Which GSM paper is better for a fountain pen?
- Lion Paper Team
- 3 days ago
- 20 min read
Quick Content Reach:
Introduction
When I’m talking with sourcing managers, product developers or seasoned buyers in the stationery trade, one question surfaces again and again: which GSM paper is better for a fountain pen? It’s a deceptively simple question that opens up a world of nuance. Fountain pens lay down wet, water‑based ink that behaves very differently from the oil‑based ink in a ballpoint or gel pen. The right paper can make handwriting look crisp and elegant; the wrong paper can turn the same words into a blurry mess.
As CEO of Lion Paper Products, I’ve spent over twenty years helping brands around the world design notebooks and planners that work beautifully with fountain pens. In this guide I’ll explain what GSM means, why it matters, and how to choose the perfect weight and finish for your specific needs. Along the way I’ll share insights from reputable sources and my own manufacturing experience. And if you’d like personalised advice or samples, I encourage you to get in touch through our website—we’re passionate about crafting the perfect writing experience for your customers. Feel free to contact us at any point as you read; we’re here to help.
Understanding GSM: The Language of Paper Weight
To answer the question “which GSM paper is better for a fountain pen?” we need to understand what GSM means. GSM stands for grams per square metre, a metric measurement of how much a sheet of paper weighs. Imagine cutting a square metre of any paper stock and placing it on a scale; the weight in grams is that paper’s GSM. A higher GSM indicates a thicker, denser sheet, while a lower GSM means the paper is thinner and lighter. For example, 120 GSM paper feels substantial and luxurious, like a heavy winter coat, whereas 70 GSM resembles standard printer paper longhandcollective.com. Paper weight is important because it influences how much ink the fibres can absorb before bleeding through to the other side. However, as fountain pen experts point out, GSM alone doesn’t determine performance; finish, fibre composition and coating also play critical roles scribblejot.com. When selecting materials for custom planners or journals, I consider GSM as a starting point and then delve into how the paper is manufactured.
Understanding GSM is not just about numbers; it’s about the feel under your fingertips and the way ink behaves on the page. Thin paper can be fountain‑pen friendly if it has a tight weave and surface treatment (think of Tomoe River’s legendary 52 GSM sheets), while thick paper can perform poorly if it absorbs ink like a sponge. As you explore the rest of this guide, remember that our factory invests in high‑precision cutting and coating equipment to create paper products tailored to your specifications.
If you’re evaluating options for your next product line, don’t hesitate to reach out; our team can help interpret technical specifications and translate them into a writing experience your customers will love.
Why Paper Matters for Fountain Pens
Fountain pen ink is water‑based and flows generously from the nib. When it meets paper, several undesirable phenomena can occur. Bleed‑through happens when ink soaks through to the other side of the sheet; this is common with low‑GSM, highly absorbent papers scribblejot.com. Ghosting refers to the faint visibility of writing on the reverse side of thin paper; some writers even appreciate it, but many find it distracting scribblejot.com. Feathering occurs when ink spreads sideways along paper fibres, creating fuzzy lines scribblejot.com. These issues are why paper weight and quality are so important for fountain‑pen users. High‑quality paper acts as a controlled sponge: it absorbs enough ink to prevent smearing but resists excessive penetration and lateral spread. The smoothness of the surface also affects the writing feel; papers with a vellum finish, like those produced by Clairefontaine, resist feathering and bleed‑through thanks to a special coating scribblejot.com. As you read about these factors, consider how your customers will use your notebooks. Are they writing letters, sketching, or planning their day? Tailoring the paper to their needs can set your product apart.
Bleed‑through, ghosting and feathering don’t just ruin the appearance of handwriting; they waste half the usable pages in a notebook and frustrate discerning writers. Our experience shows that many problems arise because manufacturers prioritise cost over performance. At Lion Paper Products we invest in equipment like Heidelberg printing presses and automatic laminating machines to ensure consistent thickness and coating across every sheet. We also employ more than ten quality inspectors equipped with video recorders to verify that each product meets our strict standards. When you work with us, you’re not just buying paper; you’re investing in a dependable writing experience.
