Glassine is a smooth, semi-translucent, and acid-free paper commonly used in the protection and storage of paper-based artwork, prints, photographs, and ephemera. It is characterized by its resistance to air, grease, and moisture, allowing it to act as a protective interleaving layer between individual items without causing abrasion or chemical damage.

Function in Art Preservation

Protective interleaving: Placed between sheets of prints, drawings, or photos to prevent scratching or offsetting of inks and surfaces.
Dust barrier: Reduces exposure to dust, dirt, and other airborne particles during storage or transport.
Acid-free protection: Helps maintain archival integrity by avoiding acidic interactions that can lead to yellowing or deterioration.

Materials and Types

Standard Glassine: Smooth, semi-transparent, and lightweight, typically 25-50 gsm.
Buffered or Acid-Free Glassine: Offers additional pH stability for long-term storage of sensitive artworks.
Colored or Printed Glassine: Sometimes used for packaging or labeling, though uncolored is preferred for archival purposes.

Usage Guidelines

Place a sheet of glassine directly on top of paper artwork to prevent abrasion.
Can be used to wrap rolled prints or insert between stacked items in flat files or portfolios.
Do not use in high-humidity environments without additional moisture control, as glassine is not fully moisture-proof.

Conservation Considerations

Always select acid-free, lignin-free glassine for archival use.
Avoid dyed or treated glassine that may transfer color or chemicals to the artwork.
Ideal for temporary or long-term storage, but not a replacement for proper framing or protective glazing for display purposes.

Best Practices

Use glassine sheets to separate prints in portfolios or archival boxes.
Combine with Mylar sleeves or Dartek sheets for added protection when handling or transporting artwork.
Store flat in controlled temperature and humidity to prevent cockling or warping.

Glassine