The best printer paper for zines is the sheet that takes your ink without show-through and folds without cracking, because a zine lives or dies on how it feels in the hand. We compared five papers by weight, finish, brightness, sheet count and stated certifications, using only what each listing publishes.
OfficeKitHQ earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.
Quick picks
Best Overall Hammermill 24 lb Premium: 24 lb, 97 bright, ColorLok, FSC certified, made in USA Check price on Amazon
Best 22 lb HP All-In-One 22 lb: 22 lb, 96 bright, 750 sheets, ColorLok, FSC certified Check price on Amazon
Best 20 lb HP Copy and Print 20 lb: 20 lb, 92 bright, 500 sheets, ColorLok, FSC certified Check price on Amazon
Best Basic Amazon Basics 20 lb Copy: 20 lb, 92 bright, 500 sheets, smooth, acid-free Check price on Amazon
Best Glossy Koala Glossy 36 lb Inkjet: 36 lb glossy, 135gsm, 100 sheets, inkjet and dye ink Check price on Amazon
The picks
| # | Product | Office Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hammermill 24 lb Premium | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | HP All-In-One 22 lb | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | HP Copy and Print 20 lb | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | Amazon Basics 20 lb Copy | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Koala Glossy 36 lb Inkjet | 9.4/10 | Buy on Amazon |
Hammermill 24 lb Premium
A 24 lb, 97 bright uncoated paper with ColorLok and FSC certification, suited to double-sided zines that need sturdy pages.
Pros
- 24 lb weight, the heaviest uncoated stock here, for double-sided zines
- 97 brightness with ColorLok technology for sharp images
- FSC certified and made in the USA from renewable resources
- Acid-free to prevent yellowing over time
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- 500 sheets, fewer than the 750-sheet HP All-In-One
- Uncoated finish will not give the photo pop of the Koala glossy
- Heavier stock may not suit printers limited to lighter weights
Detailed Review
Hammermill lists a 24 lb premium inkjet and laser paper at 97 brightness with a blue-white shade, ColorLok technology, and 500 sheets of 8.5 by 11 paper. The listing states Forest Stewardship Council certification from sustainably managed forests, made in the USA sourcing, and acid-free paper that prevents yellowing. It weighs 5.9 pounds per ream.
Who it's for: zine makers who want the heaviest, brightest uncoated page here for double-sided printing. Who should skip it: anyone who wants glossy photo finishes or the most sheets per ream.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 76 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Weight | 24 lb |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 97 |
| Sheets | 500 |
| Finish | Uncoated |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 19 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
HP All-In-One 22 lb
A 22 lb, 96 bright smooth paper with 750 sheets and ColorLok, suited to high-volume zine runs on inkjet or laser.
Pros
- 750 sheets, the most here, for long print runs
- 22 lb weight with 96 brightness per the title
- ColorLok technology for vivid color and faster drying
- FSC certified, made in USA, and acid-free
Cons
- One contradiction: the title says 22 lb and 96 bright while the spec table says 20 lb paper and 60 brightness; we trust the title
- No warranty term is stated
- Smooth finish is less toothy than the matte HP Copy and Print for some art styles
- Heavier than basic 20 lb, so check printer weight limits
Detailed Review
HP lists an All-In-One 22 lb paper at 96 brightness with 750 sheets of 8.5 by 11, ColorLok technology, Forest Stewardship Council certification, made in USA sourcing and acid-free paper. One contradiction: the title says 22 lb and 96 bright while the spec table says 20 lb paper and 60 brightness; we trust the title and bullets. It weighs 5 pounds per mega ream.
Who it's for: zine makers printing long runs who want the most sheets with a heavier weight. Who should skip it: anyone confused by the spec table mismatch or wanting a glossy finish.
Its Office Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 75 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Weight | 22 lb (title; spec table lists 20 lb) |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 96 (title; spec table lists 60) |
| Sheets | 750 |
| Finish | Smooth |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 19 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
HP Copy and Print 20 lb
A 20 lb, 92 bright matte paper with ColorLok and FSC certification, suited to everyday text zines on any printer.
