The Ultimate Guide to Fountain Pen Paper: What You Need to Know

Original Video: Best Paper For Fountain Pen Beginners

4 Types of Fountain Pen Paper

Today, we're diving into the world of fountain pens again, but this time we're focusing on something equally important—paper. As someone relatively new to the fountain pen hobby, I've been learning a lot about how different paper types can drastically affect your writing experience. So, let’s explore the nuances of fountain pen-friendly paper and why it matters.

Before we get into the specifics of paper, it's essential to understand how fountain pens work. Unlike ballpoint pens, which use a rolling ball to spread gel or oil-based ink onto the paper, fountain pens rely on capillary action. The water-based ink in a fountain pen is much thinner, and the paper acts like a sponge, drawing the ink out. This difference in ink viscosity means that not all paper is suitable for fountain pens.

Using regular copier paper with a fountain pen often results in poor writing performance. Here’s why:

• Feathering: The ink spreads out, causing lines to look jagged and uneven.

• Lack of Expression: The ink doesn’t show its color or shading potential because it absorbs too quickly.

• Bleed-Through and Ghosting: The ink can bleed through to the other side of the paper, making it unusable for double-sided writing.

To illustrate, I tested Diamine Pelham Blue ink on regular copier paper using my Carolina Pen Company Charleston fountain pen. The result was significant feathering and bleed-through, demonstrating that this type of paper isn’t suitable for fountain pens.

Now, let's look at some papers perfect for fountain pen use. Each type of paper has its characteristics and best uses, so choosing paper is just as crucial as choosing pen and ink.

1. Maruman Mnemosyne Paper

   • Smooth Texture: Feels much smoother than copier paper, with a coating that prevents feathering.

   • Crisp Lines: Provides clean, sharp lines without any jagged edges.

   • Minimal Ghosting: Almost no bleed-through, making it suitable for double-sided writing.

   This paper is ideal for general writing purposes. The 5mm dot grid pattern is perfect for notes and sketches. When testing with Diamine Pelham Blue ink, the color variations and shading were beautifully displayed, with no feathering or bleed-through.

2. Rhodia Dot Grid Paper

   • High-Quality Finish: Known for its smooth texture and durability.

   • Color Expression: Excellent at showcasing the full range of ink colors and properties.

   • Little Ghosting: Slightly more ghosting than Maruman, but still very manageable.

   Rhodia paper is a favorite among fountain pen enthusiasts. It's excellent for ink swatching and testing nibs. In my tests, it performed exceptionally well, allowing the ink to dry quickly while maintaining vibrant color and shading.

3. Clairefontaine 100% Recycled Paper

   • Eco-Friendly: Made from recycled materials, yet performs well with fountain pen ink.

   • Texture: Has a bit more texture, providing feedback while writing.

   • Versatile Use: Suitable for various pen types and writing styles.

   Clairefontaine’s recycled paper is surprisingly good for fountain pens, offering minimal ghosting and no bleed-through. It’s a bit more textured, which some may prefer for the tactile feedback it provides.

4. Tomoe River Paper

   • Ultra-Thin: Extremely thin at 52gsm, but incredibly smooth and resistant to bleed-through.

   • Ink Sheen and Shading: Perfect for showcasing the full potential of your inks with vibrant sheens and shades.

   • Long Dry Time: The ink stays on top of the paper longer, which can lead to smudging if not careful.

   Tomoe River paper is the gold standard for fountain pen enthusiasts who want to see every nuance of their ink. It’s excellent for serious writing and ink testing, though the long dry time means you might want to use a blotter to prevent smudging.

Choosing the right paper for your fountain pen can transform your writing experience. Each type of paper has unique qualities, and experimenting with different kinds can be a fun and rewarding part of the fountain pen hobby. Whether you prefer the general usability of Maruman Mnemosyne, the robustness of Rhodia, the eco-friendliness of Clairefontaine, or the exceptional ink expression of Tomoe River, there's a paper out there that will suit your needs.