If you find that ink bleeds through the paper in your notebook, you are not alone. It is one of the most common problems when working with journaling, a bullet journal or a diary.
Short answer: Ink bleeds through paper when the paper is too thin or when the pen releases too much ink.
In this guide, we go through why it happens and how you can avoid it.
Why does ink bleed through the paper
There are several reasons why ink can bleed through paper:
The paper is too thin
The lower the paper weight, the greater the risk of ink bleeding through.
The pen releases a lot of ink
Some pens release more ink than others. This is especially true for certain gel pens and markers.
You write slowly or press hard
If you hold the pen in the same place for too long, the ink can bleed through.
The paper is not suitable for ink
Not all notebooks are made for journaling. Some are better for pencil or light writing.
The difference between ghosting and bleed-through
It is important to know the difference between two things:
Ghosting: When you can see the writing through the paper
Bleedthrough: When the ink actually goes through the paper
Ghosting is normal and not necessarily a problem, whereas bleedthrough can make the page difficult to use.
If you want to delve deeper, you can read our articles about ghosting in notebooks and bleed-through in notebooks.
How to stop ink from bleeding through
There are several things you can do:
Choose the right notebook
A notebook with heavier paper significantly reduces the risk.
See our selection of Notebooks and journals.
If you want flexibility for layouts, you can choose a Dot grid notebook.
Select the right pens
Some pens are better suited for journaling than others.
Fineliners uses less ink
Gel pens can vary a lot
Brush pens often releases more ink
Read also our guide to Which pen is best for journaling.
Write lighter
A lighter touch can make a big difference.
Test your pens
Try your pens on a test page at the back of the notebook.
Which combination is best
The best combination is typically:
A notebook with thick paper
Fineliners for text and structure
Gel pens for selected items
If you work with trackers, you can find inspiration in our article on things you can track in your journal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ink go through paper?
Ink bleeds through the paper when the paper is too thin or absorbs too much ink. This often happens with a low GSM or if the paper is very porous.
What is bleed-through?
Bleed-through is when the ink soaks all the way through the paper and can be seen on the back. This is different from ghosting, where you can only make out the writing without it having soaked through.
How do you prevent ink from bleeding through the paper?
You can avoid bleed-through by choosing a notebook with thicker paper, typically 100-120 gsm or more, and by using pens with a lower ink flow.
Which type of paper is best for journaling?
Paper with a smooth surface and good coating is best, as it prevents the ink from penetrating the paper too quickly.
Which pen gives the least bleed-through?
Fineliners and ballpoint pens typically cause the least bleed-through because they release less ink than gel pens and markers.
Is a high GSM always better?
Not necessarily. A higher GSM often helps, but the paper's quality and coating also have a major impact on how well it holds the ink.
