Glassine


Glassine is a smooth and glossy paper which is air-, water-, and grease-resistant; typically available in densities between. It is naturally translucent unless dyes are added to the paper for color or opaqueness. Manufacturing takes place by first orienting the fibers in the same direction during the original pressing and drying followed immediately by supercalendering. Supercalendering passes the dried paper web through a stack of alternating steel-covered and fiber-covered rolls to increase density.

Usage

  • Most commonly Glassine is used as a base for further silicone coating to manufacture release liner.
  • Glassine is used as an interleaving paper in bookbinding, especially to protect fine illustrations from contact with facing pages. Glassine can be manufactured with a neutral pH and can prevent damage from spilling, exposure, or rubbing.
  • Glassine adhesive tape has been used in book repair.
  • In chemistry, glassine is used as an inexpensive weighing paper.
  • In foodservice, glassine creates a grease resistant barrier between strips of individual products.
  • Glassine has been recommended for protecting the surface of stored acrylic paintings. However, glassine will adhere to soft and medium-rich paint, especially when stored for an extended period of time and it may cause permanent damage to the painted surface. Therefore, art conservators do not recommend that it be used to wrap paintings.
  • Philatelists use glassine envelopes to store stamps, and stamp hinges are made of glassine.
  • Amateur insect collectors use glassine envelopes to store specimens temporarily in the field before they are mounted in a collection. Entomologists collecting for research may likewise use such envelopes to store whole specimens in the field.
  • Glassine envelopes carry pharmacy reformulated drugs and illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin.
  • Photographers used glassine sleeves for many decades to safely store their processed films.
  • Glassine is also used to pack firecrackers, as it is moisture resistant.
  • It is used for its transparent qualities to fold origami tessellations.
  • Glassine is an outer covering on paperboard tubes, particularly those used in model rocketry, for water protection.
  • In the mid-20th century, potato chips were packaged in glassine bags. Herman Lay was a pioneer of using glassine in the potato chips industry.

    Greaseproof paper

Greaseproof glassine paper is impermeable to oil or grease, and is normally used in cooking or food packaging. Permeability rate can be measured using various tests: Kit, Turpentine, or ISO 16532. To create greaseproof paper, standard glassine is treated with starches, alginates or carboxymethyl cellulose in a size press to fill pores or alter the paper with fat repellent chemicals. Basis weights are usually 30–50 g/m2.