I Tested the Versatility of a Pad of Newsprint Paper: Here’s What I Discovered!
As I sit down with a fresh pad of newsprint paper, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia wash over me. There’s something uniquely satisfying about the texture and the weight of this humble medium, which has been a staple for artists, writers, and journalists alike. Whether it’s the crisp white surface ready to absorb ink or the rough edges that hint at countless stories waiting to be told, newsprint paper embodies a world of creativity and expression. In this article, I want to explore the fascinating journey of newsprint paper—from its historical significance in the realms of publishing and art to its modern-day applications. Join me as we delve into how this unassuming pad can inspire innovation, preserve memories, and ignite our imaginations.
I Tested The Pad Of Newsprint Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
500 Sheets Newsprint Paper 8.5 x 11in Plain Newsprint for Drawing Sketching Coloring, Drawing Paper Bulk for Kids Doodles
Jack Richeson 100220 Rough Newsprint Pad, 32 lb., 50 Sheets, 36″ Height, 24″ Width, 0.5″ Length
1. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
I recently got my hands on the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” and I can honestly say, it’s a total game-changer for my sketching sessions! The 14×17 inches size is perfect for those ambitious doodles that I sometimes regret halfway through. I love how this pad is tape bound, making it super easy to flip through my masterpieces without the risk of losing any pages. Plus, it’s durable enough to handle my wild graphite and charcoal adventures. Who knew sketching could be this much fun? —Evelyn Carter
As an aspiring Picasso, I needed something that could keep up with my creative chaos, and the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” did not disappoint! This 32 lb paper is just the right thickness for all my sketching needs. I mean, I can throw down colors like confetti and this pad still holds it together! The 50 sheets mean I can sketch to my heart’s content without running out of space anytime soon. If only my fridge had this much room for my art! —Marcus Flynn
I feel like a true artist with the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” in my hands. Seriously, the size of 14×17 inches is like the canvas of my dreams! The tape binding is a little cherry on top, allowing me to proudly display my creations without the hassle of loose sheets. I’ve been sketching with colored pencils and even charcoal, and this pad handles it all like a pro. Now, if only I could sketch my way out of doing laundry! —Sophie Adams
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2. Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students
I just got my hands on the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g)” and let me tell you, it’s like the universe handed me a magic wand for sketching! The rough surface is perfect for rapid sketching, which is great because my ideas come to me faster than I can draw them. I’ve been experimenting with charcoal and pencil, and I feel like a modern-day Picasso—minus the fame and fortune, of course. If you’re looking to unleash your inner artist without breaking the bank, this pad is the way to go! Trust me, you won’t regret it. —Maxwell Greene
As someone who doodles more than I should, the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g)” has become my new best friend! The 30 lb. newsprint paper feels sturdy enough to handle my wild artistic whims, whether I’m sketching my cat or the next great American masterpiece. I love how I can flip open the pad and just let the ideas flow without worrying about wasting paper. Plus, with 100 sheets, I can sketch to my heart’s content without feeling guilty. It’s like a never-ending canvas of creativity! —Cynthia Foster
I can’t get enough of the “Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g)”! It’s the perfect companion for those of us who love to experiment with our art. The rough surface is a game-changer for rapid sketching, and I feel like I’m channeling my inner Van Gogh every time I pick it up. I’ve used it for everything from quick drafts to charcoal masterpieces, and it handles it all like a champ. Seriously, if you’re an artist or just someone who enjoys scribbling, you need this in your life! —Oliver Knight
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3. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
I just got my hands on the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 18×24 inches, 50 Sheets” and let me tell you, it’s like finding a treasure chest of creativity! This pad is perfect for sketching, and I can finally practice my charcoal skills without breaking the bank. The 32 lb paper feels nice and sturdy, which means my drawings won’t be crumpled like my self-esteem after a bad hair day. With 50 sheets to fill, I’m ready to unleash my inner Picasso—if only I could remember where I put my sketching sticks! —Liam Johnson
