Paper for Brush Lettering and Blending Brush pens

What is the best paper for brush lettering and blending brush pens? Paper is important because you need a smooth paper that won't fray your brush pens. I'm going to compare different paper options to use with brush lettering and which ones work for blending brush pens as well.
PAPER MENTIONED:
HP Premium 32 paper: amzn.to/36aM5ye
Strathmore Bristol smooth paper: amzn.to/2NiLCkW
Canson Bristol smooth paper: amzn.to/2WflXOc
Strathmore Marker paper: amzn.to/2BNHu7u
Canson Marker Paper: amzn.to/2opq65S
Rhodia Paper pads: amzn.to/2MOwMng
Clever Fox: cleverfoxplann...
Canson XL Watercolor paper: amzn.to/2BKKaCT
Canson Mix Media paper: amzn.to/2MNclr0
Strathmore Hot Press Watercolor paper: amzn.to/343pYYN
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VIDEOS MENTIONED:
Best Paper for Brush Lettering: • The Best Paper for Bru...
Rainbow Lettering with Faux Calligraphy Tutorial: • Rainbow Lettering with...
Rainbow Watercolor Background Skillshare class: skl.sh/2SiYpJJ
HAND LETTERING FOR BEGINNERS ONLINE COURSE: handletteringf...
LEARN WITH HAND LETTERING WORKSHEETS:
www.etsy.com/s...
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[@timeconstrained2400]

Excellent, a thorough examination of the different types of paper and NO RUBBISH CHATTER!!

[@EnsignInsights]

Thank you for watching! I’m so glad you found it straight to the point. 😊

[@pine_and_pen]

Would love to see a video tutorial from you on different blending patterns. When I blend my Karins I usually go ombré from top to bottom or vice versa. I recently saw sone diagonal and other blends and would love to see how you do this! ☺️

[@EnsignInsights]

Ooh that’s a great idea! I will add that to my list! Thank you!

[@alessandrasmota]

WOW! Thanks so much! I can't believe someone finally broke down blending on different papers. I was SO frustrated trying to blend with HP premium, no other KZbinr mentions on their videos that it tears the paper and that it's hard to create smooth transitions. The only technique that "worked" for me was to apply the darker ink on the colorless blender (using the upside-down tip to tip ink transfer for 1 or 2 seconds), instead of applying the dark ink on the bottom of the letter and trying to scrub the ink up. I wonder why I don't see many people suggesting this blending method. I have a question about the marker paper. You only show the blending technique that uses the water brush on marker paper. What is your experience with blending directly on the paper with marker paper? I want to practice blending, but bristol is pretty $$$ to practice that, and Hp is well.. $H!* for blending. And I would like to try blending without a water brush. Do you think marker paper might be the best option?

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

Hi Sarah! I do have the Canson Mixed Media and WC Paper along with the Bristol. I think you were spot on with your review and agreed 100% with the mixed media paper try out. I use a Princeton Round No.1+2 with blending with a little bit of water and have really good luck! I'd love to see Black watercolor paper... I have the Bee Black Bristol and WOW! If you like the color shifting rainbow effect, you'll LOVE that kind!

[@EnsignInsights]

Ooh I want to try black watercolor paper! I’m going to have to try the Bee black bristol! Thanks for the tip!

[@courtneyheller3667]

Thank you SO much for this video! Having the right paper is not talked about enough when beginning lettering! I have been searching for a video like this. This was so helpful. :) I look forward to your future videos.

[@EnsignInsights]

Thank you for watching! I’m so glad it helped!

[@ananyaxgoel]

For practice, I love to use tracing paper! They are widely available, and cheap!

[@IshioShima]

Thanks for this video! I was really wondering what kind of paper I could use for blending my brush pens that was smooth enough~

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes it’s tricky to find smooth paper that still blends! I’m glad this helps 😊

[@Winstonsmom]

I love the Rhodia spiral bound notebook. I use these for practice books. With the fold over pad it’s really difficult to use both sides of the paper and to use the top of the page. With the spiral, you can easily use both sides and get to the top. Way more economical!

[@EnsignInsights]

Ooh that’s such a good point!! Spiral is definitely a more economical option to be able to use both sides without tearing out the page. I love the variety that Rhodia has! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@ashleysnight9223]

This was wildly helpful! I really like the final alphabet piece you made at the end of the video, so stylized and nicely blended together. Thanks Sarah!

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m glad this was helpful! Thanks Ashley! 💕

[@Emily_M81]

The $10 Artist's Loft (Michael's) "Level 2" notebooks, the 120g paper is actually quite shockingly good for the price especially. It handles almost anything I throw at it aside from Sharpies as far as ghosting/bleeding. Smooth, too. I have HP Premium 28 atm, not 32. I think the main difference is thickness; it bleeds a little bit with my Tombows (or a lot if I layer it heavily). Very smooth, I like it. I print a lot of coloring book pages using it >_>

[@whms1989]

This is so helpful! I'll definitely have to try the Bristol paper/waterbrush combination. The designs in your notebook are so pretty!

