Calligraphy, also known as decorative writing, is a lost art. People in the older days pursued this activity regularly and excelled at it. Somewhere along the lines, especially after the advent of technology, the number of people interested in calligraphy reduced drastically, so much so, that only a handful of people pursued their interest in decorative writing.

Thankfully, calligraphy has been making a comeback, and more and more people are trying their best to revive this lost art. However, calligraphy requires more than just skills. It would help if you had the right stationery to ensure that your work looks the way you intended it to appear. Calligraphy papers, in particular, are a critical item for people interested in decorative writing. Opting for the wrong option will not do you any favors and may ruin your hard work.

Best Calligraphy Papers

The type of paper you choose has a massive impact on your calligraphy results. For those who are new to this art, choosing the right ink and paper are essential factors of successful calligraphy. With an overabundance of paper and ink choices, choosing the right combination can feel incredibly tough.

Determining the type of paper you need for your calligraphy-based work can be quite difficult. With a vast range of options available, choosing which one would best suit your needs feels like a tall task.

1. Studio Series Calligraphy Paper – Best for Hand Lettering

Are you an aspiring calligrapher looking to build confidence and skills by practicing decorative handwriting and lettering? If the answer is yes, this artist-grade calligraphy paper will help you improve your skills tenfold. The Studio Series Calligraphy paper stands out from tons of other options because of its comfortable usability, convenient pre-printed grids, and accurately ruled lines for practicing.

Using your calligraphy marker or pen on this paper will be a breeze because of its heavyweight and smooth surface.  This product comes with fifty calligraphy paper sheets, providing users with ample quantity to improve their decorative handwriting. 

Material

The manufacturer of this product uses high-quality materials to create it, ensuring it is durable and can withstand rough use. Plus, this calligraphy paper’s tape-bound pads hold together, ensuring you don’t have trouble in everyday use. Users can also free the sheets from their pads, without worrying about curling or twisting, proving that this product’s material is incredibly sturdy.

Budget

The Studio Series Calligraphy paper is a mid to high budget product. If you have a budget of ten to twelve dollars, opting for this product will be a no brainer, as it contains everything you would expect from a high-quality calligraphy paper.

2. Strathmore Calligraphy Pad – Best Paper For Brush Lettering

Strathmore Paper Company has been developing high-quality calligraphy papers for decades, an honor shared by very few companies. This company’s longevity also proves that it knows the art of manufacturing perfect calligraphy papers while maintaining their quality, a massive reason why decorative writing enthusiasts should consider this high-end paper.

While you may notice several similarities in most calligraphy papers,  this one stands out because of its excellent dimensions.  The Strathmore Calligraphy pad will be an excellent option for individuals who prefer larger papers.

Material

Strathmore used all-natural materials to manufacture this product. If you are a friend of the environment, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this product is incredibly eco-friendly. What’s more, this product’s smooth surface ensures that your pen’s or calligraphy market’s nib will not damage your page.

Instead, you can move the pen around at your preferred pace and complete your hand lettering projects with ease. The Strathmore calligraphy pad can be used for practice and professional calligraphy tasks. Why? Because its material is immensely robust and is perfect for beginners and pros

Budget

This calligraphy paper by Strathmore is for individuals looking for a low-budget paper. While you can get this product in around five to seven dollars, don’t let its low price fool you as it provides tough competition to most high-end calligraphy papers in the market.

3. Modern Calligraphy Practice Sheets – Best Paper for Beginners

Calligraphy can be incredibly difficult, especially for beginners. Sure, it is a form of decorative handwriting, but you’d be surprised to learn the amount of practice and dedication required to master it. While practicing the only way to improve your calligraphy skills, you also need the right stationery to support this activity.

Opting for the wrong type of paper is the last thing any aspiring calligrapher wants. Fortunately, the Modern practice sheets provide novice calligraphers with an excellent, user-friendly solution. What makes this product stand out is its easy-to-follow graph paper – the manufacturer implemented this feature to improve user’s penmanship, helping them reach excellent penmanship levels.

Material

The material used for this calligraphy practice paper is similar to printer paper. Sure, it may not be the best option for seasoned artists, but it is excellent for individuals starting their calligraphy journey. Also, you don’t have to worry about the textured surface present in pro-level calligraphy papers.  Everything is incredibly smooth, allowing users to create their designs with minimal hassle. 

What’s more, the material used to manufacture this product doesn’t wear or tear easily, like the products mentioned earlier, this one can also withstand rough use without curling or folding.

Budget

This sheet pad is another excellent mid-budget paper on this list. Sure, you may come across similar products for more affordable rates, but this one provides excellent value for money because of its large size and number of sheets (160.)

4. Daiso Japanese Calligraphy Paper – Best Paper for Ink Drawing

Japanese calligraphy has been gaining steam recently. A large number of individuals are reviving this art by creating visually pleasing Japanese handwriting. However, you cannot do Japanese calligraphy on any piece of paper – you’ll need a specific product for it. Unfortunately, these types of papers are quite rare, and the ones that are available are not as good as you’d like them to be.

Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours researching this product as Daiso has an excellent solution for you. Its vast range of Japanese calligraphy papers is quickly becoming the town’s talk in the decorative handwriting community. This product separates itself from tons of other variants because of its authenticity.  The manufacturer drew accurately placed lines on this paper, ensuring Japanese calligraphy enthusiasts can master this art in no time. 

Material

Like other products in this list, the Daiso Japanese Calligraphy Paper also has the highest-quality materials. Holding this accessory in your hands will help you feel its unparalleled smoothness and durability. What’s more, your pen’s nib will move freely and won’t stick in the paper’s fibers.

Daiso also ensured that this product was ideal for beginners and pro artists, providing people with a great all-in-one, comfortable calligraphy paper.

Budget

Individuals looking for a high-end Japanese calligraphy paper on a low-budget (four to seven dollars) should consider opting for this product. Its superb quality, dimensions, and precise lines will help you master Japanese calligraphy with minimum hassle.

5. Calligraphy Writing Paper by Keven Odell – Best for Calligraphy Practice

Calligraphy writing does not have to be hard. Sure, you may need some time getting familiar with all the techniques, but you can significantly reduce it by using the right accessories. A high-end paper like this one may help you make strides in your calligraphy writing journey. The parallel lines included in this paper will help you understand the fundamentals of decorative writing while also improving your hand speed.

While the manufacturer markets this product as a professional pad, it is also ideal for beginners. So, whether you want to create slanted letters or straight ones, this paper for calligraphy writing will do the trick.

Material

The materials used to create this calligraphy paper improve its durability while providing users with a smooth and evenly textured surface.  Beginners can use this product without worrying about damaging it.  All you need to do is maintain a neutral grip, apply minimal force, and your calligraphy experience will be wonderful.

Placing this calligraphy paper under a pad or holder will not result in curling or folding. What’s more, users don’t have to worry about ink spreading and similar issues as this paper’s quality is tremendous.

Budget

This is a mid to high budget calligraphy paper and is only suitable for individuals with a range of around 8 to 10 Dollars. You will receive 150 sheets of high-quality paper with this product, which more than justifies the relatively high price.

Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the right calligraphy paper can be a walk in the park if you know the options available and what would suit your needs the most.

How to Choose the Right Calligraphy Paper?

As discussed earlier, the paper is an essential consideration when working on calligraphy projects, whether they are for practice or for professional reasons. It would be best if you considered tons of factors when looking for the best paper for calligraphy. Size, texture, weight, and color are critical considerations, and the paper’s structure, make-up, and form are equally important, if not more. Here is what will happen if you don’t choose the right paper for your calligraphy project:

• It will bend and curl from the ink’s weight
• It may stick in the tines of your nib
• The wrong calligraphy paper may absorb an excessive amount of ink, ruining your precise, sharp edges.

