Best Print on Newsprint Paper for Artists and Crafters
Finding the right newsprint paper helps artists sketch, practice, and wrap projects with ease. This guide highlights five top options that balance texture, weight, and versatility—whether you’re doodling, drafting, or packing delicate items. Each pick is evaluated for surface quality, compatibility with media, and value for bulk use.
| Product | Brand | Size | Sheets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Creations Newsprint Paper | Bright Creations | 8.5 x 11 in | 500 | Sketching, Doodling, Crafting |
| Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper | Canson | 9 x 12 in | 100 | Rapid Sketching, Charcoal, Pencil |
| Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Pad | Strathmore | 14 x 17 in | 50 | Practice Sketching, Graphite, Charcoal |
| UDAREIT Newsprint Paper | UDAREIT | 8.5 x 11 in | 500 | Drawing, Doodling, Mixed Media |
| Sax School Smart Newsprint Paper | Sax | 8.5 x 11 in | 500 | Notes, Drafts, Homework |
Bright Creations Newsprint Paper
Brand: Bright Creations
Size and format: 8.5 x 11 inches, 500 sheets, white uncoated paper. The surface is textured for multiple media, including markers, crayons, pencils, and charcoal. It suits sketching, drawing, and doodling, and can function as a practical packing paper when needed.
Key features: A versatile paper suitable for artistic experiments and mixed-media projects. Bulk quantity supports classroom use, workshops, and long-term projects. The uncoated finish enhances grip for graphite and charcoal while remaining compatible with light ink work.
Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper
Brand: Canson
Features: 9 x 12 inches, 100 sheets in the pad. Rough surface ideal for rapid sketching and experimentation. Compatible with charcoal and pencil. Thin but sturdy at 30 lb / 46 gsm, making it easy to carry and use for practice sessions.
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Pad
Brand: Strathmore
Size: 14 x 17 inches, 50 sheets in a tape-bound pad. Paper weighs 32 lb / 52 gsm, offering a durable surface for quick studies and preliminary drawings. Works well with graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, and sketching sticks, making it a staple for beginners and students.
UDAREIT Newsprint Paper
Brand: UDAREIT
Size: 8.5 x 11 inches, 500 sheets. Made of 30 lb lightweight newsprint, suitable for drawing with graphite, charcoal, markers, crayons, pencils, pens, and color media. Not printer-friendly but excellent for classroom and home studios with large volume needs.
Sax School Smart Newsprint Paper
Brand: Sax
Size: 8.5 x 11 inches, 500 sheets. White newsprint paper suited for notes, essays, and lists. Wide-ruled or margin-free formats support clear layout planning for late elementary and middle school use, with emphasis on practice and organization.
Buying Guide
What to consider when selecting newsprint paper:
- Weight and texture: Lighter weights (around 30 lb/46 gsm) are great for quick sketches and practice; heavier weights resist tearing during erasing and heavy media use.
- Surface finish: Rough textures grip charcoal and graphite better, while smoother surfaces suit pen and light ink work. Uncoated sheets tend to absorb media differently from coated papers.
- Sheet count and size: Bulk packs are economical for classrooms and studios; standard sizes like 8.5 x 11 in or 9 x 12 in work well for most beginners and hobbyists.
- Media compatibility: Ensure the paper tolerates your chosen media—charcoal, graphite, colored pencils, markers, and pens. Some papers are explicitly not printer-friendly.
- Pad vs. loose sheets: Pads are convenient for travel and studies, while loose sheets offer greater flexibility for mounting or framing finished work.
- Usage scenario: For packing or wrapping, consider lower-cost newsprint with higher bulk; for art practice, prioritize surface texture and tooth.
Depth perspectives: For learners, Strathmore and Canson options provide dependable textures for foundational skills. Bulk packs from Bright Creations, UDAREIT, and Sax School Smart suit classrooms and ongoing practice. For mixed-media explorations, uncoated sheets like the Bright Creations option can support layering with light inks and media without excessive bleed-through.