The paper has the color of paper grocery bags. But, it seems more easily penetrated. It tore very easily with incidental contact when I was removing the soffits. It looks like it is "waxed". As a side note, it is a poor vapor barrier. It is not a very good job of it being installed - gaps, seams not taped, or in the case of above the sink window - just the pink stuff - no paper backing at all. Real amateur, cheap job.