Cellulose and Vegetable Fibre Gasket Paper
Gasket Paper
Gasket paper is a traditional, low-cost sealing material made from compressed cellulose or vegetable fibres. We stock gasket paper in sheet and roll form for low-pressure, low-temperature sealing in automotive, agricultural, and general maintenance applications where cost matters more than chemical resistance.
At a Glance
Temperature Range
Untreated cellulose -30 °C to +100 °C continuous; oiled grades and vegetable fibre board to +120 °C continuous (dry service only)
Thickness Range
0.2 mm to 3.2 mm
Available Forms
Colours
Technical Properties
Typical values across stocked grades. Specific grade data sheets available on request.
Physical Characteristics
Density
0.8–1.2 g/cm³
Tensile Strength
5–15 MPa (grade dependent)
Compressibility
15–35% at 35 MPa (ASTM F36)
Recovery
10–25% (ASTM F36) — poor recovery enforces single-use disposability
Chemical Resistance
Resistant To
- Mineral oils and greases (oiled grades)
- Petroleum fuels at ambient temperature (oiled grades)
- Air and non-condensing gases
- Dilute coolant and antifreeze mixtures
Limited Resistance
- Water and aqueous solutions (swells over time; use treated grades)
- Dilute acids (short-term exposure only)
- Light solvents (may soften oiled binder)
Not Recommended
- Steam or hot water (cellulose degrades rapidly above 100 °C in wet conditions)
- Strong acids or alkalis, which break down the fibre structure
- Ketones and aromatic solvents (these dissolve the binder)
- Any application requiring long-term chemical containment; use CNAF or PTFE instead
Environmental Ratings
Flame Rating
Combustible. Not suited to fire-rated or high-temperature applications.
Standards & Certifications
Standards Compliance
Common Applications
- Automotive sump and side-cover gaskets
- Tractor and agricultural equipment gaskets
- Small engine covers and gearbox gaskets
- Water pump and thermostat housing gaskets (dry side only)
- Template material for marking out gasket patterns
- General maintenance and workshop gaskets
- Low-pressure ductwork and enclosure seals
Not Recommended For
- Not suitable for steam, hot water, or sustained wet service. Cellulose absorbs moisture and degrades.
- Low maximum temperature (120 °C); for higher temperatures use compressed fibre sheet or graphite
- Low pressure rating, so not suited to pressure vessels or high-pressure flanges
- Poor chemical resistance compared to CNAF, PTFE, or elastomer gaskets — suited to mild media only
- Combustible. Do not use near ignition sources or in fire-rated assemblies.
- Single-use gasket. Does not survive disassembly. Replace at every service interval.
Available Grades
Untreated Gasket Paper
Basic cellulose gasket paper for dry, low-pressure sealing. Our lowest-cost option for workshop gaskets and templates. Not oil-resistant.
Oiled Gasket Paper
Cellulose paper impregnated with mineral oil for improved oil resistance and handling strength. Our standard recommendation for automotive sump and cover gaskets.
Vegetable Fibre Board
Thicker, denser gasket board made from compressed vegetable fibres. Used where greater rigidity and higher bolt load resistance are needed, typically at 1.5–3.2 mm thick.
Related Materials
Need Gasket Paper?
We supply gasket paper in sheet, roll, and custom die-cut forms. Contact our team for pricing, data sheets, or technical assistance.
Disclaimer
This resource is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.