If you write in a journal or bullet journal, you may have experienced the ink from your pen actually going through the paper. Unlike ghosting, where you can only see a faint shadow of the text on the other side, bleed-through means the ink penetrates completely through the page.
Bleed-through is one of the most common problems encountered when working with journaling, planners, and creative notebooks. It can be frustrating, especially if you want to use both sides of the paper in your journal. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the risk. When you understand why bleed-through occurs, it becomes much easier to avoid it.
Bleed-through
Bleed-through means that the ink from your pen seeps through the paper, becoming visible on the reverse side. In some cases, the ink can even mark the next page in your notebook.
This typically happens when the paper is quite thin, or when a pen deposits a lot of ink. The more ink the paper has to absorb, the greater the risk of it bleeding through.
The concept is therefore often used in connection with journaling, bullet journals, planners and creative notebooks.
Bleed-through vs ghosting
Bleed-through is often confused with ghosting, but there is an important difference.
Ghosting means that you can see a faint shadow of the text through the paper. The ink is still on the original page and has not bled through the paper.
With bleed-through, however, the ink has penetrated completely through the page.
If you want to read more about ghosting, you can also read our guide to How to avoid ghosting in your journal.
Bleed-through vs feathering
Another term you sometimes encounter is feathering. This describes when the ink spreads into the paper, making the lines look a bit “feathery”.
Feathering doesn't necessarily mean the ink goes through the paper, but it can still affect how the text or drawing looks.
Bleed-through occurs because the ink from the front of the page has transferred through to the back. This can be due to the paper being too thin or the ink being too wet.
There are typically three things that determine whether you experience bleed-through in your journal.
paper thickness
Type of pen or marker
how much ink the pen dispenses
Paper with a low GSM will generally have a higher risk of bleed-through than thicker paper.
However, it is not only the thickness of the paper that matters. Some pens use far more ink than others, and therefore two different pens can behave very differently on the same paper.
Choose paper with a higher GSM
If you often experience bleed-through, it may be a good idea to choose a Journaling notebook with thicker paper. You can read more about paper thickness in our guide to GSM stands for grams per square metre..
Paper around 100 to 120 GSM works well for many journaling enthusiasts. It offers a good balance between a pleasant writing experience and a limited risk of bleed-through.
If you use a lot of felt-tip pens, brush pens, or do a lot of creative work in your journal, even thicker paper can be an advantage. Many creative bullet journal users therefore prefer paper of around 120 to 160 GSM.
Choose the right type of pen
The type of pen you use has a big impact on how much bleed-through you experience.
Fineliners and Gel pens often work well in journals because they do not give off an extreme amount of ink. Brush pens may vary more, depending on how much pressure you apply and what type of marker it is.
Alcohol-based markers, on the other hand, are designed for marker paper and illustrations. They will almost always bleed through in ordinary notebooks.
For journaling, water-based pens and markers therefore often work better.
Write with a light touch
Something many people don't think about is that the way you write can also affect the outcome.
If you press hard with the pen, the paper can become more saturated with ink. This increases the risk of the ink bleeding through the page.
By writing a little lighter, you can often reduce both ghosting and bleed-through.
Do a pen-test in your notebook
One of the best ways to avoid problems is to test your pens in the notebook you use.
Many journaling enthusiasts do a small pen test at the back of their notebooks. This is where you can write with different pens and markers to see how they perform on the paper.
On a dedicated page, you can for example:
write with different fineliners
test gel pens in several colours
Thin lines with brush pens
see which pens give ghosting or bleed-through
When you do this, you quickly get a feel for which pens work best in your particular journal.
Use an extra sheet of paper if you're working with a lot of ink
If you're working with markers, brush pens or very wet ink, it can help to place an extra sheet of paper under the page as you write.
It protects the following pages in the notebook and can prevent the ink from making marks further into the book.
Many journaling enthusiasts therefore use a loose sheet of paper or a so-called “blotter page” in their journal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bleed-through
Is bleed-through normal in journals?
Yes, this can occur in many notebooks. Especially if the paper is thin or if you use pens that release a lot of ink.
Hvordan undgår man gennemslag?
By choosing thicker paper, using pens that release less ink, and avoiding alcohol-based markers.
Is bleed-through the same as ghosting?
No. Ghosting is only a shadow through the paper, while bleed-through means the ink has actually penetrated the page.
What paper thickness is best for journaling?
For many, paper around 100 to 120 GSM works really well. If you work a lot with markers and colours creatively, thicker paper can be an advantage.