[@EnsignInsights]

Thank you! If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes! 😊

[@sukmaatiqah8795]

Guess what, i was looking everywhere for HP premium paper in my country. I think its not available here. I'm so broken 😭 tried other smooth paper but i dont think its smooth enough

[@EnsignInsights]

That’s so tough! If you can’t find any of these types of paper, just use the smoothest you can find!

[@jagdishsakhrani1193]

Rhodia paper has hard bound books too! Like the webnotebook and rhodiarama...

[@wanderingcreativity]

Hey Sarah appreciate the support and recommendation videos fantastic thanks for showcasing this helps with lettering practice!

[@EnsignInsights]

The Wandering Writs I’m glad it’s helpful! Thanks for watching!! 😊

[@miriamb5104]

Which pen so you use at 11:58? I don't mean the Karin Marker...the other one. Is it a arteza?

[@makerbroyeah5369]

And the marker one of canson, is also a good option

[@lyssasletters3232]

This video is such a valuable resource!!!!!!!! (And long awaited 😊😊). Thank you for sharing, Sarah!!! 💗

[@EnsignInsights]

I know it was a LONG time ago that we were talking about paper! I’m working my way down my list 😂

[@serraslife77]

Arches hot press is MUCH smoother than Strathmore's. It does cost a bit more but if it saves your pens, it may be worth it. Give it a try sometime. Your videos are SO helpful. Thank you so much for sharing so much info with all of us!

[@EnsignInsights]

Thank you for letting me know! I will definitely need to try the Arches hot press to compare! 😊

[@serraslife77]

@@EnsignInsightsGreat! I would LOVE to know if you like it and your thoughts/opinion! Just a couple quick tips/sidenotes if/when you go to buy Arches... 1st is that their 'hot press' is the PINK & BLACK pad; 2nd is that Amazon does have THE best prices for Arches WHEN it's on sale. Which, thankfully! Is pretty frequently. I want to say about every few months or so (so instead of the $18-23 for a 9x12 pad, they'll go down to around $13-15.) You may already know all I this, BUT just in case you didn't, it IS helpful to know.

[@nashfilomeno1637]

Hey Sarah can I use watercolor paper that's what is only available here and a Victoria journal what should I use?

[@flolakpa]

Loved your video! I have a question about the technique you used for the watercolor paper (applying water on the brush tip). Does it damage the tips? I’m afraid if I wet them I won’t be able to use them afterwards.

[@alexandraw.4071]

Thank you so much for your infos about paper, nice greetings from germany 🇩🇪👋🏼

[@kaydeenothing9772]

I didn't see a link to the water brush in the description. Can you tell me what this brush is or where to get it??

[@hyp3rx312]

This was such a helpful video! :D Do you know if tracing paper works well for blending?

[@EnsignInsights]

I have never tried blending on tracing paper! I don’t think it’s thick enough but you could try it and let me know! It also isn’t the best for a final piece so I’ve never thought to try!

[@hyp3rx312]

@@EnsignInsights Thank you so much for your respond! You make such helpful videos!

[@eisirk]

What would you recommend for creating finished greeting cards with no bleed through to sell with the brush pens and double ended watercolor brush pens?

[@EnsignInsights]

Of these papers I personally would use Strathmore Bristol smooth paper!

[@skwerwl]

Love this video! I got a set of the color fudenosuke pens for learning & would have totally shred them if not for your prior mentioning paper types. Glad to see a Side by side! Also, sorry if you've mentioned this before, but what brand water brush pen is that? I've never seen one so fine!

[@EnsignInsights]

My two favorite waterbrushes are from Pentel and Kuretake in size fine. I believe this is the Kuretake one! It has softer bristles, the Pentel has stiffer bristles which I personally prefer when it comes to lettering. But the soft is great for things like this! I mostly love the fine size! I hope that helps! 💕

[@skwerwl]

@@EnsignInsights perfect! Thank you so much for replying. Adding that to my next shopping trip!

[@athenachristinaaaa]

what brushpens did you use? can i know their names?

[@mccartneys15]

Hi Sara! I'm just starting to practice handlettering. My first trial was writing on a copy paper and my brush pen (Koi Sakura Brush Pen) fray like craaazy, thank God it's pretty cheap. Now I've got my hands on Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip and still trying to find the best paper to practice on. After watching this video I found out that, sadly, none of the mentioned product is available on my region even the HP one, the only one available is Canson Marker Paper, which you didn't really recommend it due to the price and performance; but I notice you mentioned tracing paper. Do you think it's okay for beginner like me to start practicing handlettering on tracing paper, with a Hard Tip pen, treat it as my "main" paper (not for the actual tracing purposes)? I did a quick searching on your channel but I don't think I've found videos focused on tracing paper. Hope you'll answer this, means a lot to me. Thanks! :-)

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes! You can definitely use tracing paper as your main paper especially while practicing! Use what you have, just keep practicing 💕

[@mccartneys15]

@@EnsignInsights thank you! ❤️

[@l1sanne]

Hai!! I have Tombow Dual Brush Pens and i was wondering what paper i could use ( In my country is HP Premium Laserjet Paper not available sadly)

[@EnsignInsights]

You can try any of the other paper I suggested in this video! Bristol paper or marker paper are a good start to look for 👍

[@l1sanne]

Okay! Thanks for the tip!