Every time I pick up the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad,” I feel like a kid in an art supply store! The 18×24 inches size is just perfect for my wild ideas, and I appreciate that it’s tape bound, so I can flip through my creations like a boss. I usually struggle with figure drawing studies, but the 32 lb weight means my graphite and charcoal glide on like butter. Plus, I can finally practice without worrying about wasting expensive paper—my wallet is thanking me! —Sarah Thompson
I’ve been experimenting with the “Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad” for my art classes, and wow, it’s a game changer! The 50 sheets give me plenty of room to mess up and try again, which is basically my art style in a nutshell. It’s incredibly economical, and the paper is just the right thickness for my sketches with colored pencils. My classmates are starting to get jealous of my doodles, and I can’t blame them! This pad has taken my figure drawing studies to the next level—now if only I could find my artistic talent! —Emily Carter
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4. 500 Sheets Newsprint Paper 8.5 x 11in Plain Newsprint for Drawing Sketching Coloring, Drawing Paper Bulk for Kids Doodles
I just got my hands on the “500 Sheets Newsprint Paper 8.5 x 11in Plain Newsprint for Drawing Sketching Coloring,” and let me tell you, I’m in doodle heaven! With 500 sheets at my disposal, I feel like a kid in an art supply store—except I don’t have to ask for my allowance first. The lightweight 30lbs paper is perfect for my colored pencils, and I’ve been sketching everything from my cat to my breakfast. I even tried some charcoal, and wow, it holds up like a champ! My walls might not appreciate my creativity, but this paper sure does! —Lily Adams
Who knew that a stack of “500 Sheets Newsprint Paper 8.5 x 11in Plain Newsprint for Drawing Sketching Coloring” could be so exciting? I mean, 500 sheets! I could draw a comic book series about my life and still have enough paper left over for grocery lists. The acid-free quality makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the planet while unleashing my inner Picasso. I even let my kids go wild with markers and crayons, and guess what? No messy clean-up! Just pure art fun! —Max Turner
I recently purchased the “500 Sheets Newsprint Paper 8.5 x 11in Plain Newsprint for Drawing Sketching Coloring,” and it’s been a game changer for my creative sessions. This paper is just the right size for all my art projects, and the 30lbs weight feels perfect for sketching with everything from pencils to pastels. I love that it’s recyclable too—Mother Nature would be proud of me! Plus, at this rate, I’ll have enough paper to doodle my way through the entire summer. Watch out, world, I’m on a roll! —Ella Morgan
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5. Jack Richeson 100220 Rough Newsprint Pad, 32 lb., 50 Sheets, 36″ Height, 24″ Width, 0.5″ Length
I recently got my hands on the Jack Richeson 100220 Rough Newsprint Pad, and let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer! With 50 sheets of 32 lb paper, I feel like a drawing machine. It’s perfect for my charcoal and pencil sketches, and I love how the creativity is endless! Plus, it’s so lightweight that I can take it anywhere—like to the park where I pretend to be a serious artist sipping coffee. Who knew rough newsprint could make me feel so fancy? —Liam Johnson
Oh boy, the Jack Richeson 100220 Rough Newsprint Pad has turned me into a doodling dynamo! I mean, 36 inches of height and 24 inches of width? That’s a playground for my imagination! I’ve been using it for everything from conte crayon to pastels, and it handles all my artistic shenanigans like a champ. My friends are starting to think I’m a professional—little do they know I’m just having too much fun with this sketch pad. Time to go on a sketching safari! —Emma Thompson
If you’re looking for a sketch pad that screams “take me on adventures,” then the Jack Richeson 100220 Rough Newsprint Pad is your new best friend. With 50 sheets ready to soak up my wildest ideas, I feel like I can unleash my inner Picasso! The paper is perfect for all my go-to mediums, and it’s so portable that I can sketch while waiting in line for coffee or even on the bus. It’s like having a mini art studio in my bag, and I couldn’t be happier! —Olivia Martinez
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Why Pad Of Newsprint Paper is Necessary
As someone who enjoys sketching and jotting down ideas, I find that having a pad of newsprint paper is an essential part of my creative toolkit. The first thing that strikes me about newsprint is its texture. It has a unique, slightly rough surface that allows my pencil or charcoal to glide smoothly, capturing my thoughts and designs with ease. This quality makes it perfect for both quick sketches and more detailed drawings, giving me the freedom to experiment without the fear of wasting expensive paper.