The Interplay of Ink, Nib and Paper
GSM is only one piece of the puzzle because fountain pen performance depends on the interaction between the ink, the nib and the paper. Fountain pen inks vary widely in viscosity and dye composition; wetter inks saturate paper more quickly, while dryer inks sit closer to the surface. Nib sizes—from extra‑fine to broad or italic—control how much ink is deposited. Fine nibs can write on lower‑GSM papers with minimal bleed‑through, whereas broad nibs need a heavier or coated sheet to prevent feathering scribblejot.com. Similarly, a paper that performs beautifully with one ink may misbehave with another. The finish of the paper, whether smooth or textured, influences the friction between nib and sheet; some writers enjoy the feedback of toothy paper, while others prefer the glassy glide of a coated surface scribblejot.com. Understanding these interactions helps you select the right GSM and finish for your target audience.
When designing custom notebooks, we encourage our clients to define typical use cases: Do their customers prefer shading and sheen from shimmering inks? Do they write fast with minimal drying time? Are they using italic nibs for calligraphy? The answers guide our recommendations for GSM and coating. For example, a planner intended for quick note‑taking may use 90 GSM vellum paper to balance feathering resistance with drying time, while a luxury journal aimed at ink aficionados might feature 100 GSM coated stock that showcases shading and sheen.
Our team can test various combinations and share the results, so you don’t have to rely on trial and error. Contact us to discuss your specific use case and let us craft a custom paper solution that brings out the best in your brand’s design and your customers’ pens.
The Sweet Spot: Recommended GSM Ranges for Fountain Pens
Industry consensus and user experience suggest that a medium weight paper between 80 and 120 GSM offers the best balance between thickness, durability and cost longhandcollective.com. Papers in this range are thick enough to resist bleed‑through and ghosting yet thin enough to keep notebooks manageable and affordable. Articles on fountain‑pen websites and blogs highlight that the 80–100 GSM range is particularly sweet; this weight provides sufficient opacity and surface strength while maintaining flexibility endlesspens.com. The fountain‑pen community emphasises that GSM should be considered along with paper finish. For instance, 80 GSM vellum‑coated paper can outperform 100 GSM uncoated paper in resisting feathering and bleed‑through scribblejot.com. In practice, 90 GSM vellum paper from Clairefontaine and Rhodia is widely regarded as a benchmark for fountain‑pen friendliness endlesspens.com. Meanwhile, premium thin papers like Tomoe River, at 52 GSM or 68 GSM, defy expectations by performing exceptionally well due to their smooth coating and dense fibre structure endlesspens.com. Each of these weights serves different purposes, and the choice depends on the writing experience you want to deliver.
From a manufacturing perspective, selecting the sweet spot involves balancing material cost, binder durability and the end user’s expectations. In our own lines we often recommend 100 GSM coated paper for planners and journals that need to withstand daily use without adding bulk. For more economical projects, we might use an 80 GSM high‑quality stock that still provides a pleasant writing experience but keeps shipping weights lower. If your brand aims for premium, we can source specialty papers like 120 GSM cotton‑rich stock or import Tomoe River to cater to enthusiasts. Because we own factories in China and Cambodia and partner with a facility in South Korea, we have the flexibility to source globally and maintain consistent quality.
Exploring High GSM Papers (100 GSM and Above)
High‑GSM paper typically refers to sheets weighing 100 GSM or more. These papers feel substantial, lend a sense of luxury and are often used in journals, letter stationery and premium planners. Because they’re thick, they resist bleed‑through and ghosting; the fibres have more volume to absorb ink gradually. Many fountain‑pen users appreciate the crispness of lines on 100–120 GSM paper because the ink sits slightly longer on the surface, enhancing shading and sheen. However, higher GSM isn’t always better. Heavy paper increases the thickness and weight of notebooks, making them bulkier and more expensive to produce. Additionally, heavy paper may increase drying time because of its coating or density scribblejot.com. Writers who flip pages quickly may find smudging if the ink hasn’t had time to dry. Brands such as Clairefontaine’s Triomphe line offer 90–100 GSM vellum paper that balances thickness and dry‑time scribblejot.com, but some specialized cotton‑based papers go up to 120 GSM for a truly opulent feel. Deciding whether to use high‑GSM stock depends on your product’s positioning and how your clients value luxury versus portability.
Our own experience reveals that high‑GSM paper is ideal for limited‑edition journals, corporate gifts or diaries intended to last for decades. The sturdiness of the pages conveys quality and allows for heavy embellishments like stamping or gilding. If your brand positions itself in the premium segment, using a 120 GSM cotton paper can differentiate your product and justify a higher price point. At Lion Paper Products we can integrate high‑GSM sheets with features such as rounded corners, foil stamping and elastic closures. We also advise clients on spine design and binding method, since heavier paper requires stronger glue and binding techniques.