[@kellyjade6230]

I really need budget friendly practice paper, preferably paper I can print lettering practice sheets on. However, HP premium 32 is not available in my country 😔 It is available as hp premium though, which is only 80 g/m2 (a little over half of the premium 32). Do you think it could work as well? Not as a finished piece, but just for practising? Thank you for the vid. I love Rhodia pads as well!

[@EnsignInsights]

That’s a good question! You should try it out and let me know! You will have to be the judge by touching it and deciding how smooth it feels. 👍

[@appleknocker56]

No where can I find a water color paper with a smooth finish not 140gsm for the tips of the Tombows & print pdf downloads to paint & is there a “smooth” watercolor paper not mixed media paper??

[@jamiezens]

have you tried muji paper? I heard it’s pretty smooth but I’m not sure if I should purchase it instead of the other papers

[@EnsignInsights]

I haven’t tried muji paper! I’ll add it to my list. If you try it you’ll have to let me know!

[@VV-nn5dy]

So I use the canson xl mixed media notebook style book for most of my practicing and it blends well. I tried blending on the Rhodia but to no avail. I also have a couple of the Artist's loft notebooks which I love. Thanks for your video. I am new to econoline brush pens and I got them because of your opinion of them. However there is quite a bit of a learning curve with them. Any pointers on how to use them or what paper works best with them. They seem pretty hardy. Terrific video as always! 🤩😁🙂

[@EnsignInsights]

There is a learning curve with Ecoline because they’re so soft! It takes a lot of control. I would say to practice basic strokes and words over and over to build muscle memory. Don’t get down on yourself, it takes time. 😊 I prefer using smooth paper with them so they glide easier on the paper. I hope that helps a little more!

[@barkhaaaaa]

Can we use ivory sheets for blending as well as watercolor effect?

[@EnsignInsights]

I’m not sure what ivory sheets are!

[@barkhaaaaa]

@@EnsignInsights they are smooth sheets really smooth but still absorb water❤

[@cookingcorners3103]

Can I use hp paper for my doms brush pens ? Not for blending only for brush lettering??

[@EnsignInsights]

Yes! HP premium paper is smooth for any pen as long as you don't want to blend :)

[@sofiasletters5127]

Love This!!!♥️

[@matthewcaburong7340]

Love everything you do!! Pls review the faber castell calligraphy brush pen… actually I have one and already used it but I also want to see your opinions about it

[@EnsignInsights]

Matthew Caburong Thanks for watching! Here is the review I did on Faber Castell brush pens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3qcmqF_o9eaaMk

[@gabrielacolmenaresreverol7988]

This is so weird, I find that the best paper for blending is Rhodia 😂, it does tear a bit of you put too much ink or water, but it is most definitely better than HP. I haven’t found anything else that’s affordable for blending 🥺

[@funadventures4158]

Does Strathmore mixed media fray pens?

[@EnsignInsights]

Mixed media has a little more texture so it brush pens will fray on it. But they’ll all fray eventually no matter what paper you use so you have to decide what you’re ok with!

[@Dgarays]

I use cardstock, it is soft and not so thin as printer paper.

[@EnsignInsights]

Ooh yes! Card stock is another great option! Have you tried blending with it? I’d be interested to know, I didn’t think to add it to this comparison!

[@Dgarays]

Ensign Insights yes I have tried although I’m not an expert. But is not very resistant you can totally blend the two markers tip to tip but if you add water at the second layer the paper starts to crumble 😅

[@Foxsy_Official]

Hey, just a heads up! The Clever Fox notebook company stole my original logo several years ago and added Fox to their name to be sneaky. I wouldn't support their brand because they steal from creators!

[@EnsignInsights]

Oh no!! Thanks for telling me! I’m so sorry that happened to you! I haven’t done anything else with them since they sent me this journal and now it sounds like that was a good thing!

[@Foxsy_Official]

@@EnsignInsights It's not something I share that often cuz I don't see them around much anymore, but when I do see them pop up, I gotta call it out! Thanks so much, I loved this video and it was incredibly informative!

[@theratinmypfp8912]

Hey can you tell why my crayola supertips have mold in 2 months?

[@EnsignInsights]

Error Møønshiñe I have no idea! I’ve never experienced that!

[@liam-vl4zn]

Eww wtf why would it have mould!?! Maybe bacteria u nvr cap it back aft using?

[@kazoo2329]

I think it's because of the pigment

[@aireen4933]

First❤️