Stillman & Birn Paper Reviews
These highly sought-after papers are now available in large sheets. They have both internal and surface sizing, giving them exceptional strength for applying wet and dry mediums. The sizing keeps pigments on the surface of the sheet—you get vibrant colors and crisp edges, and the paper withstands erasure well.
The papers come in three surfaces.
Medium Grain: distinctive tooth, suitable for all dry media, and will also accept multiple washes.
Cold Press: substantial tooth (but smoother than Cold Press watercolor paper), enhanced wet and tear
strength, suitable for mixed media artwork
Smooth: suitable for pen & ink, colored pencils, water-based markers, as well as watercolors.
And in two weights: 150 gsm and 270gsm. For comparison: Arches Text Wove (120gsm); watercolor paper 90lb(185gsm), 140lb (300gsm).
You can purchase Stillman & Birn paper from John Neal Books in a variety of ways.
PS112. Stillman & Birn Papers. 22″x30″ sheet. $3.50-$5.15 per sheet
PS112-S. Stillman & Birn Paper Full-Sheet Sample Pack. 22″x30″ sheets, 9 total sheets. $48.15
PA112. Stillman & Birn Paper 8.5″x11″, 25-sheet Packs. $23.95-$27.95
PA112-S. Stillman & Birn Paper Sample Pack. 8.5″x11″ sheets, 9 total sheets $14.95
We sent these papers out to be tested by a variety of lettering artists and you can read their rave reviews below!!
Alpha: White, Medium Grain, 150gsm. Thin enough to very easily see guidelines underneath when using a light pad. It has a slight tooth to it, which makes it beautiful, but not enough to cause the nib to catch. – Suzanne C.
Beta: White, Cold Press, 270gsm. Exceptional for brush, and the Pilot Parallel Pens have a nice, crisp, clean touch when using on this paper. Hairlines are sharp with pointed pen. – Eric S.
Delta: Ivory, Cold Press, 270gsm. This thicker paper would also be great for commissioned pieces. I could still see my guidelines through the light pad. – Suzanne C.
Epsilon: White, Smooth Finish, 150gsm. This paper was smooth as glass! I could very easily see the guidelines using my light pad. I would compare it to Rhodia paper. My nib glided easily on upstrokes with no problem. – Suzanne C.
Gamma: Ivory, Medium Grain, 150gsm. This paper is excellent and very much like Diploma Parchment. It scored and folded beautifully, and I was able to see guidelines easily. – Carol D.
Nova: Three colors, Medium Grain, 150gsm.
Black: Perfect texture, perfect weight. Great contrast with Bleed Proof White and metallic inks. Gorgeous paper. One of the nicest black surface papers I have used. – Heather H.
Beige, Grey: I can’t think of another tan or grey paper that would be this easy to work. The medium grain surface and relative light weight are unique in these colors. – Carol D.
Zeta: White, Smooth Finish, 270gsm. Easy surface for offhand flourishing and script lettering with pointed pen. Pencil lines easily erased and do no leave any indents on paper. – Heather H.
