Description
B7 natural paper is a popular choice for fountain pen lovers. With almost virtually no feathering, this 75 gsm paper works well with a variety of inks and pen types. It’s not as waxy as Rhodia, but it’s smoother than Midori MD and Tomoe River’s recent paper.
The tint of the B7 natural paper, which is in the middle of Tomoe River White and Cream, makes for a comfortable writing surface. It has no problems with absorption and works well with a variety of inks, including difficult ones. Even Sharpie Industrial markers, to the surprise of many, do not bleed through.
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B7 natural paper ink performance
When it comes to exhibiting ink qualities, B7 natural paper performs admirably, matching or even outperforming substitutes like Iroful and Cosmo Air Light. In comparison to certain competitors, it has better dry times and exhibits shading wonderfully. Compared to Cosmo, the texture of the paper is a little more noticeable.
Just like Tomoe River, the B7 natural really excels in fountain pen friendliness. Feathering is nonexistent; ghosting is minimized; and ink properties are outstanding. However, some users say that chromo shaders might not apply really pop on this paper, compared to Tomoe River
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B7 natural paper smoothness
The tint of the B7 natural paper, which is in the middle of Tomoe River White and Cream, makes for a comfortable writing surface
Users have reported that B7 natural is smoother than Midori MD, providing a pleasant writing experience. But it isn’t as completely smooth as smoother versions of original Tomoe River paper. The B7 natural paper has some texture to it, enough to allow writers to feel the intricacies of their fountain pen nibs.
B7 natural paper has moderate smoothness, but is not glassy in nature. It is somewhat textured compared to Tomoe River, feeling somewhat like Cosmo Air Light paper. With B7 natural having a bit of more feel while writing, the original Tomoe River paper had more of an ultra-smooth feel.
Overall, B7 natural paper is considered one of the best currently available papers for fountain pen use, offering a balance of quality and affordability.
I conducted a test of Inkvent Blue Edition and Diamine Marine Blue fountain pen inks on B7 Natural paper. Several medium ink droplets were applied and subsequently dispersed by blowing, to assess ink spread

The sheen and shade showed very well. The writing on this paper is smooth.
B7 Natural fountain pen paper is also available as A4 size B7 Natural loose leaf paper pack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our B7 Natural Paper 75gsm Notebook
How does B7 Natural paper compare to the discontinued Cosmo Air Light paper for showing ink sheen and shading?
Fountain pen users seeking a replacement for Cosmo Air Light will find B7 Natural an excellent alternative. It performs admirably in showcasing ink sheen and shading, matching or even outperforming substitutes like Iroful. Your B7 Natural paper displays these ink properties vividly, making it perfect for enthusiasts who love to see the full character of their fountain pen inks on a smooth, off-white surface.
Is B7 Natural paper less sensitive to hand oils than Cosmo Air Light, preventing skipping issues?
Yes, a key advantage of B7 Natural paper is that it is noticeably less hand oil sensitive than Cosmo Air Light. This means you can write for extended journaling sessions without worrying about natural skin oils creating areas where ink skips or beads up. This improves the overall writing experience and reliability, especially for those with oilier skin or who write in warmer conditions.
Will there be any bleed-through or feathering with wet fountain pen inks on this 75gsm paper?
Your 75gsm B7 Natural paper is engineered to be fountain-pen-friendly, with virtually no bleed-through and no feathering, even with wet inks and wet nibs. This paper quality ensures that your handwriting remains crisp and clean. While some ghosting may be present due to the paper’s thickness, it handles heavy ink saturation remarkably well, allowing for double-sided use.
How would you describe the smoothness of B7 Natural paper for a tactile writing experience?
The texture of B7 Natural paper is a balanced middle ground. Users report it is smoother than Midori MD but not as glassy-smooth as some versions of Tomoe River paper. It has a pleasant, moderate smoothness with a bit more tactile feedback than ultra-smooth papers. This allows you to feel the intricacies of your fountain pen nibs, providing a satisfying connection during writing without being scratchy.
What is the color of the B7 Natural paper, and how does it affect ink appearance?
The paper features an off-white or natural tint that sits comfortably between Tomoe River White and Cream. This warm, neutral hue provides a comfortable, low-glare writing surface that makes ink colors appear rich and true. It’s particularly flattering for shading inks, as the subtle background helps highlight the tonal variations within the ink without distorting the color.
How do drying times on B7 Natural compare to other premium papers like Tomoe River or Cosmo Air Light?
Drying time on B7 Natural is generally better (faster) than on some competitors like original Tomoe River paper. While it still allows sheening inks and shimmer inks to display their properties, the 75gsm stock has a slight absorbency that helps set the ink more quickly than on ultra-coated papers. This makes it a practical choice for everyday journaling where smudging is a concern.
Is B7 Natural paper a good choice for showing the full range of ink characteristics, from shading to sheen?
Absolutely. Your B7 Natural paper excels at exhibiting ink qualities. It shows shading wonderfully, with smooth gradients, and produces vibrant sheen with the right inks. While some users note that “chromo shaders” (inks that also change color) might not pop as much as on Tomoe River, for standard ink properties like sheen, shade, and saturation, it performs outstandingly, matching or exceeding many premium papers.
How durable is the 75gsm B7 Natural paper, and will it hold up to erasing or handling?
At 75gsm, B7 Natural paper has a substantial, durable feel. It holds up well to general handling, erasers, and the normal wear and tear of a 192-page notebook. It is less prone to tearing than thinner 52gsm papers. This durability, combined with its resistance to bleed-through, makes it a reliable choice for a fountain pen journal that you will handle and use frequently.
Does the paper work well with all pen types, or is it strictly for fountain pens?
While optimized for fountain pens, your B7 Natural paper works beautifully with a wide variety of writing instruments. The smooth finish ensures gel pens, rollerballs, and even ballpoints write without skipping. Its controlled absorption means it handles different ink types well, making it a versatile paper planning and journaling tool for anyone who uses multiple kinds of pens.
How does the 192-page count affect the notebook’s portability and writing comfort?
The combination of 192 pages and 75gsm paper weight results in a notebook that feels substantial yet remains portable. It’s thicker and more robust than ultra-thin options, offering a satisfying heft. The sky blue cover and standard sizes (A5, B5) ensure it’s easy to carry, while the page count provides ample space for extended journaling without being overly bulky.





