Rasmetak guides · Paper
Marker paper: why the ink bleeds through, and what to use instead
The short answer
Alcohol ink goes through any ordinary paper — that's normal, not a faulty pen — so use thicker paper made for markers and always keep a spare sheet underneath. Our A3 marker pad has 24 sheets of 120 gsm paper for JD 5.5: it's heavier than notebook paper but not “bleedproof”, so heavy layering can still come through.
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In this guide (7 sections)
Why do alcohol markers bleed through?
Alcohol ink is very thin and the paper absorbs it quickly — that's what makes it blend so smoothly. The same thing carries it right through the sheet to the other side, especially with the broad tip or several layers. Bleeding through isn't a fault in the pen; it's how alcohol ink behaves in every brand.
What does 120 gsm mean?
gsm is the weight of one square metre of paper in grams — the higher the number, the heavier the sheet:
- ordinary printer and notebook paper is roughly 70–80 gsm;
- our marker pad is 120 gsm;
- there is also thin, coated marker paper that holds the ink on its surface — a different kind that we don't sell at the moment.
Heavier paper lets less ink reach the other side, but no paper stops it completely once you build up many layers.
Which paper should you use? A quick comparison
| Paper | Weight | With alcohol markers | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notebook and printer paper | About 70–80 gsm | Bleeds through and spreads the ink | Quick tests only |
| Rasmetak A3 marker pad (24 sheets) | 120 gsm | Heavier, less show-through; sheets come off the pad | Colouring, sketching and renders, JD 5.5 |
| Thin coated marker paper | Usually lighter | Holds the ink on the surface | Professional blending (we don't sell it yet) |
| Colouring-book pages | Varies by book | Can print onto the next page | Keep a sheet under every page |
Weights for ordinary paper are approximate, for comparison. The supplier hasn't confirmed a bleedproof coating on the pad, so we don't call it “bleedproof”.
A3 Marker Pad — 24 Sheets, 120 gsm
A one-minute test before you start
Before any drawing that matters:
- Take a sheet of the same paper, or the last page of the book.
- Colour a small square with the broad tip in one layer, and next to it one with two layers and one with three.
- Turn the sheet over and see how much came through.
- If one layer prints through, put two sheets underneath; if only three layers do, go easier on going over the same spot.
The same test shows you how each colour really looks on that paper — the cap isn't always an exact match.
What about colouring books?
Most colouring-book pages aren't made for alcohol markers, so assume the ink may come through:
- slip a piece of card or a spare sheet under the page you're colouring;
- test each colour at the edge of the page or inside the cover first;
- build colour in light layers, from light to dark.
If you'd like to take the finished piece out and hang it, the designs in the DOMS colouring book for grown-ups come off after colouring. All our books are in the adult colouring books guide.
Tips that protect your paper and pens
- Colour on a clean, flat surface — not on top of a book or fabric you don't want stained.
- Rest your hand on a clean sheet while you colour so skin oils don't affect how the ink takes.
- Cap each pen after use and store them lying flat.
- For lines and detail use a fineliner, and test it at the edge of the paper first if you'll colour over it with markers.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the marker show through the paper?
Alcohol ink is thin and soaks into the paper — that's normal for every brand of alcohol marker. The fix is heavier paper and a spare sheet underneath.
Does your marker pad never bleed?
We won't promise that. Its 120 gsm paper is heavier than ordinary paper and reduces show-through, but many layers can still come through, and the supplier hasn't confirmed a bleedproof coating. So keep a sheet underneath.
What's the difference between A3 and A4?
A3 is 29.7 × 42 cm — twice the size of A4 (21 × 29.7 cm). It suits larger pieces and renders, and you can cut a sheet in half for a smaller size.
Can I take a drawing out of the pad?
Yes — sheets come off the pad when you're done, so you can frame the piece or give it away.
How many sheets are in the pad, and how much is it?
24 A3 sheets of 120 gsm paper, for JD 5.5.
Which paper works with acrylic markers?
Acrylic paint is opaque and sits on the surface, so it shows through less than alcohol ink. Heavier paper or card works best, and acrylic markers also work on wood, stone and canvas.