Wet Wax Paper Vs Dry Wax Paper | Guide By Wapapers’ Experts

If you run kitchen errands or are part of a food brand, wax paper must be one of your go-to staples. This thin, translucent paper provides a quick and disposable solution that makes your tasks much easier and food well presented. What makes this sheet exceptional? The secret lies in the “wax coating,” which is typically paraffin, offering non-stick properties and heat resistance.

While all wax sheets may seem similar, they differ in terms of coatings, uses, and functions. The two most common types are wet and dry papers. So, if you are looking for insights on wet wax paper vs dry wax paper, read the long description below! 

What Is Wax Paper, Anyway?

As the name suggests, it is a type of food paper that is coated with wax on either one or both sides. A thin layer of wax is applied on the base kraft paper to make it exceptionally moisture resistant. The thickness of the coating and the base materials can be customized according to unique requirements. Households, food brands, and small stalls commonly use these sheets for wrapping and storing food items. But where does the confusion arise? It’s right in the word “wax.”

When buying wax sheets, you may barely notice the differences in their appearance and thickness, leading to buying the wrong one. To resolve this issue, we have compiled this blog to help you recognize the correct sheets according to your needs. These papers differ in terms of the wax used, method of application, and number of layers applied, which makes them either dry wax paper or wet wax paper.

What Is Dry Wax Paper?

Wax is embedded into this paper through a mechanical process. First, wax is applied to the sheets via a heating process. This makes sure that the wax is embedded into the paper fibers and no residue is left behind. This process results in dry wax paper sheets that are perfect for food products.

A Glossy Barrier

The embedded wax coating offers both glossiness and barrier properties, thus preventing food from becoming soggy over time. The shiny appearance serves the aesthetic purposes of brands by providing a non-porous and smooth surface for printing.

The Hydrophobic Aspect

Hydrophobicity refers to the ability of substances to repel water. Scientifically, this term is used for non-polar substances that do not mix with water molecules. Regarding our main concern, the wax used in making dry sheets is also composed of non-polar molecules. This results in water droplets that bead and roll over the surface rather than being absorbed into the paper. 

How It Feels

The dry wax coating is applied to both sides of the paper and gives it a dry touch. However, it also has a slightly shiny and thin feel. The coating on the paper is not very obvious, resulting in a see-through appearance.

Common Uses

In wax paper packaging, dry waxed paper is one of the most commonly used options. The main reason for this is that it has unique water resistance properties. It has uses extending beyond the kitchen to include other household tasks, such as cleaning. Here are some prominent uses:

• Food wrapping and storage
• Lining baking pans and rolling out dough
• Removing sticky residues from shelves
• Sticking patterns to fabric
• Protecting refrigerator shelves
• Lubricating can openers

The Pros And Cons

This section will be the most helpful while selecting the correct paper for your everyday use. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of dry wax sheets rolls to help you understand them better than ever:

What Is Wet Wax Paper?

A food-grade paper that is heavier and shinier due to glossy wax coating layers applied on both sides of the paper. The amount of wax layer is thicker and immersed into the paper that results in wet wax paper sheets. Unlike dry ones, a melted wax in the liquid state is applied to create a smooth paper surface.

A Shining Shield

If you care about aesthetics as much as protection, then choose wet wax-coated papers as they offer a reflective and shiny appearance. This paper is glossier as compared to wet ones and has a low chance of becoming dull and wrinkled. 

How It Feels

It is wet and slippery to touch, but possibly a bit tacky. This paper is also hydrophobic and repels water whenever encountered. Moreover, the main quality of the wet paper sheets is their strong structural integrity when handled or touched, unlike traditional paper, which can get flimsy.  

Common Uses

For being the best moisture-resistant solutions, wet wax sheets are commonly used for wrapping raw meats, delis, sandwiches, and much more. This paper is also sometimes used as an interleaving of products that prevents them from sticking. The following are some common industrial uses:

• Storing moist food
• A wet wrap for food items that are at risk of drying out
• Sealing food containers 
• Wax paper basket liners in the fast food industry
• A nonstick surface in baking
• Lining and cleaning countertops
• Preventing splatters during microwave
• Separating frozen food

Pros And Cons

Everything comes with some disadvantages, so does a wet wax paper roll. Whenever you are selecting food paper wraps, it’s essential to look for both strengths and drawbacks. Here are the pros and cons of wet sheets that help you make an informed decision next time you are buying a food paper:

The Science Behind The Wax

Whether it is wet, dry, glassine, or other types of papers, the hero behind the appearance and functionality of all is the wax. The application method, chosen quantity, and type of wax vary depending on the paper types and their intended uses. Here is the science behind the wax used for various custom wax paper sheets:

• Paraffin wax: Derived from petroleum and commonly used for both wet and dry papers.
• Dry wax: A process called saturation embeds the wax into the paper, resulting in a cleaner appearance.
• Wet wax: Molten wax is applied to both sides of the paper to provide a shiny finish.

Key Differences At A Glance

The main difference between dry and wet wax paper lies in the wax application process and resulting properties. You may have learned the basic definitions, uses, pros, and cons of both types of paper, but below you can gain deeper insight into their main differences:

Is Double-Sided Coating Possible On Dry Wax Paper?

Not only is it possible, but people often request double-sided coating on dry wax paper to achieve a non-stick surface on both sides. A thin layer of coating on both sides creates a more consistent moisture barrier and enhanced versatility of paper, which can be used from both sides to wrap food items. So, if you are more interested in dry wax sheets but want to get both sides coated, then go for it without any fear!

Eco Considerations

Both wax sheets have limited recyclability due to the wax application. However, if you are an environmental enthusiast, eco-friendly soy and beeswax options are readily available in the market. The high amount of wet wax on sheets can hinder degradation and harm microorganisms, making it unsuitable for recycling or composting. Conversely, dry paper can be composted or recycled only if beeswax or soy wax is used during production. If made from paraffin or compostable wax, it is generally not suitable for composting.

Lastly, Which One Should You Use?

Understanding the key differences in paper will help you achieve better outcomes without embarrassing scenarios. Imagine presenting a greasy burger for your customers on dry waxed paper with oil stains and receiving negative feedback. If you want to spend your money wisely and present your food well, choose carefully while considering your intended use. 

Opt for dry sheets if you are looking for printable deli wraps, while wet sheets are preferable if moisture and grease resistance are not your primary concern. Both types of paper are available in the market, with Waxapers.net offering all varieties of wax papers made from science-based and purpose-driven tools. Contact us to get the best paper to suit your needs!