​How is glassine made?How is glassine different from standard paper?

How is glassine made?

Glassine paper is a smooth, glossy paper that is resistant to air, water and grease.  It is important to note that glassine paper is not completely waterproof!   If you pour a glass of water on it, it will seep in. However, under normal circumstances, glassine paper has a good resistance to atmospheric elements.

Yes, regardless of how it feels and looks, it's made from 100% wood pulp!

The supercalendering process is manufactured through a unique process called super calendering.

How is glassine different from standard paper?

Moisture and grease proof: Standard paper absorbs water.  Technically, paper absorbs water vapor from the air through a process known as hygroscopicity, which causes the substrate to expand or contract depending on the relative humidity of the surrounding environment.

The supercalendering process that changes the cellulose of glassine paper makes it less susceptible to hygroscopicity.

More durable and stronger than standard paper of the same weight: Because glassine paper is denser than standard paper (almost twice as dense!)So it has higher rupture and tensile strength. Like all paper, cellophane comes in different weights, so you'll find glassine paper options of various qualities, densities, and strengths.

Toothless: The "teeth" of paper describe the surface feel of paper. The higher the teeth, the coarser the paper. Because glassine paper has no teeth, it is not abrasive.  This property is helpful for all products, but is especially important when the material is used to protect delicate or valuable artwork.

Non-shedding: Standard paper will shed fine fibers (rub a cloth over the shipping box and you'll see what I mean). The paper fiber has been pressed with cellophane, leaving a smooth, glossy surface that will not fall off onto the substrate it comes into contact with.

Translucent: Glasine paper that has not been further treated or knotted is translucent, allowing one to see what is on the other side. While it's not as transparent as plastic, it's translucent and can be used well for a variety of functions - from baked goods to art archives to packaging.

No static: Thin, transparent plastic bags are notorious for generating static electricity.   The bags will stick together, stick to the product, and soon get everywhere.   The same cannot be said for glassine bags.