Description
NB: Restock of Blank & 5mm dot, 384 pages, is available now, July 10th 2025.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Semi-Translucent 50gsm Paper Notebook (386 Pages)
What exactly does “semi-translucent” mean, and how will it affect the look of my writing and sketches?
Semi-translucent paper, often called “onion skin” or “typewriter” paper, has a deliberate, subtle see-through quality. Unlike opaque paper where ink sits on the surface, this 50gsm sheet allows light to pass through, creating a beautiful halo effect around your fountain pen ink. This unique property makes ink sheen and shading appear almost dimensional, as if they are glowing from within the page, adding an artistic, ethereal quality to both handwriting and sketches.
Will there be bleed-through? I see “show-through” mentioned, but what’s the difference?
This is the most important distinction! Bleed-through is when ink penetrates entirely through the paper, creating messy dots or lines on the other side. Your notebook has no bleed-through. Show-through (or ghosting) is when you can see the writing from the other side because the paper is translucent. This is an intentional feature, not a defect. It allows for unique artistic effects and tracing, while each page remains structurally sound and usable on both sides.
How does this 50gsm semi-translucent paper handle different ink properties like sheen and shading?
This paper is exceptional at showcasing ink characteristics. Because the ink sits on the surface and the translucent background adds depth, sheening inks can display intense, metallic-like edges, and shading inks show dramatic gradients from light to dark. The 50gsm weight and coating allow the ink to pool beautifully without feathering, making every ink property appear vibrant and dynamic against the soft, see-through backdrop.
Is this paper suitable for sketching, and what drawing mediums work best?
Absolutely. The smooth surface is ideal for sketching with fountain pens, fine liners, and gel pens. Its semi-translucent nature is a huge bonus for artists: you can place it over a rough sketch or guide to trace or refine your work. It also handles light pencil work and erasing reasonably well. However, heavy washes with water brushes or wet markers may cause buckling due to the thin 50gsm stock.
With 386 pages of thin, 50gsm paper, will the notebook be too bulky or difficult to write in?
Despite the high page count, the 50gsm paper keeps the A5 notebook remarkably slim and lightweight. The lay flat binding is crucial here—it allows the 386 pages to open comfortably without fighting against the spine. This design ensures a comfortable writing experience regardless of whether you’re near the beginning, middle, or end of the journal, making it deceptively portable for its capacity.
Can I use both sides of the page, or will the show-through make it too messy?
Yes, you can definitely use both sides. While you will see the writing from the other side (the show-through), it usually doesn’t interfere with readability, especially if you use darker inks. Many users actually love the layered, textured look this creates. For the best double-sided experience, try using a fine nib or extra-fine nib with a moderately wet ink to keep the show-through subtle and elegant.
How does the writing feel? Is the paper smooth or does it have feedback?
The texture offers a pleasant middle ground. It’s smooth enough for nibs to glide effortlessly, providing a tactile writing experience that many fountain pen users prefer over glassy-smooth papers. Reviewers often note it has a charming, slightly vintage feel—similar to high-quality onion skin paper—that provides just enough feedback to give you control without feeling scratchy, especially with Japanese pens or finer nibs.
Is this paper the same as Tomoe River paper? How do they compare?
While both are thin and fountain-pen-friendly, they are different. Tomoe River paper (especially Sanzen) is opaque and designed to minimize show-through. Your semi-translucent paper is designed with show-through as a feature. Compared to Tomoe River, this paper often has a more unique, textured surface and a distinct vintage aesthetic. It’s an excellent choice if you want the thinness and ink handling of a premium paper but with a more artistic, translucent quality.
What are the best uses for this notebook—journaling, ink testing, or something else?
This notebook truly shines for creative journaling, commonplacing, and sketching. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates the aesthetic of their writing. Ink testing is also wonderful here because you can see how inks look with backlighting. It’s also ideal for travelers or minimalists who want a high page count in a lightweight package. The 386 pages offer a long-lasting canvas for daily thoughts, poetry, or illustrated diaries.
How durable is the 50gsm paper? Will it tear easily or hold up to erasing and handling?
At 50gsm, the paper is thin and requires a gentle touch, but it is not overly fragile. It holds up well to careful erasing and normal page turning. It is less tolerant of rough handling than thicker papers, so it’s best suited for desktop use or careful carrying in a bag. The durability of the binding and the paper’s resistance to bleed-through mean that with reasonable care, your 386-page notebook will be a lasting repository for your thoughts and art.
Our semi-translucent paper notebooks are perfect for both writing and sketching.
Kindly check the review here:
