You’ve found the perfect pen. Your thoughts are flowing. You flip open your journal… and then your ink bleeds through the page.
Frustrating, right?
Here’s the thing: not all paper is created equal. In the world of journaling, paper quality quietly shapes the entire experience—from how your pen glides to how legible your writing stays over time.
Let’s break it all down.
What is GSM—and Why Should You Care?
GSM stands for grams per square meter—a fancy way of saying how thick or heavy the paper is. Think of it like the thread count of your sheets: the higher the GSM, the more durable and premium it feels.
- Below 80 GSM: Thin paper. Usually found in budget notebooks or printer paper. Expect show-through and bleed.
- 80–100 GSM: Standard for everyday journals. Decent for ballpoint pens but may struggle with gel or fountain pens.
- 100–120 GSM: Premium territory. Handles most inks with ease and offers a luxurious feel.
- 120+ GSM: Ideal for artists, calligraphers, or anyone who uses bold pens and markers.
Settini’s Elite journals, for example, feature 120 GSM paper—perfect for ink-heavy writing without the worry of ghosting or bleed.
Bleed Resistance vs. Ghosting: What’s the Difference?
These two terms often confuse buyers, so here’s a quick breakdown:
- Bleed: When ink soaks through to the back of the page. This can ruin the next page entirely.
- Ghosting: When writing is faintly visible from the other side but doesn’t soak through. Mild ghosting is normal on most paper—but quality paper minimizes it.
Tip: If you’re using fountain pens, brush pens, or markers, look for paper that’s acid-free and high GSM to reduce both.
Texture & Feel: Why It’s Not Just About Looks
Ever run your hand across buttery-smooth paper and feel instantly inspired? That’s not an accident.
Texture affects how the pen interacts with the paper. Rough paper can snag your pen or distort your handwriting. Super glossy paper might cause smudging. The ideal surface offers a slight tooth—a bit of grip without drag—so your thoughts can flow without friction.
Settini’s QuillEase™ paper (available in select collections) was designed exactly with that in mind: natural white, smooth to the touch, and a joy to write on.
So, Does Paper Quality Really Matter?
Yes. If journaling is part of your self-care, planning, or creative process, then paper isn’t just a surface—it’s a tool. High-quality paper:
- Makes writing more pleasurable
- Keeps pages neat and legible
- Encourages you to return to your journal
- Preserves your words for years to come
And perhaps most importantly? It shows that your thoughts are worth writing on something that lasts.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’re looking for a journal that’s made with thick, bleed-resistant paper designed for real life, check out Settini’s Elite, Doppio, or Deluxe Collections—thoughtfully crafted with materials that make every page count.