If you’ve ever ordered coloring books, notebooks, journals, or sketchbooks from Independently Published authors on Amazon, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of ink bleed-through. Whether you’re using gel pens, markers, or even just a heavier ballpoint, the thin paper in many Amazon KDP books can’t always keep up. Unfortunately, Amazon’s selection of high-quality paper options is fairly limited — especially if you’re looking for something with minimal ghosting or bleed-through.
So what’s the solution when upgrading to a premium paper isn’t feasible or affordable?
Enter: The Protective Bleed-Proof Sheet
Instead of waiting for Amazon to expand its offerings, there’s an incredibly simple and cost-effective trick to take control of your coloring experience — use a protective sheet underneath the page you’re coloring.
What You Need:
How It Works
When you place the cardstock or plastic sheet directly under the page you’re coloring, it does two things:
- Prevents ink from transferring to the next page if it bleeds through.
- Provides a firmer surface that can improve the feel of coloring.
If you opt for a plastic sheet, you’ve got the added bonus of reusability. Simply wipe it clean with a bit of rubbing alcohol after each coloring session. This prevents any possible smudges or accidental ink transfers.
Guaranteed Method To Prevent Any Accidents
While both cardstock and plastic sheet are individually good options to protect your coloring pages, sometimes accidents can still happen. My proven hack to prevent any potential bleed-through is to use both a cardstock sheet and a plastic paper together. To save on cardstock, simply cut out a sheet the size of the coloring book (Mimi Meowzy coloring books are 8.5 in. x 8.5 in.) from a poster board (less than a $1 at Dollar Tree). If you use a plastic sheet in combination with cardstock, it won’t have to be replaced frequently. Once again, be sure to clean up the plastic sheet after every use or if you shift it while coloring so that the ink doesn’t transfer through the paper. This simple step will keep your artwork pristine!
Until Amazon expands its selection of higher-quality, thick, marker–friendly paper, don’t let bleed-through ruin your coloring pages. Keep a cardstock and/or a plastic sheet handy — it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your daily coloring experience.
Happy coloring!