There's something truly magical about putting pen to paper, capturing your thoughts and ideas in a journal or notebook. But have you ever wondered why some papers perform better than others? Why do some pens glide effortlessly across the page while others leave a trail of smudges and smears? In this post, we'll explore the different characteristics of paper in journals and notebooks, and how understanding these qualities can enhance your writing experience.
Feathering: The Enemy of Precision
Feathering occurs when ink spreads out on the paper, blurring the lines and diminishing the sharpness of your writing. It can be frustrating, especially if you're using a fine-tip pen or attempting intricate drawings. Look for papers with a smooth surface that resist feathering, ensuring your words and artwork remain crisp and clear.
Ghosting: The Haunting of Unwanted Shadows
Ghosting is the faint impression left on the page when you write on one side and it shows through on the other. It can be distracting and make your journal look messy. To banish these unwanted shadows, opt for papers with higher opacity. These papers prevent ghosting, allowing you to write without any ghostly interference.
What is Bleed and How Does it Affect Your Writing?
Bleed is the dreaded phenomenon where ink seeps through the paper, leaving unsightly marks on the other side. This is similar to ghosting, but worse! It can ruin the aesthetics of your journal and make it difficult to write on both sides of the page.
Do I need to worry about all this?
These issues are mainly something to consider if you're planning on using a fountain pen as all fountain pens and their inks have different characteristics that can affect the paper you're using. If you're planning on using markers or experiment with a few different types of pens, its good just to be aware. You may see some people create a test page in their journal where they can see how well the paper holds up to some of their more inky pens. Just pick a page at the start or very end of your journal and test each of your pens.
Unlocking the Power of Paper Qualities
Now that we've explored the issues of feathering, ghosting and bleed, let's dive into the qualities of paper that can help reduce these problems:
1. Weight and Thickness
Choosing a paper with a higher weight and thickness can significantly reduce bleed and ghosting. Thicker papers provide a barrier that prevents ink from seeping through, ensuring your writing stays on the intended page. Many journals run between 80gsm to 120gsm. A higher gsm will mean a thicker page and generally also means less chance of ghosting or bleed.
2. Coating and Texture
Papers with a smooth coating or texture are less prone to feathering. The coating helps control the ink flow, keeping your lines sharp and precise. Additionally, textured papers can add a tactile element to your writing experience, making it even more enjoyable. There are some 'stone paper' products that you should avoid if using a fountain pen due to the rough coating designed to adhere ink to the page. This can damage your pen over time, and is not always the nicest writing experiences anyway.
3. Opacity
Opacity refers to how much light is transmitted through the paper. Higher opacity papers are less likely to show ghosting, allowing you to write on both sides of the page without any distractions. Look for papers with a higher opacity rating to avoid ghosting. This is similar to the issue of bleed, where the higher the weight of the paper, the less likely this will be an issue.
4. Acid-Free and Archival Quality
Choosing acid-free and archival quality papers ensures the longevity of your journal or notebook. These papers are resistant to yellowing and deterioration over time, preserving your precious memories for years to come. If you plan to keep or refer to your journal or notebook in the years to come, consider an archival quality paper and ink.
So, the next time you embark on a journaling or note-taking adventure, remember the power of paper. Choose the right characteristics to enhance your writing experience, unleash your creativity, and create a journal or notebook that you love to use. But, don't be afraid to experiment either. The more you write, the more you'll learn.