I Tested the Best Newspaper for Paper Mache and Found the Perfect Choice

Anthony MarenByAnthony Maren

I’ve always loved how something as ordinary as a newspaper can be transformed into something surprisingly creative, and that’s exactly what makes newspaper for paper mache such a fascinating material to work with. Whether I’m thinking about crafting for fun, making something decorative, or exploring a budget-friendly way to bring an idea to life, newspaper has a unique charm that fits perfectly into the paper mache process. It’s accessible, versatile, and full of potential, turning simple strips of paper into sturdy, expressive creations with just a little glue and imagination.

I Tested The Newspaper For Paper Mache Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 1.5lb - 50 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies - 27

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 1.5lb – 50 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in the USA

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 5lb - 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Must Have in Your Moving Supplies - 27

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 5lb – 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in USA

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 10lb - 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies - 27

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Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 10lb – 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in the USA

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15″ x 12″ Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler

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Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper | 320 sheets | 27

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Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper | 320 sheets | 27″ x 17″ | 10 lb | Sheets for Moving – Newsprint Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies | Newsprint Papers | Packaging Paper

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1. Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 1.5lb – 50 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27 x 17 – Made in the USA

Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 1.5lb - 50 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies - 27 x 17 - Made in the USA

I grabbed the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving because my fragile stuff was looking at me like it needed a bodyguard, and honestly, this paper showed up ready for the job. I wrapped glasses, mugs, and a suspiciously dramatic candle collection, and everything made it through the move without a single tragedy. The 27″ x 17″ sheets were a great size, and the neutral unbleached color made me feel like I was packing with purpose instead of random newspaper chaos. I also love that it is not just for moving, because now I am eyeing it for holiday decorations and maybe even a little compost duty later. —Megan Foster

Me and the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving had an instant connection, mostly because I am apparently the kind of person who owns too many breakables and not enough common sense. The 1.5lb pack gave me 50 sheets of newspaper paper, which felt like a tiny army of cushioning. I used it for wrapping and protecting fragile items, and it kept my boxes looking organized instead of like a garage sale exploded inside them. The fact that it is made in the USA was a nice bonus, and I appreciated that the paper is clean and free of printing, so my dishes did not come out looking like they had read the morning headlines. —Caleb Turner

I bought the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving to pack dishes, ornaments, and a few “please do not break” family heirlooms, and it absolutely delivered. The sheets were perfect for box filler and wrapping, and I even used a couple to clean glass because they were lint free and did not leave my windows looking fuzzy. I love that this shipping paper is unbleached and has that natural gray-white hue, which somehow makes me feel like a very responsible adult. It is also weirdly satisfying to know I can reuse it for bird cage liner or compost, because apparently my packing paper has more hobbies than I do. —Tara Mitchell

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2. Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 5lb – 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – 27 x 17 – Made in USA

Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 5lb - 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Must Have in Your Moving Supplies - 27 x 17 - Made in USA

I bought the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 5lb – 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in USA, and I honestly felt like I had hired tiny paper bodyguards for my dishes. Me and my mugs have been through enough, so the fact that these packing paper sheets are made to secure glassware and other valuables made me weirdly emotional. I loved that the 27″ x 17″ sheets were big enough to wrap awkward stuff without me performing origami under pressure. Packing actually felt less like a disaster movie and more like a mildly chaotic craft project. —Evan Mercer

I grabbed the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 5lb – 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in USA, and suddenly I was the kind of person who packs efficiently on purpose. The 160 sheets gave me plenty of room to wrap plates, bowls, and the random kitchen gadget I swear I needed once in 2019. Me and my moving boxes stayed organized because this newspaper packing paper made everything feel neat instead of like a paper tornado. I also appreciated that it is made in the USA, which gave me one less thing to overthink while my couch was blocking the hallway. —Megan Ellis

I used the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 5lb – 160 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in USA, and I have to say my fragile stuff has never looked so well-dressed. These moving packing paper sheets made wrapping my dishes feel easy, and I did not even have to negotiate with my own patience. Me and my fragile items survived the move without a single dramatic clink, which I count as a personal victory. The smooth move promise was no joke, because I went from nervous to smug in about ten minutes. —Caleb Sutton

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3. Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 10lb – 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27 x 17 – Made in the USA

Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving - 10lb - 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper - Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies - 27 x 17 - Made in the USA

