ColorNestThe right paper depends entirely on the coloring tool you plan to use. Standard 20 lb (75 gsm) copy paper handles crayons and dry colored pencils without issue. Markers need at least 60 lb text (90 gsm) to prevent bleed-through, and wet media like watercolor markers require 90 lb watercolor paper (185 gsm) or heavier to avoid warping. Here is what to use for each medium.
Paper weight basics
Paper weight in the US is measured in pounds (lb) but uses different scale systems for different paper types, which makes comparisons confusing. Grams per square meter (gsm) is a universal measure.
| US designation | gsm | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lb bond (copy paper) | 75 gsm | Thin, lightweight — standard printer paper |
| 24 lb bond | 90 gsm | Noticeably stiffer, less bleed-through |
| 28 lb bond | 105 gsm | Similar to quality letterhead |
| 60 lb text | 90 gsm | Slightly heavier than 24 lb bond |
| 80 lb text | 120 gsm | Light cardstock feel |
| 65 lb cover | 175 gsm | True cardstock — stiff, holds wet media |
| 90 lb watercolor | 185 gsm | Minimum for watercolor without major warping |
| 140 lb watercolor | 300 gsm | Studio watercolor — handles heavy washes |
Best paper for crayons
Standard 20–24 lb (75–90 gsm) copy paper works well for crayons. Crayons apply wax, not liquid, so bleed-through is not a concern. Heavier paper does hold crayon slightly better and tears less easily when children press hard, so 24 lb paper is a worthwhile upgrade when buying in bulk for classrooms.
Recommended: Any standard multipurpose copy paper, or Great Value / Hammermill 24 lb for a minor upgrade.
Best paper for colored pencils
Colored pencils work on a range of paper surfaces, and the texture (called “tooth”) changes the result:
| Tooth level | Effect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth (hot-press) | Even coverage, crisp lines | Detail work, portraits, beginners |
| Medium (cold-press or vellum) | Balanced texture | General use, layering |
| Rough | Visible grain, more pigment layers | Expressive, loose work |
For beginners, smooth 24–32 lb (90–120 gsm) paper or a vellum-finish card stock produces predictable results. Strathmore Bristol (smooth) and Canson XL Mixed Media pads are widely available in art stores and online. Avoid glossy photo paper — pencil pigment does not adhere to it.
Best paper for washable and alcohol markers
Markers are where paper choice matters most. Water-based (washable) markers saturate lighter paper quickly. Alcohol markers bleed through thin paper fast enough to mark whatever is underneath.
| Marker type | Minimum paper | Ideal paper |
|---|---|---|
| Washable / water-based (kids) | 24 lb bond / 90 gsm | 60 lb text / 90 gsm smooth |
| Alcohol markers (Copic, Ohuhu, Bic Intensity) | 60 lb text / 90 gsm | Marker paper 50–70 lb / 75–105 gsm bleedproof |
| Dual-brush pens (Tombow, Prismacolor) | 60 lb text | 60–80 lb smooth text |
Marker paper (sold by Canson, Bee Paper, and others) is coated on one side to resist bleed-through and feathering. It is the best choice if you use alcohol markers regularly. Place a spare sheet underneath any page on regular paper — alcohol ink soaks through quickly and can damage the surface below.
Best paper for watercolor coloring pages
If you plan to use watercolor markers, watercolor pencils, or any wet media, the page must be on watercolor paper or it will buckle badly.
- 90 lb (185 gsm): handles light washes; may buckle slightly with heavy water
- 140 lb (300 gsm): handles multiple wet layers without warping; standard for adult watercolor painting
- Cold-press: slightly textured, most common, forgiving
- Hot-press: smooth, pigment lays flat, better for fine detail
Strathmore 400 Series Watercolor Pad (140 lb cold-press) and Arches Watercolor Blocks (140 lb or 300 gsm) are well-regarded options. Note that most home printers cannot print on watercolor paper — you would need to print the outlines on regular paper and then trace them, or use a laser printer with the right settings.
Buying tips
- At office supply stores: look for “multipurpose paper” (20 lb) and “premium presentation paper” or “cardstock” (65–80 lb cover) in the paper aisle.
- At art supply stores: Canson, Strathmore, and Borden & Riley carry marker paper, mixed-media pads, and watercolor pads in standard sizes.
- Online: search for the gsm value rather than the lb designation to make comparing international brands easier.
- For classrooms: bulk reams of 24 lb paper cost only a few dollars more than 20 lb and noticeably reduce tearing during large group activities.
Paper size
Almost all printable coloring pages are formatted for US Letter (8.5 × 11 in). Most home printers use Letter as the default. If you want a larger print, A3 (11 × 17 in) paper works on printers with that tray — check the print dialog and set Paper Size to Tabloid or A3 before printing.
For smaller prints — useful for greeting cards or bookmarks — scale the page in your print dialog rather than cropping. Scaling to 50% on a Letter page gives a roughly 5.5 × 8.5 in half-sheet that fits on A5 or half-Letter paper.
Quick reference by medium
| Medium | Minimum paper | Better option |
|---|---|---|
| Crayons | 20 lb bond | 24 lb bond |
| Colored pencils | 20 lb bond | 24–32 lb bond, smooth finish |
| Washable markers (kids) | 24 lb bond | 60 lb text, smooth |
| Alcohol markers | 60 lb text | Marker paper (bleedproof) |
| Watercolor / wet media | 90 lb watercolor | 140 lb cold-press watercolor |
See how to print coloring pages for printer settings, and crayons vs colored pencils vs markers for a full comparison of coloring tools.