Tyvek vs Reemay - Comparison for Art and Archival Uses

Core Material Differences

Soft-Structure Tyvek (e.g., Style 14M, 1445R, 1622E)

Composition: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) spunbonded fibers.
Key Properties: Waterproof to liquid water yet breathable to air/vapor, strong wet or dry, lint-free, with flexiblity and drape (soft styles can even be washed and seamed).
Texture/Feel: Fabric-like, soft, pliable hand-feel that drapes easily over 3D objects or textiles.

Reemay (Spunbonded Polyester)

Composition: Continuous polyester filaments thermally or chemically bonded without weaving.
Key Properties: Chemically inert, heat-resistant, dimensionally stable, and porous/permeable. It does not contain plasticizers or active chemical additives that degrade paper.
Texture/Feel: Distinct, slightly grid-like or textured non-woven mesh pattern depending on the weight/style number (e.g., Reemay 2014). It grips wet paper well.

Comparison for Art and Archival Uses

Feature / Task	Reemay (Polyester Non-Woven)	Soft-Structure Tyvek (All Styles) 14M, 1445R, 1622E
Wet Treatment / Bath Support	Primary choice: Used extensively as an intermediate support sheet to lift, move, and drain wet paper in conservation baths. It grips the paper surface.	Less commonly used directly inside a wet chemical bath as a draining mesh, though useful for general handling when dry.
Drying & Flattening	Placed above and below wet paper alongside blotters. Caution: Heavy texture can transfer onto soft media or smooth/satin-finish papers under pressure.	Not typically used as a direct pressure-drying interleaving sheet because it traps moisture differently and lacks the open porous mesh of Reemay.
Covers, Wrappers & Dust Protection	Can be used, though stiffer polyesters or paper are more common for rigid folders.	Ideal choice: Soft Tyvek makes excellent, lightweight dust covers, garment/textile interims, padded pillows, and custom support slings.
Water / Moisture Behavior	Porous and allows free-flowing moisture and air exchange.	Repels liquid spills/water while allowing vapor transmission, though it can soften or feel crinkly.
Abrasion & Linting	Stable, though rougher variants can impart a slight surface impression.	Exceptionally lint-free, smooth, and durable against mechanical friction.

Key Takeaways for Conservators

Choose Reemay when: You are working in a paper conservation studio needing a reliable, heat-safe, porous support sheet for washing, moving, or interleaving works of art on paper during aqueous treatment. (Note: If working with glossy, calendered, or satin-finish papers, conservators often prefer Hollytex instead of Reemay to avoid texture transfer).

Choose Soft Structure Tyvek when: You need a drapeable, dust-repellent, breathable cover for an archival box, a soft interleaf for textile storage, a protective garment bag, or a flexible support sling for a fragile 3D artifact.