HP Premium 32 lb Paper Review: Niche Favorite Verdict
Digging into user feedback, the HP Paper Printer Premium 32 lb emerges as a surprising niche favorite among fountain pen enthusiasts, office professionals, and even calligraphers — but its appeal hinges on specific use cases. Scoring an 8.7/10, this heavyweight, ultra-smooth paper delivers impressive ink handling and archival quality, yet casual home users may balk at its thickness and cost.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for high-quality writing, heavy ink coverage, and presentation documents, but overkill for everyday light printing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally smooth surface for ink and toner | More expensive than standard copy paper |
| Heavyweight feel (32 lb) resists bleed-through | Overly thick for some printers and notebooks |
| Archival quality — acid-free prevents yellowing | Minor feathering with broad fountain pen nibs reported |
| High brightness (100) and whiteness (163) for crisp contrast | Bulk can cause "page swell" in large bookbinding projects |
| FSC certified, sustainable sourcing | Limited availability in local stores outside US |
| Works well for calligraphy, bullet journaling | Not ideal for high-volume casual printing |
Claims vs Reality
HP markets the Premium 32 lb line as “extra heavyweight, super-smooth paper for professional full-color printing results” with ColorLok technology for vivid colors and bolder blacks. Official specs promise archival quality, FSC certification, and compatibility with inkjet and laser printers.
Digging deeper into Reddit’s r/fountainpens community, multiple users confirmed the smoothness and brightness claims translate well to real-world fountain pen use. Reddit user “sac-nutmeg” stated: “No bleeding or feathering that I’ve experienced… works great with every fountain pen/ink I’ve thrown at it.” For artists and bullet journalers, the smooth surface also prevents brush pen fraying.
However, some nuance emerges. “trapped_beat” noted feathering with a broad nib, while “danu_horus” warned that the thickness “absolutely needs a book press to reduce swell” in bookbinding projects. While HP touts the paper’s versatility, these reports suggest its optimal niche is in premium single-sheet applications rather than bound volumes.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and specialist forums, the heavyweight feel and ability to handle heavy ink coverage without ghosting or bleed-through came up repeatedly. Fountain pen users in particular celebrate how it showcases sheen and shimmer inks. “img_rate” described it as “fountain pen friendly… shows sheen and shimmer pretty well.”
Calligraphers value the crisp edges and ability to practice on a non-feathering surface. “meat_teeth” highlighted: “This is the one I use for both broad and pointed pen calligraphy.” For office professionals, the 100 brightness and 163 whiteness ratings deliver sharp black text and vivid color graphics, making it suitable for presentations and contracts.
Common Complaints
The very qualities that make HP Premium 32 lb exceptional for specialty use can be drawbacks elsewhere. Several Redditors mentioned the paper is “just barely too thick to use as loose leaf” and can feel like cardstock, making bulk notebook creation unwieldy. “just__my__luck” pointed to a dramatic price increase in recent years, from around $12–13 per ream to significantly higher, shrinking its value proposition for daily printing.
Some users in calligraphy threads noted that while smooth, it can cause minor smudging for slow-drying inks, especially with left-handed writers. Availability is also uneven — “curat-e” mentioned difficulty finding it outside online retailers like Amazon or Staples.
Divisive Features
The smoothness and brightness divide opinion between creatives and casual users. Artists praise the precision and ink vibrancy; casual office users sometimes find the tactile feel “too slippery” for quick note-taking. While HP’s ColorLok technology does enhance color saturation, some photographers on Reddit found printed photos “lacked depth” compared to dedicated photo paper.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term durability is a strong point. Being acid-free, it resists yellowing over time — a key factor for archival documents and art prints. Users report storing printed materials for years without visible degradation. In the bookbinding community, “danu_horus” emphasized the need for proper pressing but still endorsed it for high-end projects.
Unlike HP’s printer hardware division, which has faced trust issues over subscription ink models, paper buyers report minimal risk of scams or defective batches. The FSC certification and North American 0% deforestation claim bolster its credibility among sustainability-minded consumers.
Alternatives
Within HP’s own lineup, the Premium 24 lb offers a lighter, more everyday-friendly option at lower cost, still with smoothness and brightness but easier handling for bulk printing. Reddit discussions frequently compare HP Premium 32 lb to Rhodia and Clairefontaine — both favored in fountain pen circles for similar ink performance but in notebook form. “mp_0123456789” called HP 32 lb “the best of the cheap stuff here… Rhodia and Clairefontaine are pretty good bang for buck.”
Hammermill’s Color Copy paper is another competitor mentioned for heavy ink work, with some preferring its slightly different surface coating. However, HP’s combination of smoothness, brightness, and thickness remains distinctive.
Price & Value
Amazon listings show per-ream pricing that has climbed over the past few years, with community members noting past deals under $10 now rare. For specialty uses, the cost is justified by performance: a single ream can last months for letter writing, journaling, or art prints.
Resale isn’t a factor for paper, but bulk purchase strategies from office supply stores or during seasonal sales can significantly lower costs. “krash_mania” advised waiting for Amazon sales, citing past drops to $7–10 per ream.
FAQ
Q: Does HP Premium 32 lb work with fountain pens without bleed-through?
A: Yes, most users report no bleed-through or feathering with fine to medium nibs. Broad nibs may show slight feathering depending on ink.
Q: Is it too thick for everyday printing?
A: For casual printing, yes — it’s closer to light cardstock. Best for specialty applications like resumes, contracts, or art prints.
Q: Can it be used for bookbinding?
A: Yes, but expect “page swell” from the thickness. A book press is recommended to flatten the spine.
Q: Where can I buy it outside the US?
A: Staples and Amazon are primary sources; availability in local stores varies, and some regions may only find it online.
Q: Is it environmentally certified?
A: Yes, it’s FSC certified and sourced from renewable forest resources with 0% deforestation in North America.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a fountain pen user, calligrapher, or professional needing premium presentation paper. Avoid if you need budget-friendly, high-volume printing stock. Pro tip from community: Watch for Amazon or Staples sales to stock up — prices can drop significantly, making it a far better value for the quality.
