I’m often asked about the materials, supplies, tools & equipment I choose for book making, so I’m kicking off a new spotlight series that will reveal what I use in my bindery and why. I know this information will help newer binders follow along with my tutorials and make quicker decisions about what to buy when the time comes to stock up, so I’m excited to get started.

Today’s first post will focus on the #1 question I get asked, “What bookbinding paper do you use and why?”

The early days

My first book was full of 90lb sketch paper. In all honesty, it was the only paper I could afford at the craft store and I truly felt thicker paper = higher quality. This is the case for many newer bookbinders and it’s not a bad thing. Heavyweight paper is harder to damage, so it holds up nicely when learning to use an awl and needle.

Today, I prefer to choose paper with versatility and features that make a difference in how the book is constructed and how it’s used by the recipient.

Paper features that I truly care about

As my binding skills matured, I started to understand that weight is just one of many features to consider when buying paper. These other features are equally important:

  • Type (text/writing, drawing, watercolor, etc.)
  • Grain direction
  • Finish
  • Texture
  • Color
  • Digital compatibility

I once made the mistake of using sketch paper in a journal for one of my good friends. A few weeks after giving her the book, I asked for feedback. To my surprise, her response had nothing to do with the things that I thought mattered (the size, how it looked, whether or not it laid flat). Instead, she told me the paper was too hard to work with. Sketch paper has a higher gs/m and a slightly textured surface, making it difficult for her ball point pen to glide.

As you can see, the type, finish and texture are important when selecting bookbinding paper. But let’s not forget about grain direction, color and digital compatibility.

Grain direction & color

Once I’d mastered some of the foundational book making techniques, I started focusing on design. This is where a bookbinder moves away from the engineering principles and into the artistic. I played with book sizes, coverings, and paper with lines and grids. I suddenly had to focus on paper size with regard to grain direction (not an easy task) as well as paper colors to compliment some of the pricey coverings I’d bought.

Digital compatibility

I love to make lined paper for myself and for use in my bookbinding kits. I learned very quickly that foldable lined paper is not commercially produced, which means I have to print it myself. To do this, I needed to create my own templates and find inkjet compatible paper in the right type, weight, color, size and grain direction.

My preferred paper

As a small bindery, I’m unable to buy a bunch of one-off paper reams to satisfy every whim. Instead, I have to choose paper that meets all of my functional needs first (size, grain direction, digital compatibility) while leaving room for beautiful design.

It took me some time to figure out the economics, but I eventually landed on two types of paper that work for 80% of the books I create:

  1. PC 100 Environment white 12×18 long grain paper by Neenah (80lb text)
    This paper is 100% recycled, environmentally-friendly and compatible with nearly all printers.
  2. Royal Sundance White Paper – 11 x 17 in 70 lb Text Smooth Fiber 30% Recycled
    This is the BEST all-around paper. It’s digitally compatible, the perfect weight and very affordable in a ream of 500 sheets.

Where to buy paper online

I personally buy my paper from ThePaperMillStore once or twice per year, but you can pick these up wherever Neenah and Mohawk Fine Papers are sold.

I hope this was helpful for you. Good luck!

More bookbinding goodness

✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?

🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books? 

Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.

Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!

Misty