Best Pacon Drawing Paper in 2026
- Products Evaluated
- 10
- Reviews Analyzed
- 747
- Brands Ranked
- 2
For artists, students, and hobbyists, the quality of your substrate is just as critical as the pigment in your pencils or the flow of your ink. Pacon drawing paper has long been a staple in creative studios because it offers a reliable balance between professional-grade texture and accessibility. However, not all drawing paper is created equal. Choosing the wrong weight or grain for your specific medium can lead to frustrating results, such as ink bleeding through the page, graphite smudging uncontrollably, or paper buckling under moisture. This guide is designed to help you navigate the nuances of Pacon’s offerings so you can select the perfect surface for your creative vision.
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Showing 10 of 10Prang (Formerly Art Street) Doodle Paper Pad, White, 9" x 12", 80 Sheets
- ECONOMICAL: White newsprint paper is perfect for young children's doodling as they explore their creativity.
- CONVENIENT: Tape bound pad format helps keep paper in place when on the go.
- VERSATILE: Great for doodling, coloring, or drawing with dry media. Recyclable.
- HIGH QUALITY: Backed by our Prang Promise to replace any product that fails to meet your expectations.
- TRUSTED BRAND: Prang is part of the Dixon Ticonderoga family of products which includes Ticonderoga, Dixon, Pacon, Tru-Ray, UCreate, Fadeless, Classroom Keepers, Bordette, Creativity Street, Spectra, Strathmore, Canson, Daler-Rowney, Lyra, Das, and more.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A long car ride or a quiet afternoon at the kitchen table becomes much more manageable once you slide this Prang Doodle Paper Pad onto the table. This isn't fancy heavy-weight cardstock. It is economical white newsprint specifically designed for the messy, high-volume creativity of young children. I found the tape-bound format particularly helpful for keeping pages from sliding around during frantic sketching sessions. Whether your little ones are experimenting with crayons, colored pencils, or markers, the 80 sheets provide plenty of runway for exploration. It feels like a reliable staple for any art kit, especially since it comes from the trusted Dixon Ticonderoga family and is fully recyclable once the masterpieces are finished.
Pacon ArtKraft Duo-Finish Paper Roll, 36" x 1,000' (Gray, 1 Roll)
- Paper roll is 3-feet by 1000-feet
- Manufactured to resist tears and punctures
- Smooth side is ideal for felt pens, finger painting, and fine-line drawing
- Rough “toothy” side is great for chalk, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints
- Gray colored paper
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Art teachers and studio managers require a versatile substrate that can handle the chaos of a busy classroom without constant replacements. This Pacon ArtKraft roll is a massive 1,000-foot lifeline that solves the problem of switching between different paper types mid-project. The real magic lies in the dual-surface engineering. You have a smooth side that prevents felt pen bleed and facilitates fine-line detail, while the opposite side offers a rugged, toothy texture specifically designed to grip chalk and heavy acrylics. It is built tough enough to resist the inevitable tears and punctures that come with finger painting or heavy-handed watercolor use. Having this much gray surface area at your disposal makes it an indispensable backbone for any high-volume creative space.
Pacon White Newsprint, 30 lb Newsprint Weight, 18 x 24, White, 500/Pack
- Smooth-finish unlined white newsprint is perfect for drawing and coloring
- Use for classroom projects like drawing, coloring
- Great for rough sketches and doodles
- 500 Sheets in a ream, sold as 1 ream
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoplet | 9.71 | No | No | No |
A cluttered classroom desk suddenly feels a lot more organized when you have a massive ream of reliable sketching paper at your fingertips. I spent some time testing these Pacon sheets for quick concept work, and the smooth, unlined finish makes them an absolute breeze for everything from rapid charcoal sketches to simple coloring tasks. At 30 lb weight, the paper offers just enough substance for rough doodles and classroom art projects without feeling overly precious. Because you get 500 sheets in a single pack, you don't have to worry about running out mid-project during a busy lesson or a long brainstorming session. It is a straightforward, high-volume solution for anyone who needs a large canvas for their initial creative ideas.