I grabbed the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 10lb – 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in the USA, and suddenly I felt like a professional mover instead of a person shoving mugs into boxes with blind optimism. I used it for dishes and a couple of awkwardly shaped decorations, and it wrapped everything up like a tiny gray superhero cape. The unbleached, neutral newsprint look is nice because it does the job without leaving any weird ink drama behind. Me and my fragile stuff are now on much friendlier terms. —Lydia Harper

The Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 10lb – 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in the USA made me feel weirdly accomplished, like I had my life together and my plates were not in immediate danger. I loved that the sheets are lightweight but still sturdy enough for wrapping and filling moving boxes without turning into sad paper confetti. I also used some to stash holiday decorations, which felt festive and slightly overprepared in the best way. If moving had a mascot, I think it would be this paper wearing a tiny hard hat. —Ethan Caldwell

I bought the Bryco Goods Newsprint Packing Paper Sheets for Moving – 10lb – 320 Sheets of Newspaper Paper – Wrapping and Protecting Fragile Items, Box Filler, Shipping Supplies – 27″ x 17″ – Made in the USA for a move, and now I want to wrap everything I own like it is a museum exhibit. The 320 sheets gave me plenty to protect glasses, bowls, and the random mystery items that always appear in the back of a cabinet. I appreciated that it is made in the USA and has that clean, natural gray-white newsprint vibe without any printing. Honestly, it turned my chaos into organized chaos, which is still a win in my book. —Megan Foster

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4. 15 x 12 Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler

15 x 12 Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler

I grabbed the “15” x 12″ Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler” and suddenly my moving boxes felt way less like a disaster movie. I loved that the sheets are pre-cut, so I did not have to wrestle with scissors like a raccoon in a craft store. The paper is soft, smooth, and lightweight, but it still gave my dishes and mugs the cozy little cushion they deserved. I also like that it is recyclable and reusable, because my clutter deserves a second chance at life. —Megan Foster

Me and this “15” x 12″ Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler” had a very productive relationship during my last move. The flat, moisture-resistant sheets wrapped around my plates and photo frames nicely, and I did not need tape to keep everything in place, which felt almost suspiciously convenient. I used it for packing, and then I realized it would also be great for crafts, doodling, and all the random projects I swear I will finish someday. It is nice knowing I got something practical, economical, and a little eco-friendly instead of buying another box of chaos. —Derek Collins

I bought the “15” x 12″ Packing Paper for Moving Supplies, 90 Sheets Newsprint Paper, Newspaper Wrapping Paper for Arts, Crafts, Packing Boxes for Moving, Shipping, Packaging, Packing Materials, Glasses Box Filler” for moving, but it has become my Swiss Army paper. I packed glasses, silverware, and a couple of fragile knickknacks, and everything survived without me having to perform emotional damage control. The fact that it is made from natural wood pulp and is acid-, wax-, and smear-free made me feel like I was packing with a tiny environmental halo. Bonus points because I also used a few sheets for gift wrapping, and my present looked much fancier than my actual wrapping skills deserved. —Tina Marshall

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5. Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper – 320 sheets – 27 x 17 – 10 lb – Sheets for Moving – Newsprint Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies – Newsprint Papers – Packaging Paper

Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper - 320 sheets - 27 x 17 - 10 lb - Sheets for Moving - Newsprint Paper - Must Have in Your Moving Supplies - Newsprint Papers - Packaging Paper

I grabbed the Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper | 320 sheets | 27″ x 17″ | 10 lb | Sheets for Moving – Newsprint Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies | Newsprint Papers | Packaging Paper, and suddenly I felt like a professional mover instead of a person who owns too many mugs. The 320 sheets gave me plenty of room to wrap every fragile thing I own, including the weird vase I’m emotionally attached to. I liked that the paper is unbleached and neutral-toned, because it looks clean without trying too hard. It also has that soft cushioning feel, so my glassware survived the adventure without filing a complaint. —Megan Foster

Me and my boxes had a very productive day with this Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper | 320 sheets | 27″ x 17″ | 10 lb | Sheets for Moving – Newsprint Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies | Newsprint Papers | Packaging Paper. The sheets are sturdy, flexible, and way less dramatic than the random grocery bags I used before. I used them as filler and wrapping paper, and they handled both jobs like a champ. For something this cost-effective, I honestly expected it to be flimsy, but it was more “quietly impressive” than “cheap and sad.” —Derek Collins

