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Using the right paper can extend the life of your brush markers. In this guide we will talk about the best paper for your brush pens.
In a hurry? Check out our top pick:
This smooth thick paper is great for your brush pens and hand lettering projects.
At a glance – 5 Best Papers for Brush Pens:
- HP Premium 32 Paper – Best for practicing
- Canson Marker Paper
- Rhodia
- Tracing Paper
- Bristol Paper – Best for End Product
What is the best paper for brush pens?
Smooth paper is best
When you are looking for paper for your brush pens make sure that it is smooth. Any paper that has texture to it can be bad for your brush pens and can eventually cause your brush pens to fray. In this guide we will look at paper that is good for practicing and paper that is more thick for finished designs.
Can I use regular computer paper with my brush pens?
No you should not use normal computer copy paper with your brush pens because it is textured and rough. Here are 5 paper alternatives to use with your brush pens.
Check out the video review below on the best paper for brush pens.
HP Premium Laserjet 32
This paper offers a nice smooth surface for your brush pens. It comes in 8.5” by 11” and usually 500 sheets per pack. This paper is great for practicing your brush lettering.
This smooth thick paper is great for your brush pens and hand lettering projects.
Marker Paper
Marker paper is another good option for practicing your brush lettering. It offers a smooth surface that won’t cause your brush pens to fray. You can get it in different sizes.
Rhodia Paper
Rhodia offers a nice selection of paper for brush lettering. You can find it in several different sizes and colors. They offer grid, dot or blank paper. Grid paper and dot paper can be beneficial when practicing your lettering because it provides a baseline for your letters which can help develop consistency with your strokes.
Rhodia also offers bullet journals. If you want to use your brush pens with your bullet journal then Rhodia is a good option.
Tracing Paper
Tracing paper is a good resource for brush lettering. You can practice with it, but it is also essential for planning your spacing for your end projects. Because you can see through it you can use it for drafting to plan out the layout of your project.
Bristol Paper
If you are looking for a thicker paper that is smooth that you can use for end projects than Bristol paper is best.
Note: When looking at bristol paper make sure it says smooth surface on there and not vellum.
Can I use my brush pens on Watercolor paper?
Watercolor paper by nature is more rough and has texture and is not a good option for your brush pens. Instead you can use your water based brush pens on a blending pad and then use the ink with your watercolor brush. This way you can still get the look of brush lettering without actually using your brush pens directly on the watercolor paper.
Using Brush Pens on Cardstock
Although cardstock is thicker it usually is more rough and not the best option for your brush pens. If you have a project that requires cardstock paper then consider faux calligraphy instead.
Faux calligraphy uses a regular monoline pen that you then add additional strokes to thicken where the downstrokes are to give the look of brush lettering. This way you can have the look of brush lettering without actually having to use your brush pens.
What paper is best for Calligraphy pens
When working with a calligraphy pen and ink you don’t have the same worries as you do with a brush pen. Ideally you want low absorbency paper. Check out this guide that goes more in depth on what paper you should use with Calligraphy pens.
Advice for Beginners:
Practice hand lettering with normal copy paper and Crayola markers.
If you are just looking to practice your strokes and alphabet then using a Crayola marker on normal copy paper is a good budget friendly option. For beginners it is all about repetition and learning your strokes and alphabet. You can easily get your practice in with a crayola marker and computer paper which is more budget friendly. Check out our guide on the best brush pens for beginners.
How to prevent your brush pen from fraying
Using the right paper can help prevent your brush pen from fraying. As previously mentioned smooth paper is best for brush pens. You also want to make sure that you are holding the pen the right way. Make sure that the pen is at a 45 degree angle to the paper. The more vertical you are with your brush pen the more pressure you can put on the tip of your brush which can lead to fraying. Having your pen at an angle will also help with creating the dynamic between your thin upstrokes and thick downstrokes.
Want to learn more? Check our our Brush Pen Reviews:
- Pentel Sign Touch Brush Pen Review
- Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen Review
- Zebra Funwari Brush Pen Review
- Tombow Dual Brush Pen Review
- Zebra Mildliner Brush Pen Review
- Zebra Metallic Brush Pen Review
- Zebra Fude Sign Brush Pen Review
Hi, welcome to Craft Her Way where I share helpful tips and tutorials on how to craft a happy home. I love crafting, digital scrapbooking, ballroom dancing and chocolate chip cookies.