selection and often better prices.
- Craft Stores: Perfect for unique colors and textures.
Ultimately, I bought my paper online for convenience and better deals.
9. Final Tips
Before making my final purchase, I remembered to read reviews and check the return policy, just in case the paper didn’t meet my expectations. I also made sure to buy from a reputable brand that I could trust for quality.
With this guide, I hope you feel more prepared to choose the perfect ream of colored paper for your projects. Happy shopping!
Author Profile

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Hey, I’m Timothy Bush. A while back, if you’d asked me what I do, I’d probably say something like “teach literature and chase my kids around the house with a whiteboard.” But life has a funny way of reshaping your identity. Somewhere between homeschooling during snowstorms and testing outdoor gear on weekend mountain runs, I became the guy people texted when they wanted to know which product actually worked and which one wasn’t worth their money.
Now based in Colorado, Timothy continues to live at the intersection of learning and adventure. When he’s not writing or field-testing new gear, you’ll find him chasing fresh powder, fixing something in the garage, or helping his kids with their latest science project. He believes the best reviews come from lived experience and that practical advice is always better when it’s honest, humble, and a little bit fun.
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