Picking the best paper for your fountain pen is like choosing the best wine for a certain cheese.
You can bring out the best qualities of your fountain pen and ink choices with the right paper.
In this video, we’ll go over what to consider when selecting fountain pen paper,
plus show you some of our top recommendations. Let’s get started!
There are six major considerations when it comes to picking fountain pen paper:
feathering, bleedthrough, showthrough, dry time, smoothness, and paper color.
Feathering is when ink soaks into the paper’s fibers, creating an unsightly “fuzzy” appearance.
High quality paper is made to resist the spread of ink along those fibers.
Because feathering and bleedthrough depend on the absorbency of the paper,
they often occur at the same time. Paper has high bleedthrough if
an ink soaks through to the other side of the page.
Showthrough is when a writing’s shadow can be seen on the opposite side of the page. It tends to be more
prevalent when using dark inks on thin paper. Thicker papers usually have less showthrough.
But on thinner papers, you can reduce showthrough by using a black shitajiki or pencil board.
Papers with slow dry times allow ink to sit on the surface, where it can be easily smudged. However,
fast dry times aren’t the best either: ink characteristics like shading and sheen
usually only appear when ink is able to dry relatively slowly.
Faster dry times often mean the paper is more absorbent, which can also be a cause of increased bleedthrough
and feathering. For general writing, use a paper that has a balanced dry time.
Fountain pens perform best on smooth papers. The fibers in rough papers can get stuck between the
tines and cause a fountain pen to write poorly. Most papers made for fountain pens
are partially coated, which ensures that the paper is smooth without extending dry times.
Some writers may prefer paper with a little bit of texture. When a paper is too slippery,
it can be hard to control your pen. Paper usually comes in two colors: white or cream.
Ink enthusiasts will likely prefer white paper, as it ensures the ink’s original colors stay true.
Some white papers are actually more of an off white, which is easier on the eyes than a bleached paper.
Cream-colored paper makes ink colors look a little different, which can add a unique twist to colors
you already have. An ivory paper can bring out the subtle tones in warm inks, like reds and browns.
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at some of our top fountain pen paper recommendations.
A journal with plenty of pages feels like a keepsake—and
you won’t run out of paper in the middle of a sentence.
We might be a little biased, but we have great reasons for mentioning the JetPens Kanso Noto. It
includes 320 pages of Tomoe River paper, renowned as one of the best papers for fountain pens.
Ink qualities like shading and sheen really stand out. At just 52 gsm, the paper is incredibly
lightweight yet highly resistant to bleedthrough. However, because the paper is so thin, there is a
lot of showthrough. Depending on your preference, you may not want to use the back of the pages.
The minimal Midori MD Notebook is another excellent option for journaling.
The paper inside is more substantial than Tomoe River Paper, suitable for those who
find showthrough too distracting.
Worth mentioning is that the Midori MD notebooks are more cream-colored than the Kanso Noto.
They come in a variety of styles and sizes, including a travel-friendly B6 Slim size
as well as the hefty 1 Day 1 Page Notebook Journal.
Writing a letter is a great way to put your pen and ink collection into use.
When you need letter paper that will impress, reach for the Pilot Letter Pad.
The elegant design and airy line spacing will give your letter a sophisticated look.
Developed specifically for fountain pens, the paper has been carefully crafted to ensure that
nibs glide across the page. Although showthrough is very low, the back of the sheet is not lined.
Matching envelopes made of the same paper are also available.
Clairefontaine has been honing the art of paper since 1858, and their dedication shows in the
quality of Triomphe Notepads. The substantial, 90 gsm paper has almost no showthrough, so you can
use both sides of the paper. Choose between A4 or A5 sizes, and blank or lined paper.
Matching envelopes feature an easy-to-seal adhesive strip on the flap.
These picks are great for students who use fountain pens to take notes.
The Tsubame Fools is an inexpensive yet high quality notebook with a retro flair.
When held to the light, the paper’s classic lattice pattern is visible.
There’s some showthrough with fountain pen inks, but not enough that we find it distracting.
The A5 notebooks are approximately the same size as standard composition notebooks,
so they fit comfortably in backpacks. If you prefer paper that’s easier on the eyes,
the Tsubame Fools also comes with cream-colored paper.
The Life Vermilion is excellent for students who find it difficult to fill up a notebook by the
end of the school year. The A6 and B6 sizes are a little smaller and contain fewer pages than
typical student notebooks. Inks won’t bleed or feather on the cream-colored paper, although they
might need a moment to dry completely. Office workers and creatives need a space
to jot down notes and ideas. These understated notebooks are sure to fit in at any meeting.
With its sophisticated looks and excellent performance, it’s no wonder we suggest the
Maruman Mnemosyne for professionals everywhere. Inks dry relatively quickly on the silky smooth
paper without feathering or bleeding. Mnemosyne notebooks come in different paper sizes,
sheet styles, and even binding types, so you can pick one that fits your needs.
The no-nonsense Rhodia DotPad is a simple and dependable notepad.
The smooth, 80 gsm paper resists bleedthrough and showthrough so you can use both sides of the page.
Plus, the micro-perforated sheets tear out cleanly without leaving behind messy edges.
The versatile dot grid is printed in a pale violet or light gray that won’t distract from what you’re writing.
Don’t forget to check out our Best Fountain Pen Paper guide for even more recommendations.
You can shop all of these items and more at JetPens.com. Thanks for watching!