Hammermill Colored Paper 11 x 17 Orchid Ream - Pastel 20 lb

In this review of Hammermill Colored Paper 11 x 17 in orchid, the bottom line is simple: this is a dependable pastel copy paper for classroom projects, flyers and color-coded office work. The single biggest reason to buy is consistent print performance with a smooth surface and high opacity that reduces show-through, so color-heavy designs and text stay legible when run through standard office printers. It arrives as a full 500-sheet ream of 20 lb paper made in the USA with 30% recycled fiber, which adds an eco-conscious benefit without sacrificing usability.

Key Features

• Pastel orchid shade: The light purple color provides visual appeal for newsletters, flyers and craft projects while remaining subtle enough for printed text and graphics.
• 20 lb weight: This weight gives a familiar office-paper feel that feeds well through home and workplace imaging equipment without frequent jams.
• Smooth surface: A smooth, even finish produces consistent ink absorption and sharp toner results for laser and inkjet printers.
• High opacity: Minimal show-through keeps two-sided printing readable and reduces the need for heavier stock for many applications.
• 30% recycled fiber: Contains recycled content for a smaller environmental footprint while still performing like standard copy paper.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured under Forest Stewardship Council practices, supporting sustainably managed forests and quality control.

Who It's For

This paper is best for teachers preparing classroom handouts, small businesses making attention-grabbing flyers, and offices that use color-coding for organization. It suits users who want an easy-to-feed 11 x 17 sheet that prints reliably on common copiers and desktop printers.

Those who need very heavy or premium cardstock for invitations, photographic prints, or long-term archival documents should look elsewhere, since 20 lb stock is optimized for everyday printing and craft uses rather than heavy-duty or glossy applications.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent print quality and color that many customers report prints beautifully through laser printers.
• Smooth surface and high opacity reduce show-through and help two-sided documents remain readable.
• Good value in a 500-sheet ream for classroom, office and craft uses.

Cons

• Some users find the 20 lb weight a bit thin for certain projects where a firmer cardstock is preferred.
• A few reports note mixed experiences with printer feeds on some machines, though most users see no problems.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Hammermill Colored Paper in orchid is a practical, attractively colored 11 x 17 option that balances sustainability and everyday performance. It is a strong choice for educators, small businesses and office teams who need reliable toner and ink results without moving to heavier stock, offering good value and consistent color for routine projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this paper work in laser and inkjet printers?
Yes. The smooth surface and 20 lb weight are designed to run efficiently through most home and office imaging equipment, including laser and inkjet machines.

Is the color suitable for two-sided printing?
Yes. The paper has relatively high opacity and minimal show-through, making two-sided printing readable for many document types.

Is this paper environmentally friendly?
It contains 30% recycled fiber and is made with FSC-certified, sustainably managed forest resources.