What is silicone release paper and how does a release liner work?
Silicone release paper – also called siliconized paper, silicone-coated paper or a release liner – is a carrier coated with a cured, low-surface-energy silicone layer. That coating lets a pressure-sensitive adhesive cling to the liner during transport and converting, then separate cleanly at application – without tearing or leaving residue.
Release force is the resistance you must overcome to separate the self-adhesive material from its backing. Too low and the label may lift prematurely or misbehave on the machine; too high and it can tear or jam. That is why DOLPAP supplies easy release and controlled release grades, matched to the adhesive and application technology.
Paper or film as a liner? Paper is economical, stable, prints well and suits most labels and tapes. Film (such as PET) can be thinner and tougher on very high-speed lines, but it costs more – for the vast majority of labelling jobs, a paper release liner remains the optimal choice.
What are the types of silicone release paper – Glassine, Kraft, CCK, PCK?
Glassine
A smooth, semi-transparent, satin-finished paper with a grammage of 35–160 g/m². Its excellent, even release makes it the most widely used backing for self-adhesive labels – from desktop-printer rolls to demanding automatic dispensing lines.
Kraft
Kraft release paper (white or brown) at 35–50 g/m² stands out for very good mechanical strength. It is the typical liner for paper tapes and self-adhesive tapes, where resistance to tearing during rewinding and converting matters most.
CCK – Clay Coated Kraft
Kraft with a smooth clay pigment coating at 40–135 g/m². The coating seals the paper structure, giving high dimensional stability and a uniform, predictable release – a real advantage for precise, multi-colour and narrow-web labels.
PCK – Poly Coated Kraft
Kraft coated with a polyethylene layer at 60–150 g/m². The PE film boosts moisture resistance and barrier properties, so PCK excels wherever humidity or a demanding application is a factor.
Comparison table of silicone release paper types
| Type | Grammage (g/m²) | Features | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glassine | 35–160 | Smooth, semi-transparent, satin; excellent even release | Self-adhesive labels, rolls, automatic dispensing |
| Kraft | 35–50 | White or brown; very good mechanical strength | Liner for self-adhesive and paper tapes |
| CCK | 40–135 | Smooth clay coating; high dimensional stability, uniform release | Precise labels, multi-colour print |
| PCK | 60–150 | PE coating; moisture resistance, barrier properties | Humid applications, packaging, industry |
How to choose a silicone release paper? Key parameters
- Grammage (35–160 g/m²): governs stiffness and stability during dispensing. A smooth, uniform surface and the right grammage translate into higher label application speeds.
- Release force: easy release or controlled release – matched to the adhesive and machine.
- Single- or double-sided silicone coating: single-sided is standard for labels; double-sided siliconization is used for interleaving and wherever both faces must separate easily.
- Colour: white, brown, yellow or topaz – for visual reasons, product coding or inspection contrast.
- Roll width (15–1600 mm): slitting and converting to size for your specific machine.
- Coating technology: solventless and UV – selected to suit the process and material.
Silicone release paper applications by industry
DOLPAP silicone release paper serves as a liner for self-adhesive labels, adhesive tapes and other self-adhesive materials, as well as in packaging and as interleaving. It reaches the automotive, construction and textile sectors, printing houses and general industry. The range of types, colours and grammages means the liner can be matched to almost any application – from delicate labels to rugged technical tapes.
Why choose silicone release paper from DOLPAP?
DOLPAP has manufactured coated papers and films since the 1950s. We specialise in siliconizing, slitting and converting to size – from narrow rolls to wide webs of 15–1600 mm. We offer:
- technical advice and help selecting the type, grammage and release force,
- samples and laboratory testing to confirm parameters,
- flexibility and a genuinely problem-solving approach,
- an ISO 9001 quality system and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management,
- the option of FSC® C142223 certified material (on request).
FAQ – silicone release paper
What grammage of release paper for labels? For self-adhesive labels the usual choice is Glassine in the 35–160 g/m² range; the exact figure depends on the machine and application – we will help you pin it down.
What is the difference between Glassine and Kraft? Glassine paper is smooth, satin-finished and semi-transparent with excellent even release – ideal for labels. Kraft prioritises mechanical strength and mainly serves as a tape liner.
What are CCK and PCK? CCK is clay coated kraft (high dimensional stability, uniform release), while PCK is poly coated kraft (moisture resistance and barrier).
How do I choose the right release force? Depending on the adhesive and application technology, you select easy release or controlled release. The best approach is to test on samples – we are happy to prepare them.
Do you offer double-sided siliconization? Yes. We coat on one or both sides, including for interleaving and applications where both faces must separate easily.
Get in touch and request a sample
Not sure which silicone release paper best fits your application? Contact DOLPAP – we will recommend the type, grammage and release, prepare a sample and convert the material to size.
