Hammermill Colored Paper 11 x 17 Gray 20 lb Ream - Reliable Pastel

In this review of Hammermill Colored Paper 11 x 17 gray, the bottom line is practical: it is a dependable pastel sheet for anyone who needs larger-format colored paper that prints consistently. The single biggest reason to buy is its balance of usable weight and a smooth, high-opacity surface that reduces show-through, making it suitable for newsletters, flyers and classroom projects that require a professional look without specialty stocks.

Key Features

• Dependable printing: The 20 lb gray paper runs efficiently through most home and office imaging equipment so copies and laser prints feed without frequent jams.
• Smooth surface: A smooth, even face delivers clear text and graphics with minimal texture interference for sharper printed results.
• High opacity: The sheet has minimal show-through, which keeps two-sided materials readable and gives color blocks more visual impact.
• 30% recycled fiber: Contains recycled content for users who want a more sustainable option without sacrificing day-to-day performance.
• Large format: The 11 in x 17 in size is convenient for ledger prints, posters and foldable flyers that need extra space compared with letter-size paper.

Who It's For

Hammermill 11 x 17 gray pastel paper suits office teams, teachers and designers who need a heavier-than-basic copy sheet that still runs well on common printers and high-speed digital machines. It is a sensible choice for schools creating handouts, administrators preparing reports, and small businesses producing internal flyers or color-coded forms.

Those who need heavyweight cardstock, archival permanence, or very high ink saturation for photo reproduction should look elsewhere; this product is best used where a smooth 20 lb sheet and modest opacity are sufficient rather than a specialty photo or card stock.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good print quality on lasers and ink devices thanks to a smooth surface and stable weight.
• Attractive pastel gray color that enhances readability and design without overpowering printed content.
• Contains 30% recycled fiber and is FSC certified, supporting more sustainable sourcing.
• Large 11 in x 17 in format expands layout options for posters and foldouts.

Cons

• At 20 lb some users may find the sheet thinner than expected compared with heavier specialty papers.
• Not intended as photo or heavy card stock for projects requiring thick, rigid pages.

Specifications

Brand	Hammermill
Color	Pastel gray
Sheet size	11 in x 17 in
Weight	20 lb
Sheets per ream	500
Recycled content	30% recycled fiber
Sustainability	FSC certified, made in the USA

Our Verdict

Hammermill Colored Paper 11 x 17 gray is a practical, value-minded choice for offices, schools and small businesses that need a smooth, larger-format pastel sheet that prints reliably. It offers good opacity and consistent feed through a variety of equipment, making it a smart pick when you want better-than-basic colored copy without stepping up to cardstock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this paper run in a standard office laser printer?
Yes, the paper is designed to run efficiently through most home and office imaging equipment, including laser printers and copiers.

Is the gray color prone to show-through on double-sided prints?
The sheet has a high opacity and minimal show-through, so two-sided printing remains readable for typical text and graphics.

Is this product environmentally friendly?
It contains 30% recycled fiber and is FSC certified, indicating sustainable sourcing and manufacturing in the USA.