The Goldilocks Guide to Journal Paper: Choosing the Perfect GSM (80 to 160) to Eliminate Ghosting and Maximize Your Creative Freedom

 

The Paper Whisperer: Finding the Perfect Paperweight for Your Journaling Soul (and Your Favourite Pens)

I’ve noticed a whisper— a cheerful chatter—among our community lately, all about the unsung hero of our beloved journals: the paper.

We spend so much time admiring the exquisite covers, the clever layouts, and the sheer potential of a fresh, clean notebook. But it is the paper—the very canvas for our thoughts, dreams, and art—that truly dictates our creative experience. And for the discerning journaler and stationery enthusiast, understanding paperweight is the key to unlocking true pen-and-paper harmony.

Today, we are going deep into the Grams per Square Meter (GSM) world of journals, exploring the differences between the luxurious, thick pages of brands like Archer and Olive and Hemlock and Oak, and the nimble, workhorse sheets found in others. Most importantly, we'll discuss which pens and mediums will sing, and which will sulk, on these various weights.

Understanding GSM: The Weight of Your Words

Before we delve into specific brands, we must understand the language of paper: GSM.

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. Essentially, it’s a measurement of the paper’s density and thickness. The higher the number, the heavier and usually thicker the paper.

In the world of everyday office paper, you typically see $80$ gsm. But for quality, bleed-resistant journaling paper, we are looking for significantly higher numbers. The goal of a good journal paper is to prevent ghosting (where you can see the writing on the other side) and, more importantly, bleed-through (where the ink soaks right through the fibers).

Here is a general guide to the common weights you'll encounter in premium journals, and how they behave with different media:

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I. The Featherweight Champion: 80-90 gsm

• The Notebooks: This paperweight is common in well-known, high-volume journals like Leuchtturm1917 and Rhodia (which uses a luxurious 90 gsm Clairefontaine paper).

• The Feel: These pages feel thin and lightweight, making for a less bulky journal even with hundreds of pages. They are often incredibly smooth, a pleasure for fine-point pens.

• The Performance: At this weight, you will experience ghosting with almost any pen, though quality paper like Rhodia's 90 gsm is highly resistant to actual bleed-through. You must be cautious with wet pens and heavy mediums.

Best Pens & Mediums	Use with Caution	Avoid Entirely
Ballpoint Pens: Quick-drying ink is perfect.	Fountain Pens: Use fine nibs and drier inks. Test first!	Alcohol Markers: Will certainly bleed through.
Pencils: Smooth paper is wonderful for graphite.	Gel Pens: Finer tips are safer than broad ones.	Heavy Watercolor: The paper will buckle and bleed.
Drier Fineliners: Fineliner pens with pigment ink (like Pigma Microns) are generally safe.	Highlighters: Choose drier or low-bleed types (e.g., Zebra Mildliners).	Acrylic Paint Markers (e.g., Posca): Will likely show heavy ghosting/bleed.

My Recommendation: Perfect for the minimalist, the daily writer, and the fountain pen user who prefers a drier ink and a finer nib. Embrace the ghosting; it simply means your page has a history!

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II. The Reliable Mid-Weight: 120gsm

• The Notebooks: Many high-quality journal brands opt for this weight as a perfect middle-ground. It provides a noticeable step up in substance from 80 gsm.

• The Feel: The page feels noticeably thicker than a standard notebook and has a satisfying structural integrity. You feel like you can press a little harder without worry.

• The Performance: Ghosting is significantly reduced, and bleed-through is rare, even with wetter inks. This paper is versatile and handles a much broader range of media than the 80-90 gsm range.

Best Pens & Mediums	Use with Caution	Avoid Entirely
Fountain Pens (Medium Nibs): Handles standard inks and medium nibs beautifully with minimal ghosting.	Brush Pens (Heavy Use): Colour-blocking or heavy layering of water-based brush pens (like Tombow Dual Brush Pens) can still cause a little ghosting or very slight bleed.	Alcohol Markers: Still best to avoid, or only use for very quick, light colouring.
Gel Pens (All Tips): No ghosting or bleed, the smooth paper is perfect for rich gel ink.	Acrylic Paint: Small, thin details are fine, but heavy application will buckle the paper.	Heavy Inks or Watercolour Washes: Too much water will damage the page.
Wet Fineliners and Rollerballs: Use all your favourite, juicy pens with confidence.	Wax-Based Highlighters: The wax sits beautifully on the page and won't ghost.	Oil-Based Media: Not ideal for most journal paper.

My Recommendation: This is the sweet spot for the journaler who loves to write with a fountain pen and add a little bit of colour with markers or simple doodles. Brands with 120 gsm are excellent workhorses.

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III. The Luxury Heavyweight: 150-160 gsm

• The Notebooks: This is where you find the true specialty art journals, including popular brands like Hemlock and Oak (typically 150 gsm) and Archer and Olive (famous for their 160 gsm "no ghosting" paper).

• The Feel: These pages are thick. They feel like cardstock or high-quality drawing paper. The journal will be significantly bulkier, but for many, the trade-off is worth the creative freedom.

• The Performance: This paper is designed to be a blank canvas for almost anything. Ghosting is virtually eliminated, and bleed-through is almost non-existent. It’s perfect for mixed-media artists.

Best Pens & Mediums	Use with Caution	Avoid Entirely
All Pens & Inks: Use any fountain pen (broad nibs, wet inks) and any gel or fineliner pen you desire—zero worry.	Heavy Alcohol Marker Blending: While an initial layer might be fine, the solvents in alcohol markers are aggressive. Heavy, repeated blending can sometimes break through, even here.	Heavy Impasto (Thick Paint): While the paper is thick, it's still paper. Extreme, thick applications of paint should be limited.
Acrylic Paint Markers (e.g., Posca): These are a dream on $160$ gsm. Layer them up without fear of bleed.	Wet Watercolor Washes: This paper can handle watercolor, but it's not cotton paper. Use a light hand with water to avoid buckling, especially if you plan to use both sides.	Very Rough Erasure: Repeated, heavy-handed erasure of pencil lines can sometimes create pilling on the paper's surface.
Water-Based Brush Pens (e.g., Tombow): Layer and blend to your heart's content. No bleed or ghosting.	Oil-Based Media: Not typically recommended.
Stamping & Pigment Inks: The surface is smooth and the paper is thick enough to take stamping beautifully.

My Recommendation: The ultimate choice for the creative bullet journaler, the scrapbooker, and the mixed-media artist. If you want to paint, layer, and use the juiciest inks on both sides of the page, the 160 gsm is your luxurious best friend.

The Takeaway: It’s About Your Process, Not Just the Paper

While names like Hemlock and Oak and Archer and Olive have become synonymous with the "no-bleed" experience, and are wonderful choices, remember that the perfect paperweight is a reflection of your journaling style.

• If you value portability and a minimalist, writing-focused experience, embrace the ghosting of the 80-90 gsm paper, and pair it with a dry ballpoint or a fine-nib fountain pen.

• If you need a reliable canvas for daily writing, some decorative doodles, and comfortable ink use, the 120 gsm is the perfect companion.

• If your journal is an art book, a mixed-media playground, and a splash of vibrant colour, then you deserve the $150$ or 160 gsm heavyweight luxury.

So, next time you are shopping for a new journal, don't just look at the cover—feel the weight of the page. Ask yourself: What kind of creative adventure am I planning?

Once you answer that, dear one, your perfect paper and your perfect pen will be waiting.

Happy writing, and never stop making beautiful things!

With love and ink-stained fingers,

Tracy