Pros
- Matte finish that takes ink well on inkjet and laser printers
- ColorLok technology for vivid colors and faster drying
- FSC certified from renewable forest resources
- Acid-free to prevent yellowing over time
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- 20 lb is the standard weight, with more show-through than the 24 lb Hammermill
- 92 bright is lower than the 96 and 97 bright picks
- 500 sheets, fewer than the 750-sheet HP All-In-One
Detailed Review
HP lists a Copy and Print 20 lb paper at 92 bright with 500 sheets of 8.5 by 11, ColorLok technology and Forest Stewardship Council certification. Each ream comes in a coated paper wrapper against moisture, and the listing states acid-free paper that prevents yellowing. It weighs 2.5 pounds per ream.
Who it's for: everyday text zines where a reliable matte 20 lb stock is enough. Who should skip it: makers who want heavier pages or higher brightness.
Its Office Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 72 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Weight | 20 lb |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 92 |
| Sheets | 500 |
| Finish | Matte |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 19 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Amazon Basics 20 lb Copy
A 20 lb, 92 bright smooth paper with 500 jam-free sheets, suited to basic black-and-white zines where standard stock is fine.
Pros
- Smooth 20 lb stock for consistent ink and toner distribution
- 92 bright white (92 GE; 104 Euro) for crisp printing
- Acid-free to prevent yellowing, and recyclable
- 500 sheets, listed as jam-free
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- No certification is stated, unlike the FSC picks
- 20 lb shows more through the page than the heavier picks
- No ColorLok or stated color technology
Detailed Review
Amazon Basics lists a multipurpose 20 lb copy paper at 92 bright with 500 sheets of 8.5 by 11, a smooth finish for consistent ink and toner distribution, quick drying and jam-free running. The listing states acid-free virgin paper that prevents yellowing and recyclable material. It weighs 5 pounds per ream.
Who it's for: basic black-and-white zines where the standard 20 lb stock is fine. Who should skip it: makers who want certifications, heavier pages or glossy finishes.
Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 27/35, build 19/25, value 21/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 67 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Weight | 20 lb |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 92 |
| Sheets | 500 |
| Finish | Smooth |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 19 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Koala Glossy 36 lb Inkjet
A 36 lb (135gsm) thin glossy paper, single-sided for inkjet and dye ink, suited to zine covers and photo pages.
Pros
- Glossy finish for brilliant colors and sharp details
- 36 lb (135gsm) weight with fast drying and no smudging stated
- Made for inkjet printers with dye ink, ideal for photo pages
- 100 sheets sized 8.5 by 11 for covers and inserts
Cons
- Single-sided only, so it cannot carry a double-sided zine interior
- Inkjet and dye ink only; not for laser printers
- The listing warns the thin type may not suit every need
- No warranty term or certification is stated
Detailed Review
Koala lists a thin glossy inkjet paper at 36 lb (135gsm) with 100 sheets of 8.5 by 11, single-sided printing, fast drying and no smudging. The listing states it works with inkjet printers and dye ink only, and warns buyers to confirm the thin type meets their needs before purchasing.
Who it's for: zine covers and photo inserts where a glossy finish matters. Who should skip it: anyone printing double-sided interiors or using a laser printer.
Its Office Score of 9.4/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 0/10 and warranty 0/5: 66 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Weight | 36 lb (135gsm) |
|---|---|
| Sheets | 100 |
| Finish | Glossy |
| Sides | Single-sided |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 19 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. This product does not plug in or run on a battery, so safety is not part of its score. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Assemble and use the product as the maker describes, stay under any stated capacity, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Compare the picks
| Paper | Office Score | Weight | Brightness | Sheets | Finish | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammermill 24 lb Premium | 9.6/10 | 24 lb | 97 | 500 | Uncoated | View on Amazon |
| HP All-In-One 22 lb | 9.6/10 | 22 lb | 96 | 750 | Smooth | View on Amazon |
| HP Copy and Print 20 lb | 9.5/10 | 20 lb | 92 | 500 | Matte | View on Amazon |
| Amazon Basics 20 lb Copy | 9.4/10 | 20 lb | 92 | 500 | Smooth | View on Amazon |
| Koala Glossy 36 lb Inkjet | 9.4/10 | 36 lb | Not stated | 100 | Glossy | View on Amazon |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 19 October 2026.
