Wax paper

wax paper

Wax paper (also called waxed paper) is a kind of paper that is made moisture proof through the application of wax.

The practice of oiling parchment or paper in order to make it semi-translucent or moisture-proof goes back at least to medieval times. Thomas Edison claimed to have invented wax paper in 1872^{[citation needed]} , but what he really invented was a cheap and efficient means to manufacture such paper.^[1]

Wax paper is commonly used in cooking, for its non-stick properties, and wrapping food for storage, such as cookies, as it keeps water out or in. It is also used in arts and crafts.

[edit] Food Preparation

Oven: Wax paper should not be used for most baking as it will smoke, however it can be used in some baking as long as the batter completely covers the wax paper.^[2]

Microwave: Wax paper can function as a splatter cover in microwave cooking. Because the paper is mostly unaffected by microwaves, it will not heat to the point of combustion under normal usage. This makes wax paper more functional than plastic wrap which will melt at lower temperatures, or aluminium foil (or tin foil) which is not safe for use in most microwave ovens.

[edit] Other Uses

Wax paper is used to create sky lanterns.

Wax paper is also used in the manufacture of some less expensive models of the kazoo^{[citation needed]}.

Another use of wax paper is to apply wax to objects. By rubbing the wax paper on an object the wax will rub off the paper and onto the object^{[citation needed]}. This is useful for adding a slight polish or to reduce friction.

Wax paper can also be used to block smells.^{[original research?]}

Safety razor blades are traditionally wrapped in wax paper, to make handling them less dangerous.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Glassine
• Baking paper
• Greaseproof paper
• Tetra Pak
• Parchment#Plant-based parchment