Das Filter Blog
Clear Rolling Papers: What They Are and How to Roll Them
Quick answer: Clear rolling papers are a thin, see-through film made from cellulose, the fiber that makes up plant cell walls. They look like plastic but aren't. Most have no gum strip: the film gets tacky when damp, so you seal it with a light touch of moisture. They're slippery and harder to roll than regular paper, and they're generally described as slow-burning with very little ash. People mostly buy them for the look: you can see the flower inside.
What are clear rolling papers made of?
Cellulose is the main structural fiber in plants. Regular rolling papers are made of cellulose fibers too, matted into a sheet. Clear papers take it a step further: the cellulose is processed into a smooth, continuous film, which is why light passes straight through. It's the same family of material as cellophane.
Some brands say which plant the cellulose comes from, such as wood or cotton, on the pack or their website. If that matters to you, check there. Our guide to what rolling papers are made of covers the other materials: wood pulp, rice, hemp and flax.
Clear papers vs regular papers
| Clear (cellulose film) | Regular (fiber paper) | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Transparent, glossy | White or brown, matte |
| Gum strip | Usually none; seals with moisture | Usually gum arabic strip |
| Feel | Slick, can get static | Some grip, holds a crease |
| Rolling | Harder, especially by hand | Easier |
| Burn | Generally described as slow, little ash | Varies by fiber and thickness |
For how the fiber papers compare with each other, see best rolling papers.
How to roll clear rolling papers
- Dry your hands. Cellulose film reacts to moisture fast. Damp fingers make it sticky in the wrong spots and hard to handle.
- Use a filter tip. A tip gives the slick film something firm to wrap around and stops it from sliding at the mouth end. A 7mm tip like our Midway suits a 1 1/4 size; see the filter tip size guide for others.
- Shape the flower first. Spread medium-ground flower along the fold and roll it back and forth until it's an even log before you try to tuck. The film won't hold a crease, so it can't help shape the joint the way paper does.
- Tuck slowly. Tuck the near edge under the flower starting at the tip end, then work your way along. Expect it to spring back the first time or two.
- Seal with very little moisture. Touch the edge with a barely damp fingertip or the tip of your tongue. Too much water wrinkles the film and makes it harder to seal neatly.
- Hold the seam a few seconds. Then let it dry before lighting.
If hand-rolling isn't working, a rolling machine solves most of the slipping. See how to use a rolling machine. General sealing problems are covered in how to seal a joint.
How do clear papers burn?
They're generally described as slow-burning, with very little ash, and with little taste of their own. That slow burn has a downside: a clear paper joint can go out between draws, especially if it's packed tight.
- Light the end evenly while turning it, as in how to light a joint.
- Take steady draws rather than long gaps.
- Pack it a little looser than you would a regular joint.
If it burns down one side, it's usually packing or lighting, not the paper. See why does my joint canoe.
How to store clear papers
Keep the booklet closed, at room temperature and out of humid places like the bathroom or a hot car. Because the film seals with moisture, humidity can make sheets cling to each other. If they pick up static or feel stiff, let the closed booklet sit in a normal room for a day.
Are clear papers worth it?
If you like the look and don't mind a learning curve, they're fun to try. If you want an easy everyday roll, a thin hemp or rice paper with a gum strip is simpler. Either way, a tip makes the roll firmer and easier to hold.
Frequently asked questions
What are clear rolling papers made of?
Cellulose, the main fiber in plant cell walls, processed into a thin transparent film. They look like plastic but aren't. Some brands list the plant source, such as wood or cotton cellulose, on the pack or their site.
Do clear rolling papers have glue?
Most don't have a separate gum strip. The film itself turns tacky when it's damp, so you seal it with a light touch of moisture along the edge.
Are clear rolling papers harder to roll?
Usually, yes. The film is slippery, doesn't hold a crease well and can pick up static. A filter tip, dry hands and a rolling machine all make it easier.
Do clear papers burn slower?
Makers and reviewers generally describe them as slow-burning with very little ash. Your grind and how evenly you pack still matter more than the paper.
Why does my clear paper joint keep going out?
Slow-burning film can go out between draws, especially if the joint is packed tight. Light the end evenly, keep a steady pace, and pack a little looser next time.
Products are for adults 21+.