The Middle Ground: 80–100 GSM Papers
Most commercially available notebooks and planners that are marketed as fountain‑pen friendly use paper in the 80–100 GSM range endlesspens.com. This range strikes the optimum balance between cost, portability and performance. At 80 GSM, high‑quality vellum‑coated paper such as Rhodia’s Premium R line resists bleed‑through and feathering while remaining thin and flexible endlesspens.com. Many manufacturers choose 90 GSM because it offers a slightly heavier feel without making the book overly thick. According to consumer guides, papers in this range provide enough opacity to prevent show‑through and work well with a wide variety of fountain pen inks endlesspens.com. For large‑format planners or notebooks that need to remain lightweight, 85 GSM with a quality coating can be the perfect compromise. Choosing a paper within this range also simplifies printing and binding, since standard equipment is calibrated for mid‑weight sheets.
For B2B buyers, the 80–100 GSM range offers economy of scale. The raw materials are more widely available and less costly than speciality papers, making it easier to hit price targets. Yet you don’t have to sacrifice writing quality. In our manufacturing practice we often specify 80 GSM paper with a vellum or smooth coating, which handles fountain pen ink beautifully and dries quickly enough for daily use. Many of our clients choose 90 GSM for corporate planners because it feels premium without weighing down a bag.
When you work with our consultants we’ll help you evaluate the pros and cons based on your market. We also provide internal links to case studies on our website showing how different GSM choices affect user satisfaction.
When Less Is More: Low GSM Papers and Surprising Performers
Low‑GSM papers under 80 GSM may seem unsuitable for fountain pens, but there are exceptions. Tomoe River paper is renowned for its silky feel and exceptional resistance to feathering and bleed‑through despite being only 52 GSM or 68 GSM endlesspens.com. This Japanese paper combines a dense fibre structure with a smooth coating that forces ink to dry on the surface rather than soaking into the sheet. The result is crisp lines and vibrant shading, with only minor ghosting. Similarly, some 32‑pound laser paper (around 120 gsm but often measured in pounds in the U.S.) has become popular among fountain‑pen enthusiasts because it’s inexpensive and readily available scribblejot.com. Nevertheless, using low‑GSM paper requires careful consideration. Without the right coating, thin sheets will suffer from bleed‑through and ghosting scribblejot.com. Ghosting may be tolerable for personal notes but unacceptable for professional planners. The choice of ink and nib size also becomes more critical when writing on thin paper scribblejot.com.
In product development, low‑GSM paper can help reduce shipping costs and allow for slimmer notebooks, which are important for travellers and bullet journalists. Some customers appreciate the delicate feel of Tomoe River and the ability to fit many pages into a compact book. However, this paper is not widely manufactured outside Japan and can be expensive, so it may not be suitable for mass‑market products. If you love the idea of thin yet fountain‑pen friendly paper, our factory can import and integrate such materials into your notebooks. We can also explore alternative thin stocks with protective coatings.
Beyond GSM: The Role of Finish and Coating
While GSM measures thickness and weight, paper finish determines how ink interacts with the surface. A vellum or coated finish adds smoothness and ink resistance that helps prevent feathering and bleed‑through scribblejot.com. Clairefontaine’s vellum‑finished 90 GSM paper, for example, is almost glassy—some writers describe the experience as skating on ice scribblejot.com. The coating keeps ink on the surface longer, allowing shading and sheen to emerge. On the other hand, uncoated or textured papers offer more feedback, which some writers enjoy for the tactile sensation and slower ink absorption. Finishes can also be glossy, satin, or matte, influencing the drying time and the appearance of the ink. Manufacturers may apply surface sizing (a starch or polymer layer) to increase ink resistance or internal sizing to strengthen fibres and control absorption. These treatments can make a lower‑GSM paper perform like a heavier stock scribblejot.com.
Selecting a finish requires understanding your audience. A glossy coated surface may be perfect for calligraphy practice or journals that showcase ink properties, whereas a lightly textured finish may suit planners where users write quickly and need immediate drying. Our R&D team experiments with various coatings to achieve the desired performance. We can create prototypes with satin or vellum finishes on different GSM papers and test them with the inks and nib sizes your customers are likely to use. Because we are ISO 9001 certified and adhere to strict process controls, you can trust that the finish will be consistent across production runs. If you’re curious about how different coatings affect writing, let us know; we’ll prepare sample kits and guide you through the selection process.