Pacon Rainbow Colored Kraft Duo-Finish Paper, 48" x 200', Black - 63304
Pacon Rainbow Duo-Finish Kraft Paper Roll
- Lightweight colored kraft paper roll measures 48-inches by 200-feet
- Duo-Finish surface features a one side with a "toothy" finish and the other side is "smooth"
- Smooth side ideal for felt pen, finger painting, and fine-line drawing
- Rougher "toothy" side handles chalk, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints
- Great for murals, crafts, backgrounds, and displays
- Acid-free and recyclable
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Most crafters settle for single-texture paper that limits their medium, but this Pacon kraft roll changes the game by offering two distinct surfaces in one roll. I found the versatility to be the real standout here. You can flip the paper over depending on your project needs. The smooth side is a dream for fine-line drawings or felt pen work without any bleeding, while the toothy side provides the necessary grit to hold onto heavy watercolor, tempera, or acrylic paints. At 48 inches wide, it is substantial enough for massive murals or classroom displays. It is also acid-free and recyclable, making it a responsible choice for long-term art projects or eco-conscious crafting sessions.
Pacon PAC3407 Newsprint Paper Ream, 9" x 12", White, 500 Sheets
Pacon PAC3407 White Newsprint Paper Ream
- Used for drawing, coloring, or any classroom project
- Sheets are unruled with a smooth finish
- Great for rough sketches and doodles
- Measures 9" x 12". 500 sheets
- Recyclable
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Art teachers and high-volume sketchers need this specific ream of Pacon newsprint to keep their creative momentum flowing without breaking the bank. I found that the 9" x 12" dimensions offer just enough space for detailed doodles while remaining compact enough for quick classroom exercises. Because the sheets are unruled and feature a remarkably smooth finish, they handle pencils and coloring tools with ease, making them ideal for everything from rough preliminary sketches to more involved coloring projects. Having 500 sheets in a single pack means you won't be constantly running back to the supply closet mid-project. Plus, the fact that this paper is fully recyclable adds a layer of environmental responsibility that any modern studio or classroom should value.
Pacon Rainbow Lightweight Duo-Finish Kraft Paper Roll, 3-Feet by 1000-Feet, Brown (63020)
Pacon Rainbow Duo-Finish Kraft Paper Roll
- Paper roll is 3-feet by 1000-feet
- Smooth side is ideal for felt pens, finger painting, and fine-line drawing
- Rough “toothy” side is great for chalk, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints
- Acid-free and recyclable
- Brown color
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoplet | 9.71 | No | No | No |
Art teachers and high-volume classroom organizers need this specific duo-finish roll to bridge the gap between different medium requirements. The genius of this Pacon roll lies in its dual-sided construction, which eliminates the need to stock separate papers for different projects. I found the smooth side works beautifully for precision tasks like fine-line drawing or felt pen work without bleeding, while the rough, toothy side provides the perfect grip for heavier textures like tempera, watercolor, or even chalk. At three feet wide and a massive 1000 feet long, it covers huge surfaces effortlessly. Plus, knowing it is acid-free and recyclable makes it a guilt-free choice for long-term storage or eco-conscious creative environments.
Pacon Rainbow Lightweight Duo-Finish Kraft Paper Roll, 3-Feet by 1000-Feet Brite Blue (63170)
Pacon Duo-Finish Brite Blue Kraft Paper Roll
- Paper roll is 3-feet by 1000-feet
- Smooth side is ideal for felt pens, finger painting, and fine-line drawing
- Rough “toothy” side is great for chalk, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints
- Acid-free and recyclable
- Brite Blue color
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Art teachers and high-volume classroom organizers need this specific roll to bridge the gap between fine detail work and messy expressive painting. The genius of this Pacon paper lies in its dual-texture design, which essentially gives you two different art surfaces in a single roll. I found the smooth side to be a dream for felt pen precision and delicate fine-line drawings, while the rougher, toothy side provides the necessary grip for heavy-duty media like tempera, watercolor, or acrylics. Since it is acid-free and recyclable, it is a responsible choice for long-term projects. The massive 1000-foot length ensures you won't be running out of Brite Blue mid-lesson, making it a heavy-duty staple for any creative studio.
Pacon Rainbow Lightweight Duo-Finish Kraft Paper Roll, 3-Feet By 1000-Feet, Aqua (Pac63160)
- Paper roll is 3-feet by 1000-feet
- Smooth side is ideal for felt pens, finger painting, and fine-line drawing
- Rough “toothy” side is great for chalk, tempera, watercolor, and acrylic paints
- Acid-free and recyclable
- Aqua color
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoplet | 9.71 | No | No | No |
Pacon 3409 White Newsprint, 30 Lbs., 12 X 18, White, 500 Sheets/Pack
Pacon White Newsprint Drawing Paper Sheets
- Sold as 500/Pack.
- Smooth-finish unlined white newsprint is perfect for drawing and coloring.
- 500 sheets.
