Non-Toxic Lining for Dresser Drawers

August 11, 2014 | by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Cathy

Hello Debra,

I've been looking everywhere on-line for help with this question, and I just remembered your website. I should have asked you first!

I have a new dresser, and I'd like to put some kind of liner in the drawers, to protect the wood from the clothes, and the clothes from the wood. 

Contact paper, fabric, wrapping paper with wallpaper paste (Mod Podge), cork, acid-free paper, parchment paper — I've looked into all of these and I'm not feeling good about any of them.

I'm thinking that the local frame shop's acid-free mat paper might be my best bet, but I don't know about what the material is made of, only that it's acid-free.

Any ideas?

Many thanks,

Cathy

Debra's Answer

Well, in the past I have just used a paper that I like.

All paper is basically made in the same way, from some kind of cellulose pulp. Most paper is made from wood pulp, very fine writing paper like Crane's is made from cotton linters that are too small to be woven into yarn to make fabric. Nowadays many papers are made from recycled paper or fibers.

The thing that would make a difference regarding toxicity is if the paper is treated with something for performance (such as paper towels are treated with formaldehyde for strength) or when inks are added. Brightly colored wrapping paper is more toxic, for example, that a plain sheet of art paper intended to receive paint.

At my local art store like Michael's, they have big sheets of colored papers that you can cut to size. You might see what they are treated with, if anything.

There are also handmade papers, which tend to not be treated, but may be sprayed with a finish. So always ask.

I can tell you in general about toxics that might be in paper, but always ask the manufacturer because there can be a lot of variation.