Brand Case Studies: Clairefontaine, Rhodia, Tomoe River and Others
Looking at established paper brands gives us concrete examples of how GSM, finish and fibre come together. Clairefontaine is often considered the gold standard for fountain‑pen friendly paper. Its notebooks feature 90 GSM vellum‑coated paper that resists feathering and bleed‑through endlesspens.com. The surface is extremely smooth, and many writers praise its ability to handle wet inks without spreading. Rhodia, a sister brand owned by Clairefontaine, offers the Premium R line with the same 90 GSM vellum paper endlesspens.com. Rhodia’s pads are widely available and are a favourite among fountain‑pen reviewers for their consistent performance. Tomoe River takes a different approach: its 52 GSM and 68 GSM papers are thin but incredibly smooth, showing minimal bleed‑through and feathering endlesspens.com. Users note some ghosting due to the thinness, but the paper is prized for bringing out shading and sheen. Apica and Stalogy produce 81 GSM papers that perform well and have a slightly textured feel scribblejot.com. Other notable names include HP Premium Choice LaserJet, a 32‑pound (approx. 120 GSM) paper that, while not designed specifically for fountain pens, has become a popular choice due to its low cost and high performance scribblejot.com. Some reviewers also recommend Oxford Optik (80 GSM) and Leuchtturm1917 (80–100 GSM) for everyday use scribblejot.com.
Understanding these brands can inform your own product development. If you want a premium notebook line, consider using paper similar to Clairefontaine’s vellum finish. For a compact journal with many pages, Tomoe River or a similar thin coated paper could be ideal. When we develop samples for clients, we often benchmark against these brands to ensure the performance meets or exceeds market expectations. Because we have control over the supply chain, we can replicate similar finishes and weights while customising size, binding, and cover design. Reach out to discuss which brand qualities you value and how we can incorporate them into your private‑label notebooks or planners.
Nib Size and Writing Style Considerations
Even the perfect paper will behave differently depending on the writer’s nib size and technique. A fine or extra‑fine nib lays down a thinner line of ink, reducing the chance of bleed‑through and allowing for use on slightly thinner paper. Medium and broad nibs, as well as flexible nibs that vary line width, deposit more ink; they therefore need heavier or coated paper to prevent feathering scribblejot.com. Left‑handed writers who tend to push the nib across the page may prefer smoother paper to avoid catching, while right‑handed writers who pull the pen may enjoy a bit of tooth. The speed at which one writes also matters: fast note‑takers benefit from paper that dries quickly, while slow journalers can indulge in heavily coated paper that showcases ink shading. In our own research we test each paper with a variety of nibs and inks to evaluate performance under real‑world conditions.
When selecting GSM and finish for your product, think about the nib sizes your customers typically use. For professional planners targeted at executives, fine and medium nibs are common, so an 80–90 GSM paper with a vellum finish is usually sufficient. For artistic journals or calligraphy notebooks, your clients may use broad or flex nibs and shimmering inks, requiring 100 GSM or coated paper to control the ink. Feel free to ask us to perform writing tests with specific pens and inks; we can provide videos or sample pages showing how each combination behaves. This collaborative approach ensures that the final product delights your target audience and reduces returns or complaints.
Application‑Based Recommendations: Journals, Planners, Sketchbooks and More
Different writing and drawing activities place distinct demands on paper. A daily planner needs paper that allows rapid note‑taking without smearing; a 90 GSM vellum or lightly coated paper is ideal because it balances drying time and bleed‑through resistance endlesspens.com. Journals intended for reflection or creative writing may use slightly heavier 100 GSM paper to enhance the tactile experience and showcase ink shading. Sketchbooks for ink and wash require even thicker paper—often 120 GSM or higher—to handle watercolour or multiple ink layers without buckling. Bullet journals, which involve drawing grids and tables, benefit from paper around 100 GSM to prevent bleed‑through from markers and highlighters. If your customers create travel journals, a thin but fountain‑pen friendly paper like 68 GSM Tomoe River allows many pages without adding weight to a bag. Classroom notebooks for students might use 80 GSM paper with a slight texture for quick note‑taking and compatibility with pencils and ballpoint pens.
Our team works with clients across many sectors—from boutique stationery brands to government agencies ordering custom planners and notebooks. For each project we examine the end‑use scenario, recommend appropriate GSM and finish, and design features such as rulings, page numbering and binding. Because we operate our own factories, we can mix different paper stocks within a single product: for example, using 120 GSM art paper for section dividers and 90 GSM lined paper for daily entries.
