Is regular printer paper OK for coloring pages?

Yes. Ordinary copy paper, usually 20 lb (about 75 gsm), works well for crayons and colored pencils. It is cheap, so kids can color freely and you can print another copy if one gets torn.

How do I stop markers bleeding through?

Put a spare sheet of paper under the page, or print on heavier paper. Paper in the 24 to 32 lb range (roughly 90 to 120 gsm), or light cardstock, usually holds marker ink better than standard copy paper.

Can my printer handle cardstock?

Many home printers can feed light cardstock, but not all. Check your printer manual for the heaviest paper it supports, and use the manual or rear feed tray if it has one.

What paper is best for painting a coloring page?

Watercolor and other wet paints soak thin paper and make it curl. Heavy cardstock works better. Tape the edges to the table and use only a little water.

Best Paper for Coloring Pages: Crayons, Markers and Pencils

Updated November 4, 2026

For crayons and colored pencils, ordinary 20 lb (about 75 gsm) copy paper is fine. For markers and paint, heavier paper in the 24 to 32 lb range (about 90 to 120 gsm), or light cardstock, usually holds up better. Whatever you print on, slip a spare sheet underneath when kids use markers. The weights below are typical ranges, not tested results, and brands vary.

Paper weights in plain terms

Paper in the US is sold by pound weight (lb). Most of the rest of the world uses grams per square meter (gsm). Higher numbers mean thicker, heavier paper. As a rough guide:

20 lb (about 75 gsm): standard copy and printer paper. Cheap and easy to find.
24 to 32 lb (about 90 to 120 gsm): heavier printer paper. Feels sturdier and lets less ink through.
Cardstock (often 65 lb cover and up): stiff paper used for cards and crafts.

Labels differ between brands, so check the packet for the gsm number if you want to compare.

Thicker is not always better. Heavier paper costs more and some home printers struggle with it. For most everyday coloring, plain copy paper does the job.

Crayons

Crayons sit on top of the paper and do not soak in. That makes plain copy paper a good match. It is also the cheapest option, which matters when a young child wants to color five pages in a row. Very smooth, glossy paper is the one to avoid, because crayon wax tends to slide on it. Photo paper is glossy too, so skip it for coloring.

Toddlers often press hard and scrub back and forth in one spot. If pages tear, tape the sheet to the table so it does not slide, or try a slightly heavier paper.

Colored pencils

Copy paper works for colored pencils too. Slightly heavier paper can feel nicer for older kids who press hard or layer colors, because it is less likely to tear or wrinkle. If your child loves detailed pages with lots of small spaces, a heavier sheet is a nice upgrade but not a must.

Markers and bleed-through

Markers are where paper choice shows. The ink is wet and soaks into the sheet. On thin copy paper, it can spread past the lines, show through on the back, and mark the table underneath. A few easy fixes:

Put a spare sheet, or a few, under the page every time.
Print on heavier paper, around 24 to 32 lb (90 to 120 gsm), or on light cardstock.
Choose washable markers for younger kids, in case they miss the paper.
Show kids how to color with light strokes instead of holding the marker in one spot.

Darker marker colors and big filled areas show through the most. Fine-tip markers on a heavier sheet usually give the cleanest result for older kids.

Paint and other wet media

Watercolor, poster paint and dot markers use a lot of liquid. Copy paper will curl and may tear. Use cardstock instead, tape the corners down, and give kids just a little water. Simple pages with big spaces, like our easy coloring pages, are best for painting.

Printing tips for heavier paper

Check your printer manual for the heaviest paper it can take.
Use the rear or manual feed tray if your printer has one. It gives the paper a straighter path.
Set the paper type in the print dialog to "heavy" or "cardstock" if it offers it.
Feed one or two sheets at a time to avoid jams.

Every printable page and PDF on Unruffled is free, in US Letter and A4. For help with size and ink, see how to print coloring pages. Teachers printing a class set can read our guide to coloring pages for the classroom.