The best printer paper for fountain pen is not always easy to find. Paper companies don’t seem to make a big deal about what is compatible with fountain pens and what isn’t, but there are some types that work better than others.
To find the best printer paper for fountain pen, you need to check a few things. The first is the weight of the paper. Heavier papers are generally better for fountain pens because they don’t bleed through as easily. The second thing to look for is the texture of the paper. Some papers are very smooth and will cause your ink to pool on the page, while others are more absorbent and will help your ink dry faster.
These are the recommended papers that you are going to use for your fountain pens. Take note that this list doesn’t have any rank or order.
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Tomoe River
Sounds Japanese right? That is because it is made by a Japanese manufacturer.
This paper is popular because its smoothness is almost compared to silk. Even if the paper is thin, about 52 g/m^2, it is very durable and resistant to inks. They are durable but you have to be careful when handling them because they easily crinkle but they don’t rip or break easily.
They have two available colors, white and ivory. You don’t have to worry about feathering because it does not happen in Tomoe River. Your ink might bleed through it but only in very rare instances.
The downside is that show though happens a lot seeing how thin the paper is, it is bound to happen anyway. The dry time for this paper is very long since tomoe paper is ink resistant. Lastly, the price is a bit steep, 100 sheets for $15 but seeing your handwriting on the paper is worth it.
Rhodia
If you are a long-time fountain pen enthusiast, you might have heard of Rhodia. This brand is known for its staple-bound pads that have perforated sheets. It is known for its smooth glass-like surface and superior ink resistance.
Rhodia is about the same as copy paper when it comes to thickness it is 80g/m^2 but of course, its quality is higher.
The only color that is available is white, unfortunately. That said, it does perform rather well, regardless of the color of your ink.
Feathering and bleeding are also non-existent in this paper when used with fountain pens but you have to be careful with other types of pens because it might show feathering, especially with flex pens.
Show-through is very minimal even though the Rhodia is as thick as a copy paper. When it comes to drying time, this paper does take a bit longer since it has ink resistance.
Rhodia has a range of sizes including A4 and A5. Price is around $14.5 for an A4 pad with 80 sheets.
Clairefontaine Triomphe
If you want to have the same quality as the Rhodia but need thicker paper, then Clairefontaine is the right choice.
Smoothness is also the same with Rhodia. Clairefontaine and Rhodia are under the same manufacturing company so quality is out of the question. The thickness of the paper is 90g/m^2 which means it’s thicker than a regular copy paper.
Color availability is the same with Rhodia, only in white. Feathering is non-existent even when used with flex pens. Bleed-through is not a problem with this paper so you have to calm your bleed-through worries.
Show-though, on the other hand, is minimal in comparison to the other papers mention because of its thickness. Its dry time is the same as Rhodia. Sizes are also the same ranging from pocket-sized pad to A4.
The only downside to this paper is the price. For a pad with 50 sheets, you have to shell out $9 for this paper.
HP Laser Paper
HP is very popular with their laptops and printers, you have to know that they have many options for photo and printer paper.
You might be wondering why a regular copy paper is on this list, you have to treat HP’s “Premium Laser” line as an exception and it might surprise you. Its smoothness is on the okay level but not as smooth as Clairfontaine.
HP’s paper works well with fountain pens, though. They have various surface coating that ranges from 24lb to 32lb.
Color is limited to only bright white. For feathering issues, it is generally non except when used with flex pens. It has zero bleed-through for a paper that is used for printing.
Show-through also is non-existent except when used with wet flex pens. HP Laser paper is available in a standard US Letter size. A 500 sheets ream price ranges from $14.99 to $19.99. This price for the paper is an absolute bang for the buck deal.
Hammermill Printer Paper
The Hammermill is one of the most well-known brands for printer papers. The company has been producing some of the finest quality printer papers, which is why it’s so popular.
Their paper is available in different sizes, suitable for any kind of application. If you are a fountain pen writer, then these options can serve you well with their exceptional qualities.
Hammermill’s paper possesses a remarkable manufacturing quality. They’re also extremely smooth, making writing very easy and soothing.
One of the best things about Hammermill paper is that their papers are based on an acid-free formula, which is quite helpful.
These sheets are also free from such feathering and bleeding, which makes them an excellent choice. Each ream contains 500 sheets, which are enough for students and hobby writers.
Which of these is your favorite paper for fountain pen? Check out our blog for more!