Sure, everyone loves doing their calligraphy on textured papers, but it’s not a great option for beginners. A textured paper may tempt you, but it would be best to opt for a smoother option if you are getting started.

Of course, the paper thickness is a vital element separating high-quality calligraphy papers from poor ones. However, if the surface lacks smoothness, you will notice the pen’s nib snagging across your paper. When the paper is smooth, your nib will glide smoothly, allowing you to create precise lines with great ease. Does this mean you can’t use textured paper? Of course not! But once again, it is not the best option for practicing.

Moreover, uncoated papers tend to bleed excessively, whereas papers with a visible coating may develop ink puddles. While this may sound like we’re ruling every type of paper out, it’s not the case. On the contrary, each type of calligraphy paper serves a purpose and has its pros and cons. Mentioned below is a list of some of the best calligraphy papers you will find in online and offline stores.

Layout or Marker Paper

A marker or layout paper is slightly transparent, a perfect option for those who like tracing. It will help you save a decent amount of time when drawing in grid lines. Layout papers are incredibly smooth and thin. They don’t bleed or snag, unlike other options.

Watercolor Paper

Do you use watercolor as ink? If the answer is yes, consider using a high-quality watercolor paper to support calligraphy passion. What’s most impressive about this paper is its excellent texture – it can add a visually pleasing effect to your calligraphy pieces. That said, you will require some patience with this option as your nib may catch some paper fibers.

Printer Paper

While printer papers aren’t the perfect option for calligraphy enthusiasts, they are arguably the most budget-friendly, making them an ideal fit for practice and drills. However, since tons of manufacturers produce printer papers, it would be best to choose a high-quality option to ensure your calligraphy’s quality remains uncompromised.

Premium Laser Paper

Tons of brands manufacture premium laser papers, ensuring you don’t have any trouble choosing one. Most laser papers work well with ink and provide excellent calligraphy results. However, consider using this paper type after practicing on a regular paper as it is ideal for people with a decent amount of calligraphy experience.

Why You Should Use a Specialized Calligraphy Paper?

Most individuals believe that regular papers and calligraphy papers are the same. This couldn’t be any further from the truth as they are vastly different. Manufacturers utilize specialized processes to develop calligraphy papers. They do this to ensure people don’t face trouble when working with complex letters and designs.

These papers are also superior in terms of durability. If you compare calligraphy papers with regular ones, you will realize that the former are sturdier and don’t go through wear and tear as quickly as the latter. It is a significant reason why the pros ditch traditional sheets in favor of specialized calligraphy papers.

How to Use Calligraphy Practice Paper?

You’d be surprised to learn that using a calligraphy practice paper is quite straightforward. It would even be fair to say that it is similar to regular papers. Nevertheless, let us look at some critical elements you need to consider when using a calligraphy practice paper. Firstly, you need to ensure you place the paper on the right surface. Decorative handwriting papers are immensely fragile and must be handled with care.

Consider using a bump-free pad matching your paper’s size to make sure your nib doesn’t slip while working. You should also keep the paper away from water and unfavorable elements as they could significantly damage it. Cleaning your table or any other surface, you will be working on will ensure your paper is safe and ready.

If you are a beginner, ensure that you don’t use your pen too roughly. Excessive force may lead to tearing or ink leakage on your paper. Instead, maintain a light, neutral grip, preventing your calligraphy paper from damaging.

Final thoughts

Unlike the older days, you’ll find very few bricks and mortar stores selling calligraphy papers. You will mostly find this product online, which is why you should only opt for the best ones. Fortunately, with the high-quality calligraphy papers reviewed in this piece, choosing one for your practice or project will be a walk in the park.

Consider your particular requirements when buying a paper to ensure it fits your objectives. Remember, while calligraphy skills are critical, they are not enough. Please don’t neglect the importance of choosing the right paper as it will showcase your decorative handwriting talent the right way.