If you’re new to the world of fountain pens, you might be wondering, “Why the heck does paper matter? It’s just paper, right?”
Well, let me tell you: it matters a lot. And one of the big reasons why it matters is something called GSM. Don’t worry, I know this might sound a little confusing and maybe a bit intimidating. But trust me, it’s really simple once you get the hang of it, and understand it can turn your fountain pen writing from an “ok” to an “oh, wow!” experience.
Let’s dig in.
Why does paper weight matter?
Imagine you just bought your first fountain pen. It’s sleek, stylish, and the ink flows from it like a dream. You pick up a random piece of paper, start writing, and bam, you love it.
Until you turn the page in your notebook and…the ink bleeds through the page. It’s like a mini nightmare, right? Now you can’t even use your pen. But the issue isn’t with your pen, it’s with the paper.
What does GSM mean?
In the land of paper, GSM is king. It stands for “grams per square meter,” and it’s a way to measure how heavy or thick the paper is. Consider it like a winter coat (I’m from New England, ok?). A heavier coat provides better insulation, right? It’s similar with paper. A higher GSM means denser, more substantial paper.
If you have paper with a high GSM, like 120 GSM, it’s going to be pretty hefty. It’s the kind of paper that just feels a little nicer when you touch it. That type of paper is like a sponge for your fountain pen ink, soaking it right up without any bleeding or feathering.
On the other hand, a lower GSM, like 70 GSM, is thinner and lighter. It’s like regular notebook paper, and your fountain pen ink might just slide right through to the other side.
These are a few of my favorite notebooks for fountain pens:
If you love a Moleskin but want to use your pens, look for the PRO edition, which has a thicker paper weight. So it's more fountain-pen friendly.
This is my notebook of choice. I love my 1917 and have been using them for years.
I once bought a beautiful notebook that I was super excited to use with my fountain pen. It had a lovely cover, sturdy binding, and it was just the right size. But I didn’t check the paper weight.
I’m sure you can guess what happened. The first time I used my pen, the ink bled so much it looked like my words had grown fuzzy spider legs, and the back of every page was unuseable. I only had half a notebook.
I was so disappointed! So, I can’t emphasize enough how important GSM is.
For most fountain pen users, a medium-weight paper, around 80-120 GSM, works just fine. It’s a good balance between cost and quality. But if you’re looking for a truly luxurious writing experience, you might want to consider splurging on a notebook with higher GSM.
Treat yourself!
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Get The FREE CheatsheetFountain Pen Paper Weight FAQs
Now, let’s tackle some FAQs about paper weight and fountain pens:
Why does my ink bleed through the paper even though it has high GSM?
Sometimes, even though a paper has high GSM, the ink can bleed through. This can happen because of the paper’s finish or how it’s made. Remember, GSM isn’t everything — it’s important, but other factors can affect your writing experience, too.
Can I use a low GSM paper with a fountain pen?
You can, but it might not be the best experience. Low GSM paper is thinner and might not hold up well to fountain pen ink. You could end up with ink bleeding through to the other side of the page, or your writing might look feathered or fuzzy.
Are notebooks with higher GSM paper more expensive?
Typically, yes. Higher GSM paper is often pricier because it’s thicker and of better quality. But remember, sometimes paying a bit more can really enhance your writing experience.
How can I tell the GSM of a notebook before buying it?
Most brands will list the GSM as GSM or G on the product description. If it’s not there, you might want to reach out to the company or look for reviews from other fountain pen users.
Never use the wrong paper again
There you have it — a crash course in paper weight and why it matters when you’re writing with a fountain pen. Remember, finding the perfect pen and paper combo can be a little trial and error.
But that’s part of the fun. Happy writing!
Liz
Hey, I'm Liz. I'm the founder of this thing. Pen-obsessed and a notebook nut, I love writing by hand. So I'm gonna talk about it on a computer.Download this cheatsheet and get expert solutions for the 13 most common pen problems.
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