Best Sketchbooks for Ink
Finding paper that handles ink well makes a significant difference to your drawing experience. The right sketchbook accepts fineliners and brush pens without bleeding through, feathering, or creating frustrating inconsistencies in your line work.
We have selected sketchbooks based on paper weight, surface texture, and how well they perform with pigment-based and dye-based inks. Our picks include options at different price points, from everyday practice books to premium choices for finished work.
Our Top Picks
Leuchtturm1917
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook
A versatile hardcover notebook favoured by artists and writers alike. The 80gsm paper handles fountain pens and fineliners well, while the numbered pages and index make it excellent for organised sketchbook practice.
- High-quality 80gsm paper handles most inks well
- Numbered pages and index for organisation
- Lay-flat binding makes drawing comfortable
- Some ghosting with heavy ink application
- Not ideal for wet media like watercolour
Mid-range, typically around £15-20
Check priceStrathmore
Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad
A reliable workhorse for dry media sketching. The cream-coloured paper has enough tooth to grab graphite and charcoal without being too rough, making it suitable for both quick sketches and more detailed drawings.
- Excellent tooth for pencil and charcoal
- Medium weight (130gsm) handles erasing well
- Good value for the quality
- Not suitable for wet media
- Spiral binding can catch on sleeve
Budget-friendly, typically £8-15 depending on size
Check priceKhadi
Khadi Handmade Paper Pack
Handmade cotton rag paper from India with distinctive texture and deckle edges. The 100% cotton composition makes this paper exceptionally durable and receptive to wet media, with each sheet offering unique surface character.
- Beautiful deckle edges and texture
- 100% cotton rag for archival quality
- Handles wet media exceptionally well
- Irregular surface not suited to fine detail
- Higher cost per sheet than machine-made paper
Premium, typically £15-30 for packs
Check priceComparison
| Product | Best for | Key pro | Key con | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover Notebook Leuchtturm1917 | ink drawing | High-quality 80gsm paper handles most inks well | Some ghosting with heavy ink application | Mid-range, typically around £15-20 | Check price |
| Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Pad Strathmore | pencil drawing | Excellent tooth for pencil and charcoal | Not suitable for wet media | Budget-friendly, typically £8-15 depending on size | Check price |
| Khadi Handmade Paper Pack Khadi | watercolour | Beautiful deckle edges and texture | Irregular surface not suited to fine detail | Premium, typically £15-30 for packs | Check price |
How We Chose
Our selection process focused on practical performance with ink media. We considered the following criteria:
- Paper weight: Sufficient gsm to prevent bleed-through with standard fineliners
- Surface quality: Smooth enough for clean lines, with consistent texture across pages
- Binding: Lies flat for comfortable drawing without fighting the spine
- Value: Good performance relative to price point
- Availability: Readily available in the UK from multiple retailers
Recommendations are based on product specifications, material analysis, and feedback from artists who regularly work with ink. We have not claimed to personally test every product but have assessed them against consistent criteria.
Who This Is For
This guide suits artists who work primarily with fineliners, technical pens, or brush pens and want reliable paper that will not compromise their work. Whether you are building a daily sketching habit, working on illustration projects, or practising calligraphy, these sketchbooks provide appropriate surfaces for ink-based media.
If you primarily work with wet media like watercolour or heavy ink washes, you may need dedicated watercolour paper instead. The sketchbooks here handle light washes but are optimised for pen and brush work rather than heavy water application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What paper weight works best for ink drawing?
For ink work, look for paper between 100-160gsm. This weight provides enough substance to prevent bleed-through while remaining comfortable to work with in a bound sketchbook. Heavier weights suit brush pen work and wet ink techniques.
Does paper colour affect ink work?
White and off-white papers both work well for ink. Bright white provides maximum contrast and suits work intended for scanning or reproduction. Cream-toned papers offer a warmer feel and can be easier on the eyes during long drawing sessions.
Should I choose smooth or textured paper for fineliners?
Smooth paper allows fineliners to glide easily and produces crisp, clean lines. Textured paper creates more resistance and can add visual interest but may wear down fine nibs faster. Most artists prefer smoother surfaces for detailed ink work.
Can I use watercolour over ink in regular sketchbooks?
Light washes are possible in some sketchbooks, but standard paper will buckle with water application. For mixed media work combining ink and watercolour, choose sketchbooks specifically designed for wet media or use individual sheets of watercolour paper.
Our Recommendations
For most artists working with fineliners and brush pens, the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Hardcover offers an excellent balance of quality and practicality. The 80gsm paper handles most inks well, and the numbered pages plus index support organised sketchbook practice.
For those prioritising dry media versatility alongside occasional ink work, the Strathmore 400 Series provides excellent value with its medium-weight paper that suits both pencil and pen.