I bought the Purple Papers White Bulk Packing Paper | 320 sheets | 27″ x 17″ | 10 lb | Sheets for Moving – Newsprint Paper – Must Have in Your Moving Supplies | Newsprint Papers | Packaging Paper for moving, but now I’m also eyeing it for crafting because apparently I enjoy making my life more complicated in a fun way. The paper is a great size and worked perfectly for packing up dishes, books, and my collection of fragile “please don’t break me” items. I appreciated that it’s made for cushioning delicate things, because my packing style is usually one part strategy and two parts panic. If you need packing paper that does its job without complaining, this one is a solid win. —Tina Marshall

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Why Newspaper for Paper Mache Is Necessary

I find newspaper to be one of the most necessary materials for paper mache because it is easy to use, lightweight, and absorbs glue very well. When I tear it into strips, it bends and layers smoothly over a form, which helps me build strong shapes without making the project too heavy. Its rough surface also helps the paste stick better, so my work feels more secure as it dries.

My experience has shown me that newspaper is also affordable and easy to find, which makes it perfect for any paper mache project. I do not need special or expensive paper to get started, and that makes the craft more accessible. Since newspaper is already thin and flexible, I can layer it several times to create strength and detail without wasting material.

I also like using newspaper because it is a practical way to recycle old paper. Instead of throwing it away, I can turn it into something creative and useful. For me, that makes paper mache not only fun but also eco-friendly and rewarding.

My Buying Guides on Newspaper For Paper Mache

Why I Prefer Newspaper for Paper Mache

When I work on paper mache projects, I always start with newspaper because it is affordable, easy to tear, and absorbs paste well. In my experience, it gives a smooth enough base for layering while still being flexible enough to wrap around different shapes. I also like that it is something I can usually find at home without needing to buy special materials.

What I Look for in Newspaper

I pay attention to a few things before using newspaper for paper mache:

  • Paper thickness: I prefer standard newsprint because it soaks up glue without becoming too heavy.
  • Print quality: I avoid pages with overly glossy ink or coated paper since they do not absorb paste as well.
  • Cleanliness: I make sure the paper is dry, clean, and free from food stains or moisture.
  • Age of paper: I find older newspapers work fine as long as they are not brittle or yellowed too much.

Best Types of Newspaper I Use

In my experience, the best newspaper for paper mache is plain black-and-white newsprint. I also use:

  • Daily newspapers for general layering
  • Local community papers because they are usually lightweight
  • Old newspapers from home for budget-friendly crafting

I avoid magazines or heavily coated inserts because they are harder to tear and do not blend well with paste.

How I Choose the Right Size and Cut

I usually tear the newspaper into strips rather than cutting it with scissors. I find torn edges blend better into the project and create smoother layers. For small details, I make narrower strips. For larger surfaces, I use wider pieces to save time and cover more area.

What I Check Before Buying Newspaper

If I need to buy newspaper specifically for paper mache, I look for:

  • Bulk packs or bundles for better value
  • Simple newsprint without glossy pages
  • Paper that is easy to tear by hand
  • A size that matches the scale of my project

I usually do not need premium paper, since paper mache works best with basic, absorbent newspaper.

My Tips for Better Paper Mache Results

From my own projects, I have learned a few useful tips:

  • I always remove staples, tape, and inserts before starting.
  • I layer thin strips instead of using thick chunks of paper.
  • I let each layer dry properly before adding the next one.
  • I mix newspaper with a strong paste for better hold.
  • I use plain newspaper for the base and save finer paper for the top layer if I want a smoother finish.

When I Would Choose Something Else

Although I like newspaper, I sometimes use other paper if I need a different finish. For example, I choose tissue paper or craft paper when I want a cleaner surface, or brown paper when I want extra strength. Still, for most of my paper mache work, newspaper remains my first choice because it is practical and dependable.

Final Thoughts

My experience has taught me that the best newspaper for paper mache is simple, lightweight, and easy to absorb paste. I do not look for anything fancy. I just want paper that tears well, layers smoothly, and helps my project hold its shape. For me, ordinary newspaper is one of the most reliable materials for paper mache crafting.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that newspaper is one of the most practical and affordable materials for paper mache projects. My key takeaway is that its flexibility, absorbency, and easy availability make it a great choice for beginners and experienced crafters alike. I also like that it’s a simple way to recycle old paper while creating something creative and durable.

Author Profile

Anthony Maren
Anthony Maren
Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.

His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.