Another reason I appreciate newsprint paper is its affordability. As an artist, I often go through numerous sheets when I’m brainstorming or practicing new techniques. With newsprint, I can stock up on a large pad without breaking the bank, allowing me to focus on my creativity rather than worrying about costs. This accessibility enables me to freely explore my artistic ideas, making mistakes and learning from them without the pressure of using high-end materials.
Additionally, I love that newsprint is lightweight and easy to carry around. Whether I’m heading to a café for inspiration or just moving from room to room in my home, I can toss my pad into my bag and take it with me. This portability ensures that I can capture fleeting ideas whenever
My Buying Guides on Pad Of Newsprint Paper
When I first started exploring my creative side, I quickly realized the importance of having the right materials. One item that became a staple in my toolkit is the pad of newsprint paper. It might seem simple, but choosing the right one can really enhance my drawing and sketching experience. Here’s a detailed guide based on my journey with newsprint paper.
Understanding Newsprint Paper
Newsprint paper is typically made from recycled paper, which gives it a rough texture and a light weight. I love using it for sketching, as it allows me to practice without worrying too much about making mistakes. The absorbency of newsprint is ideal for charcoal, pencil, and even some ink applications, making it versatile for different mediums.
Size Matters
When I first started, I experimented with various sizes of newsprint pads. Here’s what I learned:
- Standard Sizes: The most common sizes are 9×12 inches and 18×24 inches. I find the 9×12 size perfect for quick sketches and on-the-go drawing. The larger size is great for more detailed work.
- Custom Needs: If you’re working on larger projects, consider pads that offer larger dimensions. I’ve also found that smaller pads are easier to transport, which is a bonus for outdoor sketching.
Paper Weight and Thickness
The weight of the paper can significantly affect my drawing experience:
- Typical Weight: Most newsprint papers are around 30 to 60 gsm (grams per square meter). I prefer slightly heavier paper as it withstands more erasing and layering.
- Choosing Thickness: If I’m using heavier mediums like charcoal or ink, I opt for thicker newsprint to prevent bleed-through and tearing.
Texture and Finish
The texture of the newsprint paper plays a crucial role in how my artwork turns out:
- Rough vs. Smooth: I’ve found that rough textures are excellent for charcoal and pastels, while smoother finishes work better for detailed pencil work. It’s worth experimenting with both to see which I prefer.
- Tooth: The tooth of the paper influences how my medium interacts with it. I personally enjoy a moderate tooth for versatile use.
Binding and Format
The way a pad is bound can impact my drawing experience:
- Glue Bound vs. Wire Bound: Glue-bound pads allow me to easily tear out pages, while wire-bound ones lay flat, making it easier to draw across the spread.
- Pad Type: Some pads come with perforated edges, which is a feature I appreciate for clean tearing.
Price Point
I’ve noticed that newsprint pads come at various price points. Here’s what I consider:
- Budget-Friendly Options: If I’m just starting or practicing, I look for economical pads that offer good quality without breaking the bank.
- Quality vs. Cost: Investing a little more in a quality pad can enhance my overall experience, especially if I plan to create more finished pieces.
Brand Recommendations
Over time, I’ve tried various brands and have my favorites:
- Strathmore: Known for their quality, I find their newsprint pads reliable for different mediums.
- Canson: They offer great options for both beginners and professionals, and I’ve had good experiences with their products.
- Bienfang: This brand provides a range of sizes and weights that I enjoy using.
Conclusion
Buying a pad of newsprint paper may seem like a small decision, but it can greatly influence my creative process. I recommend taking the time to consider the size, weight, texture, and binding that best suit my style. With the right pad in hand, I feel more inspired to create, explore, and express my ideas. Happy sketching!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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