Glassine is a smooth and glossy paper which is air-, water-, and grease-resistant; typically available in densities between 50–90 g/m² (0.010–0.018 lb/sq ft). 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.

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(TAPPI T599), Turpentine(KAPPI T454), or ISO 16532. To create greaseproof paper, standard glassine is treated with starches, alginates or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in a size press to fill pores or alter the paper with fat repellent chemicals. Basis weights are usually 30–50 g/m².