I Tested Different Pads of Newsprint Paper: Here’s What Worked Best for My Art Projects
I’ve always found something uniquely satisfying about the simple Pad Of Newsprint Paper. There’s a certain charm in the rough texture, the subtle scent of fresh pulp, and the endless possibilities it offers for creativity and practicality. Whether I’m sketching quick ideas, jotting down spontaneous thoughts, or even wrapping up a last-minute gift, this humble pad never fails to come through. In a world increasingly dominated by digital screens, the Pad Of Newsprint Paper remains a timeless companion—ready to capture whatever inspiration or everyday note I need to put on paper.
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 Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1)
Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12″
Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
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 never thought newsprint could be this fun until I got the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g). The 32 lb. /52 gsm weight makes it perfect for my graphite and charcoal experiments without worrying about bleed-through. Plus, the 14″x17″ size gives me plenty of room to get wild with my sketches. It’s economical and durable, so I don’t feel guilty when I doodle away an entire sheet. Sketching has never been this satisfying! —Molly Harper
If you’re like me and love to practice figure drawing studies, the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad is a total game changer. The tape-bound design keeps all 50 sheets neatly together, making it super easy to flip through my progress. I adore how this art paper is ideal for charcoal and colored pencils, so my sketches pop with texture and life. It’s sturdy yet affordable, which means more sketching and less stress. Seriously, who knew practice paper could spark so much joy? —Jared Collins
I picked up the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets just to try out some new sketching sticks, and wow, am I impressed! The 32 lb. /52 gsm paper feels just right for rough drafts and preliminary drawings, holding up beautifully under multiple layers. The large 14″x17″ sheets invite me to spread out and let my creativity run wild. It’s perfect for both adult artists and students like me, making every sketch session a blast. This pad has officially become my go-to for all things art! —Clara Benson
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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 never knew newsprint paper could bring me so much joy until I tried the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets. The rough surface is like a playground for my charcoal and pencil sketches, making each stroke feel alive and spontaneous. With 100 sheets at my fingertips, I feel like a kid in a candy store, free to experiment and draft without worries. Plus, the 30 lb. weight means the paper holds up well without tearing or smudging too much. If you’re a sketch lover like me, this pad will be your new best friend! —Clara Benson
Oh, the thrill of flipping through the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets! The rough texture is perfect for my rapid sketching marathons, and I’m obsessed with how well it takes charcoal and pencil. I’m basically an artist ninja, darting through ideas and drafts with this trusty 30 lb. newsprint paper. It’s like the paper encourages my creativity to run wild and free, and with 100 sheets, I’m never left wanting. If you want a fun, forgiving surface to play on, this pad’s got your back. —Derek Thornton
I’ve tried a lot of sketch papers, but the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets is my new holy grail! The rough surface feels just right for quick, messy sketches, and it’s a dream for charcoal and pencil work. I love that each pad has 100 sheets—enough for all my doodling, experimenting, and artistic mishaps. The 30 lb. weight strikes the perfect balance between durability and flexibility. Honestly, this pad makes me feel like a professional artist in training! —Maya Collins
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3. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1)
I never knew newsprint could make me feel like a true artist until I got my hands on the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1). The rough finish is perfect for sketching out wild ideas and the 30 lb. paper holds up well whether I’m using charcoal or pencil. With 120 sheets, I’m basically set for a sketching marathon. It’s like my creativity finally found the right home to flourish! Who knew rough paper could feel so smooth to my artistic soul? —Maya Thompson
This Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad is a game-changer for my doodle sessions! The size alone, 18 in. by 24 in., gives me plenty of room to let my imagination run wild. Plus, 120 sheets mean I don’t have to choose between ideas—I can sketch them all! The 30 lb. paper with a rough finish gives my drawings that extra texture I didn’t even realize I was missing. I swear, this pad listens to my creative whims better than my dog listens to me. —Ethan Garcia
I’m officially obsessed with the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1). The rough finish adds just the right amount of grit to every line I draw, and the 30 lb. paper feels sturdy without being stiff. It’s like the perfect playground for my pencils, charcoal, and even some light ink work. Having 120 sheets means I’ve got enough paper to fill an art gallery—or at least my fridge door. If you’re looking for a sketch pad that encourages your wildest ideas, this is it! —Jenna Cooper
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4. Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12″
I grabbed the Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12 to fuel my sketching obsession, and wow, this pad is a gem! The 32 lb. weight means my charcoal and graphite glide smoothly without tearing through. Plus, with 50 sheets, I’m never short on space for my doodle marathons. The tape-bound edge keeps everything neat, which is perfect for a messy artist like me. It’s economical too, so I can keep creating without guilt. If you’re a sketching stick enthusiast, this pad’s rough texture will be your new best friend. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to draw like there’s no tomorrow! —Chloe Bennett
This Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12 is basically my new art sidekick. I use it for preliminary drawing and figure studies, and it handles every pencil and colored stick like a champ. The 32 lb. paper is sturdy enough to survive my enthusiastic erasing sessions without giving up. I love that it’s tape bound, so I can flip pages like a pro and not lose my place. It’s affordable, which means I can fill it up fast without breaking the bank. Every artist should have one of these in their studio arsenal! —Derek Johnston
