I've tried all the non-chip substrates and havent' liked any of them. Newspaper, even the funnies, just lacks a certain something....as does astroturf, paper towels and butcher paper. What I have found is an excellent substrate that is easy to clean, aids in maintaining humidity and can be as ascetically pleasing as you want it to be. It's contact paper. I bought some in a green marble pattern and combined with the faux vines, Royal's palace is looking darn near authentically jungle.