What is the best paper stock to write on?

Any stock that is uncoated has the best writing surface, because the porous fibers let pen and pencil ink absorb and grip instead of beading up. That does not mean coated and laminated stocks are impossible to write on, but they resist ink and can smudge.

• Uncoated stocks are the easiest to write on and work well with most pens and markers.
• Silk coated and gloss coated stocks have a sealed surface, so ink sits on top and dries slowly.
• Silk laminated and velvet laminated stocks are the hardest to write on, since the film repels most inks.
• If handwriting matters, such as for appointment reminders or notes, choose an uncoated option.

A stock coated on one side only (C1S) gives you a coated, printed front and an uncoated back you can write on. If a specific pen matters, test it on a sample of the stock before a large order.