Glassine

Glassine

Definition

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.

Related Terms

• Tyvek
• Dartek
• Blue Board
• Mylar