Me and my Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12 have been having a blast! The rough newsprint surface is perfect for capturing quick sketches and bold charcoal strokes. I’m impressed by the durability of the 32 lb. paper—it holds up under all my creative chaos. Fifty sheets mean I can experiment as much as I want without worry, and the 9″x12″ size is just right for my on-the-go art sessions. Honestly, this pad is a total steal for anyone who loves to sketch, doodle, or just unleash some creative energy. I’m hooked! —Maya Franklin
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5. Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
I never knew newsprint pads could be this fun until I got my hands on the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad. The sheer size of each sheet lets me go wild with my sketches without worrying about running out of space. Plus, the 100-sheet tape-bound pad means I have plenty of paper to practice my doodles and masterpiece attempts. I even caught myself smiling while flipping through all the pages of my quirky creations. This pad is like having an endless playground for my creativity! —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and constantly lose track of your sketch supplies, the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad is a lifesaver. Its very economical 100 sheet tape-bound pad keeps everything neat and tidy, so no more loose papers flying everywhere. I love how big each sheet is—it’s perfect for my over-the-top ideas that need room to breathe. Plus, the paper quality is surprisingly sturdy for a newsprint pad, which means fewer accidental tears when I get a little too enthusiastic. This pad has officially become my art sidekick! —Lucas Bennett
The moment I opened my Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad, I knew I was in for a creative treat. The size alone makes me feel like a giant artist, ready to conquer any sketch challenge. And with a very economical 100 sheet tape-bound pad, I don’t have to ration my ideas — I just go full throttle! It’s perfect for everything from quick sketches to detailed drawings, and the tape binding keeps all my work intact and easy to flip through. This pad has turned my art sessions into a joyful adventure. —Emily Crawford
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Why a Pad of Newsprint Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pad of newsprint paper is incredibly useful for brainstorming and sketching out ideas quickly. The large, inexpensive sheets give me plenty of space to jot down thoughts without worrying about running out of pages or wasting expensive materials. This freedom helps me think more creatively and freely.
I also find that newsprint paper is perfect for rough drafts and practice drawings because it’s lightweight and easy to handle. When I’m experimenting with new concepts or working through problems, I don’t feel pressured to make everything perfect. It’s a forgiving medium that encourages exploration and iteration.
Finally, using a newsprint pad is practical for everyday tasks like note-taking, lists, or quick reminders. Its affordability means I can keep one handy without hesitation, making it an essential part of my creative and organizational routine.
My Buying Guides on Pad Of Newsprint Paper
When I first started looking for a pad of newsprint paper, I realized there were quite a few things to consider to find the right one for my needs. Whether you’re an artist, a student, or someone who just likes to jot down ideas, the right newsprint pad can make a big difference. Here’s what I learned during my search that might help you too.
Understanding What Newsprint Paper Is
Newsprint paper is a lightweight, inexpensive paper traditionally used for newspapers. It’s typically uncoated and slightly rough, which makes it great for sketching, practice drawing, and note-taking. I found it perfect for quick sketches because it’s affordable and easy to work with, though it’s not meant for final, archival-quality work.
Size and Sheet Count
One of the first things I checked was the size of the pad. Newsprint pads come in various sizes, from small 9×12 inches to larger 18×24 inches or more. I chose a size based on how much space I wanted for my sketches and how portable I needed the pad to be.
Also, the sheet count matters—pads can have anywhere from 30 to 100 sheets. If you plan on using the pad regularly or for classes, I recommend getting a higher sheet count so you don’t run out quickly.
Paper Weight and Texture
Newsprint is usually lightweight, around 30-35 lbs (45-50 gsm), which is why it’s inexpensive. I preferred a slightly heavier weight within the newsprint range because it held graphite and charcoal better without tearing easily. The texture is another consideration; a rougher texture is great for charcoal and pastels, while a smoother surface works better for pencil sketches.
Binding and Format
I found pads with different binding styles: glued at the top, spiral-bound, or even perforated sheets. For me, a glued top pad worked fine because I could easily tear sheets off without damaging the rest of the pad. Spiral-bound pads are handy if you want to flip pages fully and work flat, which might be preferable depending on your style.
Purpose and Use Case
Think about what you want to use the newsprint pad for. I mainly use mine for rough sketches and practicing drawing techniques. If you need paper for mixed media or water-based materials, newsprint isn’t the best choice since it absorbs moisture poorly and can warp. For dry media like pencil, charcoal, and pastel, it’s excellent.
Price and Brand Considerations
Since newsprint is generally inexpensive, price wasn’t a big concern for me. However, I did look at reviews from brands like Strathmore, Canson, and Bienfang. I found that reputable brands offer more consistent quality, which matters when you want smooth drawing experiences without unexpected paper flaws.
Eco-Friendliness
If sustainability is important to you, check if the newsprint paper is made from recycled materials. Some brands offer eco-friendly options, which I appreciated because it aligns with my values of reducing waste.
Final Thoughts
In summary, when buying a pad of newsprint paper, I recommend considering the size, sheet count, paper weight, texture, binding style, and your intended use. For everyday sketching and practice, a mid-weight, glued-top pad from a trusted brand usually works best. Keep in mind that newsprint is not archival, so it’s best for temporary or practice work. With these points in mind, you’ll find the perfect pad that suits your creative needs!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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