Journal / Choosing notebook paper for fountain pens
Choosing notebook paper for fountain pens
Weight is the number people look at first, but it is a poor guide on its own. A 90 gsm paper with a tight, sized surface can handle ink better than a loose 120 gsm sheet. What matters is how much the surface has been treated and how the fibres are packed.
Our rule of thumb: for wet fountain pens and broad nibs, go for 100 gsm or above with a smooth sized finish. For pencil and dry gel pens, a lighter, toothier sheet feels better and shows less ghosting. Always test a sheet before you commit to a hundred pages.
We keep offcuts of every paper we use at the shop counter. Bring your own pen and try them side by side.