I don't think the thickness/weight is so much of an issue, assuming of course that you're using a backing sheet. The backing sheet is very important; not only will it help protect your platen and type slugs, it will also allow you to use a wider range of paper. 

I'd suggest experimenting with papers and find what you like the look and feel of the most. However, my go-to daily paper is Xerox 24 lb "premium multi-purpose" paper that I buy at Costco. It works great in practically every machine I've run it through. And yes, paper can be too thick/heavy. With some models you'll have a hard time getting really heavy paper through the feed rollers, and/or the paper bail won't be able to keep it flat on the platen.

I have a couple of boxes of "vintage" typing paper - they're 16 lb. weight.  Also some erasable bond typing paper that's even lighter.  I think the sizing on the paper matters more than the weight, assuming your feed rollers are in good shape.  I have the same question, though - what "modern" paper gives a good impression with typewriters?  I have yet to find anything suitable at Staples, outside of some very expensive 100% cotton rag paper...

WJC wrote:

What is paper "sizing" by the way? I see it mentioned a lot in relation to typewriters, but whenever I look it up I can only get results for different sizes of paper.

In my internet search for "sizing", the very first hit is for this article in Wkikpedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sizing

 

For myself: I use a backing sheet from regular computer printer paper, 20 pound I think. Then, on top of that, Rhodia fountain pen paper which is at least as 20 lb paper but glazed, or Clairefontane (spel?) which is a thin paper made in Japan and made for fountain pens.  That is for regular 8.5 x 10 or 11 paper size.  If half sheets, then backing sheet plus whatever half sheet size I'm to type on.
Overall, always use a backing sheet to make a nice imprint and also protect the platen, and also, if the typewriter platen is old or slippery, it helps it grab the paper better.

k

SoucekFan wrote:

Kalani wrote:

For myself: Rhodia fountain pen paper which is at least as 20 lb paper but glazed, or Clairefontane (spel?) which is a thin paper made in Japan and made for fountain pens.
k

Clairefontaine is not a thin paper made in Japan--I think you meant a different brand. Clairefontaine is a French company who also makes Rhodia. Clairfontaine products are very similar to Rhodia.

wow
good catch
thanks!

Tomoe River
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