Cotton Linters

Cotton Linters

Definition

Cotton linters are short fibers left on cotton seeds after the longer fibers have been removed. These linters are an important raw material in the production of rag board, museum board, and other archival-grade papers used in framing and conservation.

Purpose and Benefits

• Archival quality: Naturally free of lignin and acids, making them stable for long-term preservation.
• Smooth finish: Produce a refined surface ideal for fine art papers and mats.
• Durability: Improve strength and longevity in conservation-grade paper products.
• Sustainability: Repurposes a by-product of the cotton industry.

Applications

• Manufacturing cotton rag papers and mat boards.
• Producing museum-quality boards for conservation framing.
• Used in papermaking for high-end printmaking and archival documents.

Best Practices

• Select paper and mats made from 100% cotton linters or rag content for museum-level framing projects.
• Pair with acid-free mats and conservation glazing to ensure full archival protection.
• Confirm that cotton linter-based products are free of optical brightening agents (OBAs) for the most stable preservation results.

Related Terms

• Cotton Rag
• Rag Board
• Museum Board
• Acid Free Mat