If you have tried writing with a fountain pen in a standard notebook, you may also have experienced the ink bleeding through, smudging or feathering. That gives you a poor experience with the fountain pen and makes you lose the desire to use it.
So what should you actually look for if you want to use a fountain pen in your journal or notebook?
Brief answer: The paper means everything.
What's wrong with the wrong paper
If the paper is not suitable for a fountain pen, you will typically experience:
- bleed through
- Feathering (ink “bleeding” at the edges)
- ghosting (you can see the text from the other side)
You can read more about it here:
What to look for in paper
There are three things that are important. But there are also some small details that make a bigger difference than you might first think.
Paper thickness (GSM)
The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper.
- Under 100 gsm: it can easily be used, but it depends very much on the quality and surface of the paper. Paper types like Tomoe River are used in many notebooks because they are really well suited to fountain pens, even though they are thin.
- 100-120 gsm: works in many cases and is a good starting point
- 120+ gsm: often provides a more secure experience with a lower risk of strike-through. However, it is still important to have the right surface.
Read more here:
2. The surface of the paper
The thickness of the paper is one thing. The surface is at least as important. It has a major impact on how the ink behaves when it hits the paper.
If the paper is very porous:
- it absorbs the ink straight away
- The lines are going soft around the edges
- and there is a greater risk of strike-through.
If the paper is too “closed” (coated):
- It feels very smooth, almost like magazine paper
- the ink remains on top
- and it takes longer to dry
What you're actually looking for is somewhere in between.
Well, paper that doesn't absorb the ink straight away, but doesn't just let it sit on top either.
When it hits right, you get:
- sharp lines
- less feathering
- A smoother writing experience, with the pen gliding more easily across the paper.
And that is also why two notebooks with the same GSM can behave completely differently.
How quickly the paper absorbs the ink, and how long it takes to dry.
Many people don't think about how quickly the paper absorbs the ink.
- Paper that absorbs a lot = less blotting, but less sharp lines
- paper that absorbs a little = neater lines, but takes longer to dry
It is quite a balancing act. If, for example, you often close your notebook quickly and find it annoying, that can be an issue. Therefore, there is no such thing as perfect paper. It is all about what suits the way you use your notebook and fountain pen.
4. Your pen and your ink
The paper isn't the only thing that matters. The nib of your fountain pen and the ink you use can also affect the result.
- Broad nibs release more ink from the tip than a fine nib.
- Wet ink flows more.
This means that the same notebook can behave differently depending on what you write with.
5. Ghosting and bleed-through
It is also important to know the difference between ghosting and bleed-through.
- ghosting = you can sense the text from the other side
- bleed through
Part of it is also about how opaque the paper is. The less light that goes through the paper, the less you will be able to see on the other side.
Ghosting is normal and does not always have to be a problem. It depends on what you prefer. It is bleed-through you need to avoid, because that makes the next page useless.
What characterises really good paper for fountain pens
If we are to go a bit more into depth, there are some things about paper that often recur when it works well for fountain pens. That is not always written on the product, but that is precisely what makes the difference in practice.
Good paper for fountain pens is typically:
- closer in structure (so the ink doesn't spread)
- made so it controls the ink on the paper (not too absorbent, not coated)
- evenly and uniformly in the fibres
It gives sharper lines, less feathering and less bleed-through. Often this also means that the ink dries more slowly. Therefore, some find that “the best paper” can also be the one that smudges the most if you close the book too quickly.
Which notebooks work well
As a general rule:
- Choose notebooks with higher GSM (does not apply to Tomoe River Paper)
- Choose paper that's made for journaling, as it almost always has the right surface treatment.
- Be aware of how the paper feels and behaves
See our selection of Notebooks and journals.
Can you use fountain pens in all notebooks?
No. You can write in most of them, but the experience is very different.
If you want a good experience, it is worth choosing a notebook that suits the purpose. Most notebooks for journaling are made with the intention that they should work well with fountain pens and fineliners. However, it is also a personal experience. Therefore, you have to try things out to find what works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hvad er coated papir?
Coated paper is paper with a coating on the surface. It feels very smooth. It is not ideal for fountain pens, because the ink often sits on top and dries slowly.
Which paper is best for a fountain pen?
The best paper for a fountain pen is paper that neither absorbs the ink too quickly nor causes it to sit on top. It is all about finding a good balance. That way, you get sharp lines without the ink bleeding through the page.
How many GSM should paper have for a fountain pen?
GSM is a good guideline, but there is more to consider. Paper under 100 gsm can easily be used if the quality and surface are right. Thicker paper often provides a more reassuring feel.
Why does ink bleed through paper?
This typically happens if the paper is either too thin or absorbs the ink too quickly. Both things can cause the ink to bleed through the page.
Can you use a fountain pen in a standard notebook?
Yes, but the experience can vary a lot. It depends on the paper, your pen and the ink you use.
How do you prevent the ink from running?
Choose paper that is not too porous. If the paper does not absorb the ink too quickly, you get sharper lines and less feathering.
