
( Brand: Sax ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 085250 ), ( Part Type: Paper ), ( UPC: 885634068028 ), ( Gtin: 00885634068028 )
The **Sax 085250 School Smart 85250 Newsprint Drawing Paper** is a versatile and high-quality art supply designed to inspire creativity in students, artists, and educators alike. This pack contains **30 sheets** of **8 " x 11"** newsprint paper, a standard size that perfectly accommodates classroom projects, sketching, and preliminary drawings. Crafted from **100% recycled newsprint**, this paper offers a smooth yet slightly textured surface that allows for effortless blending, shading, and layering ideal for developing foundational techniques in drawing, painting, and mixed-media art. Its neutral, off-white tone provides a clean canvas that won t compete with vibrant colors, making it an excellent choice for underdrawings, thumbnails, or practice studies before transferring designs to finer art paper. The durable, slightly thicker stock ensures stability during erasing, smudging, and repeated use, reducing the risk of tearing while still maintaining a lightweight feel for easy handling. Whether used in a structured classroom setting or for independent artistic exploration, this paper fosters a hands-on approach to learning, encouraging experimentation with media like charcoal, graphite, markers, or watercolor. Its affordability and sustainability make it a practical addition to any art supply collection, bridging the gap between casual sketching and more polished final pieces. Perfect for students of all ages, this newsprint paper is a reliable companion for sketching ideas, refining compositions, or simply enjoying the process of creative expression without pressure.
### **Pros and Cons of buying a Sax 085250 School Smart 85250 Newsprint Drawing Paper (30 Sheets, 8.5 x 11 Inches)**
#### **Pros:**1. **High-Quality Newsprint Surface** The paper is designed for drawing, making it ideal for sketching, charcoal, and pencil work. Its slightly textured surface provides a good grip for graphite and charcoal, reducing smudging compared to smoother papers.
2. **Durable and Archival** Newsprint is known for its durability, making it suitable for long-term storage of artwork. It resists yellowing better than some other paper types, though it may still degrade over time if exposed to light or moisture.
3. **Affordable for Bulk Use** At 30 sheets, this pack offers good value for students, artists, or professionals who need a steady supply of drawing paper without breaking the bank.
4. **Standard Size (8.5 x 11 inches)** The dimensions match common printer and sketchbook sizes, making it easy to use in classrooms, studios, or home setups without needing special frames or adjustments.
5. **Versatile for Multiple Mediums** While primarily newsprint, it can handle light inking, markers, and pastels (though heavy watercolors or acrylics may bleed through). It s a solid choice for preliminary sketches and studies.
6. **Brand Reputation** Sax is a well-known manufacturer of art supplies, ensuring consistent quality and reliability in their products.
7. **Good for Practice and Studies** Since newsprint is inexpensive, it s excellent for practicing techniques, testing compositions, or creating quick studies before committing to more expensive paper.
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#### **Cons:**1. **Not Ideal for Fine Art or Professional Work** While functional, newsprint lacks the tooth (texture) and weight of higher-quality art papers like Bristol or watercolor paper. It may not hold up well under detailed inking, airbrushing, or heavy layering.
2. **Prone to Smudging** The slightly rough surface can cause graphite or charcoal to smudge easily, especially if the paper is handled frequently or exposed to moisture.
3. **Limited Colorfastness** If using colored pencils, markers, or inks, the colors may not be as vibrant or long-lasting as on coated or acid-free papers. Some pigments may bleed or fade over time.
4. **Thin Weight (20-24 lb)** Newsprint is lightweight, which means it can bend or warp if folded repeatedly. It s not ideal for projects requiring stiffness or multiple layers.
5. **Not Acid-Free** Unlike archival-quality papers, newsprint may contain acidic components that could degrade artwork over decades, though it s still better than cheap printer paper.
6. **Limited Availability of Specialty Sizes** Since it comes in standard 8.5 x 11 inches, it won t work for projects requiring A-series or custom dimensions.
7. **Less Suitable for Wet Mediums** While it can handle light watercolor washes, heavy water-based media (e.g., gouache or acrylics) may cause warping or bleeding.
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### **Conclusion:**The **Sax 085250 School Smart 85250 newsprint drawing paper** is a practical and budget-friendly choice for students, beginners, and artists who need a reliable paper for sketching, charcoal work, or preliminary studies. Its durability, affordability, and standard size make it a solid option for everyday use, though it falls short for professional fine art or heavy-duty techniques. If you prioritize cost-effectiveness and functionality for practice over premium archival quality, this paper is a worthwhile purchase. However, for serious artists or long-term projects, investing in higher-quality paper (e.g., Bristol, watercolor, or acid-free sketch paper) would be more appropriate.
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### **Recommendation:**- **Buy it if:** You re a student, a hobbyist, or someone who needs a large quantity of affordable drawing paper for practice sketches, charcoal studies, or quick ideas. It s perfect for classrooms, art schools, or artists who want to minimize costs without sacrificing basic functionality.
- **Avoid it if:** You re working on professional artwork, detailed inking, or projects requiring archival permanence. In that case, consider upgrading to a heavier, acid-free paper like **Strathmore 400 Series** or **Canson XL Mixed Media** for better longevity and texture.
- **Alternative Consideration:** If you occasionally use this paper for more demanding projects, pair it with a small pack of **Strathmore Toned Bristol** or **Fabriano Artistico** for critical work while keeping the newsprint for practice.
For most casual or educational uses, the Sax paper strikes a good balance between price and performance.
Newsprint from School Smart is an ideal choice for practice drawing, sketching, block printing, and many other art projects. Recommended Uses For Product: Drawing, Sketching, Writing. Color: White. This drawing paper Haas traditional off-white color and a plain blank surface for illustrating with crayons, pencil, ink, or watercolor.
This type of paper also provides lightweight yet sturdy hold for packaging needs or layering. Wide ruled paper is perfect for late elementary and middle school students. Global Trade Identification Number: 28. Material: Paper.
Margin free paper allows for full page use. Brand Name: Sax. A great resource for leaving notes, writing essays or making lists. Country of origin: China.
Material Type: Paper. Paper Finish: Un coated. Sheet Size: 8.5 x 11 Inch. Manufacturer: School Specialty.
Item Type Name: Newsprint Drawing Paper. Sax School Smart - 85250 Newsprint Drawing Paper, 30 lb, 8-1/2 x 11 Inches, 500 Sheets, White: Edition: PAPER, Brand: Sax, MPN: 085250, UPC: 8, EAN: 28.