Manufacturing Considerations: Printing, Binding and Costs
Selecting GSM paper is not only about the writer’s experience; it also affects printing, binding and logistics. Heavier paper requires more robust binding; spiral or wire‑o binding may be necessary for 120 GSM stock because perfect binding can crack or break under thick signatures. Heavier sheets also absorb more ink in the printing process, which can affect colour fidelity and drying time. Conversely, very thin paper demands precise control in cutting and punching to avoid tearing. Production costs vary: high‑GSM papers are more expensive per tonne and produce fewer pages per kilogram, while low‑GSM papers may require extra coating or careful handling. Shipping weight is directly proportional to GSM; a 500‑page notebook printed on 120 GSM paper will be significantly heavier than one printed on 80 GSM.
At Lion Paper Products we manage these variables every day. Our automatic cutting, folding and binding equipment can handle a wide range of paper weights, and our experienced production managers optimise layouts to minimise waste. We also calculate shipping weights and costs for our clients so they can plan pricing and logistics accurately.
Customisation and Innovation at Lion Paper Products
As a manufacturer committed to excellence, Lion Paper Products offers far more than off‑the‑shelf notebooks. We invite our clients to think creatively about what a notebook can be and how it can reinforce a brand’s identity. Because we operate factories in China and Cambodia and partner with a facility in South Korea, we control every step of production. Our team collaborates with your designers to select paper, cover materials, binding styles, and printing techniques. We can emboss your logo, add pockets or pouches, include elastic closures, or incorporate unique layouts. We also provide free cover layout fine‑tuning to ensure the finished product looks and feels cohesive. With more than 20 sets of equipment—from Heidelberg printing machines to automatic punching and spiral binding machines—we can handle high volumes without sacrificing quality.
What sets us apart is our dedication to individualisation. For customers targeting fountain‑pen aficionados, we can source specialised paper like 90 GSM vellum or 68 GSM Tomoe River and integrate it into planners or journals. For eco‑conscious brands, we offer recycled and acid‑free papers that still perform well with fountain pens. Our mission is to deliver contemporary products at competitive prices while making writing more enjoyable. If you have a vision for a notebook or planner that stands out, we’d love to hear from you.
Sustainability and Certifications
Many buyers today prioritise sustainability alongside performance. Choosing fountain‑pen friendly paper does not mean sacrificing environmental responsibility. Papers certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensure that the wood pulp comes from responsibly managed forests. Acid‑free papers are engineered to resist yellowing and deterioration over time. Recycled papers can also be treated with coatings to make them suitable for fountain pens. At Lion Paper Products we offer a range of environmentally friendly options and can provide documentation such as ISO 9001, BSCI human rights certification, California Proposition 65 compliance, CPSIA compliance and European environmental quality tests. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to quality, safety and ethical manufacturing. When you collaborate with us, you can communicate these assurances to your customers, enhancing trust and brand value.
We continuously research sustainable materials and energy‑efficient production methods. For example, we invest in automation that reduces waste and implement process improvements to lower our carbon footprint. We also use protective clothing and cut‑resistant gloves for our workers and train them thoroughly before they operate equipment, reflecting our commitment to occupational safety. If your brand has specific environmental or social responsibility goals, let us know; we will align our supply chain with your values. We believe that beautiful, fountain‑pen friendly notebooks can also be sustainable, and we’re eager to partner with businesses that share this vision.
A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Group Buyers Choosing GSM Paper
For large purchasers—whether you’re sourcing planners for a national chain or bespoke notebooks for a private label—the decision process can be complex. Here’s a concise framework based on our experience:
Define the end use and user expectations. Is the product a daily planner, a creative journal, a corporate gift or a student notebook? Identify whether users write quickly, sketch, or use calligraphy. This determines the balance between drying time and shading.
Select a GSM range. For most general‑purpose planners, 80–100 GSM paper is ideal endlesspens.com. For luxury journals or art books, consider 100–120 GSM. For large page counts where weight matters, explore high‑performance thin papers like 68 GSM Tomoe River endlesspens.com.
Choose a finish. Vellum or satin coatings resist feathering and showcase ink properties scribblejot.com. Lightly textured finishes provide feedback and faster drying. Ask for samples to test with your preferred pens.
Consider fibre composition. Cotton‑rich papers feel luxurious but may absorb more ink; coated cellulose papers offer a smooth surface at lower cost. Decide whether sustainability credentials such as FSC certification are important.
