The Best Paper for Brush Lettering. Paper Matters! The best paper for brush pens is super smooth. Here are six of my personal favorite paper options.
The Best Paper for Brush Lettering
Using the proper paper keeps your brush tips in great condition. Frayed tips are harder to work with. The best paper for brush pens is ultra smooth. Many of these paper options are designed specifically for use with brush pens and markers.
Tracing Paper not pictured since I’m out (more is already on the way!)
Noteworthy
These are all papers I own, use, and love. I buy mine via Amazon since it tends to be the cheapest option, but most craft and office supply stores should have a number of these options available in store as well.
Ok, let’s talk about the Best Paper for Brush Pens!
Copy Paper
Copy paper is the perfect option for printable lettering worksheets and daily practice. The best paper is HP Premium Choice Laserjet Paper. I buy mine by the ream on Amazon and usually buy two reams at a time since the paper I use most often.
And yes, it’s ok to use Laserjet Paper on an InkJet printer. I do and have no issues with the printer ink bleeding when I go over it with brush pens.
Paper Pad with Guides
Guide marks are really helpful for keeping your lines straight and your lettering a uniform size. The Rhodia Dot Pad is my go-to favorite! The lightly dotted paper is especially great for beginners.
Paper Pad without Guides
Canson Marker Paper is semi-transparent yet is amazingly prone to no bleed through! It’s buttery smooth and a wonderful option for brush pens and blending techniques.
Watercolor Paper
The brand isn’t so important as the fact that Hot Press Watercolor Paper is smoother than Cold Press so opt for hot press when you’re using brush pens!
- If you want to go for the good stuff, Arches Hot Press Watercolor Paper is nearly unbeatable.
- For a more budget-friendly option, I’m a huge fan of these pre-cut 8×10 Hot Press Strathmore Watercolor Papers.
Tracing Paper
Tracing paper is perfect for use with a light pad or to go over your pencil sketches to create a final draft of your work. I use the Strathmore Tracing Paper.
Copic Paper
My Copic collection took me a long time to complete and since they’re not cheap brush pens, so I always keep the Copic X-Press It Paper on hand. It’s also great for coloring and card making projects. And it’s not just for Copics, this paper handles all my markers beautifully!
Did I omit any papers you love?
Let me know in the comments!
[irp posts=”17210″ name=”Brush Calligraphy and Lettering FAQs”]
Happy lettering!
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this is a great post!!! Have you tried Canson Tracing Paper? I love it!!! SOOOOOOO smooth….. 🙂
Thanks for the suggestion, Kristin! You really can’t go wrong with any Canson paper. 🙂
Hi Dawn Nicole,
What black paper brands and types would you recommend for brush lettering? The black construction papers I’ve been using cause my brushes to fray easily 🙁
– Sarah
Hi Sarah!
This is the one I’ve been ordering: https://www.amazon.com/JAM-Paper-Matte-Cardstock-Smooth/dp/B01M0LLEZV/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1515140279&sr=1-4&keywords=smooth+black+cardstock
This one is really smooth and has great reviews so I’m going to try that next just to compare: https://www.thepapermillstore.com/colormates-smooth-silky-black-card-stock-12-x-12-in-80-lb-cover-smooth-25-per-package.html.
I also know Teela at Every-Tuesday uses the AstroBrights black for a lot of lettering work!
Hope this helps!
Dawn
Hi! What are your thoughts on the Clairefontaine paper? I hear they’re really good, have you tried them? 🙂
Hi Shilpa! I haven’t heard of that brand, sorry! It’s on my list to check out soon. 🙂
Do you know if the HP Premium Laser 24lb paper would work as well? I’m looking for something a little lighter for making notebooks for brush lettering practice that won’t damage my pens.
Hi Liz! I can’t say for sure as I’ve only used the Premium Choice Last Jet and as far as I can tell, that only comes in a 32lb. I would think it’s thin enough for making notebooks though. My concern with the 24lb would be bleed-through but you’d have to test it out to know for sure.