How we scored them
The Office Score weighs performance (print quality and suitability for zines), build, value, safety and warranty. For printer paper, safety means stated certifications such as FSC. Three of the five state FSC certification, and none states a warranty term. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Office Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammermill 24 lb Premium | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| HP All-In-One 22 lb | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| HP Copy and Print 20 lb | 9.5 | 27 | 20 | 20 | 5 | 0 |
| Amazon Basics 20 lb Copy | 9.4 | 27 | 19 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Koala Glossy 36 lb Inkjet | 9.4 | 28 | 19 | 19 | 0 | 0 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
How to choose the best printer paper for zines
Weight: 20 lb vs heavier stock
Standard copy paper is 20 lb, like the Amazon Basics and HP Copy and Print here, and it works for text-heavy zines. Stepping up to the 22 lb HP All-In-One or the 24 lb Hammermill gives a sturdier page with less show-through for double-sided printing. The Koala glossy is 36 lb (135gsm) but thin and single-sided, so it suits covers better than interiors. Check our printer guides for matching paper to your machine.
Finish: matte, uncoated or glossy
Finish decides how the ink sits. The Hammermill is uncoated, the HP Copy and Print is matte, the Amazon Basics and HP All-In-One are smooth, and the Koala is glossy on one side. Glossy makes photos pop but usually needs an inkjet: the Koala states inkjet printers and dye ink only. Uncoated and matte stocks take both inkjet and laser. For glossy craft printing, our best printer for glossy sticker paper guide covers compatible machines.
| Paper | Weight | Finish | Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammermill Premium | 24 lb | Uncoated | 500 |
| HP All-In-One | 22 lb | Smooth | 500 |
| HP Copy and Print | 20 lb | Matte | 500 |
| Amazon Basics | 20 lb | Smooth | 500 |
| Koala Glossy | 36 lb | Glossy, single-sided | 100 |
Brightness and color
Brightness runs 92 on the Amazon Basics and HP Copy and Print, 96 on the HP All-In-One title and 97 on the Hammermill, so the heavier picks are also the brightest. Both HP papers and the Hammermill list ColorLok technology, which the makers say gives more vivid color and faster drying. If your zine is mostly black text, brightness matters less than weight.
Sheet count and certifications
The HP All-In-One gives 750 sheets, the Amazon Basics, HP Copy and Print and Hammermill give 500, and the Koala gives 100. The HP papers and the Hammermill state FSC certification from sustainably managed forests, and all three plus the Amazon Basics state acid-free paper that resists yellowing. For handmade books and journals, see our best printer for junk journaling guide.
Setup Notes
- Check your printer’s supported paper weights before buying heavier stock; the Koala glossy states inkjet printers and dye ink only.
- Keep the ream in its wrapper until use; the HP paper uses a coated wrapper to protect sheets from moisture.
- Fan the stack and run a few trial sheets first when switching weights or finishes.
- For double-sided zines, heavier stock like the 24 lb Hammermill reduces show-through.
- Store opened reams flat in a dry spot so sheets stay flat for folding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight paper is best for zines?
20 lb is the standard copy weight and works for text zines. The 22 lb HP All-In-One and 24 lb Hammermill give sturdier pages for double-sided printing, while the 36 lb Koala glossy suits covers.
Can I use glossy paper in a laser printer?
Not this one. The Koala glossy states it works with inkjet printers and dye ink only. The uncoated, matte and smooth picks are listed for both inkjet and laser printers.
Is this paper double-sided?
The Koala glossy is single-sided. The other four are uncoated, matte or smooth multipurpose stocks listed for double-sided printing, with heavier weights showing less through the page.
What does FSC certified mean?
The HP papers and the Hammermill state Forest Stewardship Council certification, which the listings describe as sourcing from third-party certified, sustainably managed forests.
How many sheets do I get?
The HP All-In-One lists 750 sheets, the Amazon Basics, HP Copy and Print and Hammermill list 500 sheets each, and the Koala glossy lists 100 sheets.
Related guides
See every printer guide and all office machines and storage guides. Also see our best printer for glossy sticker paper. Also see our best printer for junk journaling. Also see our best printer for cardstock printing. Also see our best printer for black and white printing.
More picks: printers for graphics and photos, printers for pictures at home, label makers and shredders.