Evaluate manufacturing and logistics. Heavier paper affects binding, printing and shipping. Ensure your supplier can handle the chosen GSM and finish at scale, and request cost breakdowns to understand the impact on your budget.
Test and iterate. Order sample sheets or prototype notebooks. Have users test them with various inks and nib sizes. Record feedback on bleed‑through, ghosting and drying time. Adjust the GSM or finish as needed.
Partner with a reliable manufacturer. Choose a partner with proven quality control, certifications and customisation capabilities. Work closely with them to finalise specifications and schedule production.
Following these steps reduces the risk of costly mistakes and ensures that the final product delights your customers. At Lion Paper Products we guide group buyers through this process every day. We’re happy to arrange calls, send samples and provide technical documentation. Let us take the guesswork out of your decision; contact us to start the conversation.
Trends and Innovations in Fountain‑Pen Paper
The fountain‑pen community continually inspires manufacturers to innovate. In recent years we have seen a resurgence of interest in thin yet high‑performing papers like Tomoe River, leading other mills to develop their own 68 GSM coated stocks. Some brands are experimenting with dual‑coated papers that provide one side for fountain pens and the other side for pencils or markers. There is also growing demand for eco‑friendly papers that incorporate recycled fibres while maintaining fountain‑pen performance. Advances in coating technology enable water‑based inks to sit longer on the surface without smearing. Meanwhile, digital integration, such as QR codes printed on planner pages, merges analog writing with cloud backup and scheduling apps. Lion Paper Products invests in R&D to stay ahead of these trends, and we collaborate with suppliers to create custom papers that meet emerging needs.
As we look toward the future, I am excited by the possibility of developing papers that are both fountain‑pen friendly and fully compostable. We are exploring soy‑based coatings and plant‑fibre blends that reduce environmental impact. We also anticipate demand for antibacterial or antimicrobial papers in healthcare and educational settings.
Conclusion
So, which GSM paper is better for a fountain pen? The answer is nuanced. GSM provides a useful starting point: 80–100 GSM papers generally offer the best balance of performance and cost endlesspens.com, while high‑GSM papers deliver luxury and low‑GSM papers like Tomoe River surprise with exceptional performance. Ultimately, the “best” paper depends on your intended use, the ink and nib you prefer, and the writing experience you want to create. Paper finish, fibre composition and manufacturing quality all influence performance scribblejot.com. As a professional in the stationery industry, I encourage you to experiment with different weights and finishes. And if you’re sourcing for a brand or large organisation, partner with a manufacturer who understands these variables and can customise products to your specifications.
At Lion Paper Products we take pride in our craftsmanship, our stringent quality control and our ability to turn your ideas into reality. Thank you for taking the time to learn about GSM and fountain pens. When you’re ready to create notebooks that delight your customers, please contact us—we’d be honoured to work with you.
—Leo Xia, CEO, Lion Paper Products
You design, we deliver.
FAQs:
Q1: What does GSM mean?
A: GSM stands for grams per square metre and indicates the weight of a square metre of paper. It helps you compare the thickness and density of different papers; a higher number means the paper is thicker. Understanding GSM is essential when choosing paper for fountain pens because it influences bleed‑through and durability.
Q2: Does a higher GSM always mean better performance with fountain pens?
A: Not necessarily. While heavier papers tend to resist bleed‑through and ghosting, performance also depends on surface finish and fibre composition. Coated papers like Clairefontaine’s 90 GSM vellum can outperform uncoated 120 GSM paper . High GSM also increases notebook weight and cost.
Q3: What GSM range is generally recommended for fountain‑pen friendly notebooks?
A: Most experts and enthusiasts recommend paper between 80 and 100 GSM for a balance of durability, cost and writing quality. Papers in this range are thick enough to prevent bleed‑through but thin enough to keep notebooks portable.
Q4: What causes ghosting, and how can I minimise it?
A: Ghosting occurs when writing is visible on the opposite side of a sheet, even though the ink hasn’t bled through. It’s common on thin paper. To minimise ghosting, choose paper with higher GSM or a denser fibre structure. Coated papers also reduce ghosting by keeping ink on the surface.
Q5: Can you help me develop a custom notebook with fountain‑pen friendly paper?
A: Absolutely. Lion Paper Products specialises in custom notebooks and planners. We source a wide range of GSM papers—including 80–120 GSM vellum, cotton‑rich stocks and specialty papers and offer various finishes and bindings. Our R&D team will work with you to determine the best paper, design and production methods to meet your goals. Please contact us via email to start your project.
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition!
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