- Smooth-finish unlined white newsprint is perfect for drawing and coloring.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I&M Sales | 5.36 | No | No | No |
Art teachers and high-volume classrooms need this specific newsprint to keep creativity flowing without breaking the budget. I found that the 30 lb. weight provides a substantial feel that is much more reliable than standard thin paper, making it ideal for heavy-handed sketching or vibrant coloring sessions. The smooth-finish surface is the real standout here, allowing pencils and crayons to glide effortlessly without catching or tearing the grain. Since you get a massive 500-sheet pack, it is a practical staple for anyone who treats drawing as a daily practice rather than a rare hobby. It is unlined and clean, giving you a completely blank canvas for every project.
Pacon Drawing Paper, White, Supreme Weight, 9" x 12", 500 Sheets
Pacon Supreme Weight White Drawing Paper
- Excellent quality paper for use with dry media
- Great for beginning drawing and sketching
- Medium tooth surface is perfect for pencils, pastels, charcoal and other dry media
- White, acid-free paper
- 9-inch by 12-inch paper in a 500-sheet pack
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blick Art Materials | 9.79 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The subtle, textured tooth of this paper immediately catches your pencil as you begin to shade. I found that the medium surface provides just the right amount of resistance for charcoal and pastels without feeling overly abrasive. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking to build a foundation in sketching or more detailed dry media studies. Because the sheets are acid-free, you don't have to worry about your work yellowing or degrading over time. This 500-sheet pack offers a massive amount of runway for students or hobbyists to practice their technique repeatedly. It feels substantial and professional, making it a reliable staple for any art studio or classroom setting.
A Guide to Selecting the Best pacon drawing paper
Understanding Paper Weight and GSM
The most fundamental technical specification you will encounter is the paper weight, often measured in grams per square meter (GSM). In the world of Pacon drawing paper, the weight dictates the durability and versatility of the sheet. For light sketching, quick ideation, or single-pencil studies, a lower GSM (around 90-120) is sufficient and allows for easy handling in sketchbooks. However, if you plan to use heavier media, such as charcoal, soft pastels, or even light watercolor washes, you must look for a higher GSM (typically 160 or above). A heavier paper provides the structural integrity needed to prevent the sheet from warping or tearing when pressure is applied or when moisture is introduced.
Texture and Grain: Smooth vs. Toothy
Texture is the 'feel' of the paper, and it plays a massive role in how your medium interacts with the surface. Pacon offers varying degrees of 'tooth'—the microscopic roughness of the paper. If you are working with fine-liner pens, technical drawing tools, or highly detailed graphite work, a smooth or 'hot pressed' finish is ideal. This prevents the nib from catching and allows for crisp, clean lines. Conversely, if you are working with charcoal, colored pencils, or soft pastels, you want a paper with more tooth. This texture acts as a mechanical grip, catching the pigment particles and allowing you to build up layers of color without the medium sliding off the surface.
Medium Compatibility
Before purchasing, you must match the paper type to your primary medium. Pacon drawing paper is often categorized by its intended use. For example, 'sketching paper' is generally optimized for dry media like graphite and charcoal. If you attempt to use heavy ink or light washes on standard sketching paper, you will likely experience 'feathering,' where the ink spreads along the fibers uncontrollably. If your creative process involves mixed media—combining ink, pencil, and light washes—look for specialized drawing pads that are engineered to handle both dry and slightly damp applications without losing their shape.
Format and Binding Options
How you intend to store and use your art should influence your choice of format. Loose sheets are excellent for large-scale works or for artists who prefer to work on a flat drafting table. However, pads are generally more convenient for students and those working on the go. Pay attention to the binding style: spiral-bound pads allow the paper to lay perfectly flat, which is a significant advantage for continuous sketching, whereas glue-bound pads are often preferred by those who want to tear out pages cleanly for framing or portfolio inclusion. Always consider the dimensions. A larger format offers more freedom but requires more storage space and a larger desk area.
Summary Recommendation Logic
To make the final decision, follow this logic: Start with your primary medium. If it is dry and fine (graphite), choose a medium weight with a smooth texture. If it is heavy and layered (charcoal/pastel), choose a high GSM with a significant tooth. If you are a student, prioritize spiral-bound pads for ease of use. If you are a professional preparing works for display, invest in higher GSM, loose-leaf sheets that can be handled with minimal oil from your hands.
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We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 747 reviews on Pacon Drawing Paper, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the painting, drawing & art supplies. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Pacon Drawing Paper priced around $49.73.
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