Top 5 Calligraphy Papers for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

Published on 19 June 2023 4 min read

Choosing the right calligraphy paper can make a world of difference in your calligraphy journey. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the top 5 calligraphy papers for beginners, ensuring you have the best foundation for your art. Let's dive in!

1. Canson XL Mix Media

The first calligraphy paper on our list is the versatile Canson XL Mix Media, a popular choice for many budding calligraphers.

Overview

Smooth surface for easy ink flow
98 lb (160 gsm) heavyweight paper
Acid-free for durability
Available in various sizes

Performance

The Canson XL Mix Media paper offers a smooth surface that allows your nib to glide effortlessly—perfect for beginners learning the art of calligraphy. With its heavyweight design, this calligraphy paper effectively prevents ink bleed-through, ensuring crisp and clean lettering. Additionally, the acid-free nature of the paper ensures your artwork remains vibrant and intact over time.

Price

When it comes to affordability, the Canson XL Mix Media paper is a winner. With its competitive pricing, it's an excellent option for those looking to practice their calligraphy skills without breaking the bank. Plus, the various sizes available make it even more convenient for different types of projects.

Now that we've explored the Canson XL Mix Media paper, let's move on to the next calligraphy paper in our list: the Strathmore 400 Series.

2. Strathmore 400 Series

Next up is the Strathmore 400 Series, a well-loved calligraphy paper that offers exceptional quality for beginners and experienced calligraphers alike.

Overview

Smooth, medium surface
80 lb (130 gsm) heavyweight paper
Acid-free and archival quality
Available in pads, sheets, and rolls

Performance

Regarded as a top choice among calligraphers, the Strathmore 400 Series paper provides a smooth, medium surface that enables your nib to move effortlessly across the page. The heavyweight 80 lb paper prevents ink bleed-through, ensuring sharp and clear lettering. Furthermore, the acid-free and archival quality of this calligraphy paper means your artwork will stand the test of time, retaining its vibrancy and integrity.

Price

While the Strathmore 400 Series calligraphy paper is slightly more expensive than the Canson XL Mix Media, it remains an affordable option for beginners. The availability of pads, sheets, and rolls allows you to choose the format that best suits your needs and budget.

With the Strathmore 400 Series covered, let's move forward to our third calligraphy paper option: the Rhodia Dotpad.

3. Rhodia Dotpad

For those who prefer a more structured writing surface, the Rhodia Dotpad offers a unique experience while still delivering excellent calligraphy paper quality.

Overview

Dot grid pattern for precision and guidance
80 gsm smooth, high-quality paper
Micro-perforated pages for easy removal
Available in multiple sizes and colors

Performance

The Rhodia Dotpad features a subtle dot grid pattern that can help guide your strokes and maintain consistency in your lettering. This can be especially helpful for beginners who are still developing their technique. The 80 gsm paper is smooth and of high quality, allowing your nib to glide smoothly while reducing the risk of ink feathering or bleed-through. Moreover, the micro-perforated pages make it easy to remove your finalized work without damaging the edges.

Price

Rhodia Dotpads are a reasonably-priced calligraphy paper option, often falling between the Canson XL Mix Media and the Strathmore 400 Series in terms of cost. The variety of sizes and colors available also add to the overall value, allowing you to choose the ideal pad for your calligraphy projects.

Let's keep going and explore our fourth calligraphy paper option: Fabriano Ecological.

4. Fabriano Ecological

For those who are environmentally conscious yet still want a high-quality calligraphy paper, the Fabriano Ecological is an excellent choice.

Overview

100% recycled, eco-friendly paper
85 gsm paper with a smooth surface
Acid-free and chlorine-free
Available in various sizes and colors

Performance

Despite being made from 100% recycled materials, the Fabriano Ecological paper doesn't compromise on performance. With an 85 gsm weight, it provides a smooth surface that allows your nib to glide effortlessly. The paper is also acid-free and chlorine-free, which means it won't yellow over time and is safe for your inks. These features make it an ideal calligraphy paper for beginners and eco-conscious artists alike.

Price

The Fabriano Ecological paper is typically moderately priced, making it an affordable option for those looking for an environmentally friendly calligraphy paper. While it may not be the least expensive paper on the market, the quality and eco-friendly nature justify its price point.

Now, let's move on to our final calligraphy paper option, the Canson Moulin du Roy.

5. Canson Moulin du Roy

As the last option on our list, the Canson Moulin du Roy is a top-of-the-line calligraphy paper that offers a luxurious experience for those who want to invest in their craft.

Overview

100% cotton, professional-grade paper
300 gsm weight with a fine grain surface
Acid-free and archival quality
Available in various sizes and formats

Performance

With a 100% cotton composition, the Canson Moulin du Roy paper offers a luxurious feel and exceptional performance. Its 300 gsm weight and fine grain surface provide the perfect balance of texture and smoothness, allowing your nib to glide across the paper with ease. The acid-free and archival quality of the paper ensures that your calligraphy will remain vibrant and intact for years to come. If you're ready to take your calligraphy skills to the next level, this is the calligraphy paper for you.

Price

As a high-quality, professional-grade calligraphy paper, the Canson Moulin du Roy does come at a higher price point compared to other options on our list. However, the outstanding performance and durability of this paper make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about their calligraphy practice.

In conclusion, finding the right calligraphy paper for your needs is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience as a beginner. By considering factors like paper weight, texture, and price, you can make an informed decision and choose a paper that best suits your style and budget. Whether it's the versatile Canson XL Mix Media, the reliable Strathmore 400 Series, the convenient Rhodia Dotpad, the eco-friendly Fabriano Ecological, or the luxurious Canson Moulin du Roy, there's a calligraphy paper out there for everyone. Happy writing!

If you've enjoyed exploring the world of calligraphy and want to take your skills to the next level, don't miss the workshop 'Using Watercolours to Create Colourful Calligraphy' by BlinkLettering. This workshop will guide you through the process of incorporating watercolours into your calligraphy, adding a vibrant and unique touch to your lettering projects.