The short answer: yes. Regular kitchen parchment paper (also called baking paper) is perfect for ironing perler beads. It is coated with silicone, so beads do not stick, and it survives ironing temperatures up to about 220 degrees Celsius, well above what an iron produces.
Parchment paper is the budget favorite among perler crafters, and for good reason: it costs pennies per project and works as well as branded ironing paper. A few notes on using it well.
How to use it
- Cut a piece bigger than your design, covering all edges.
- Use the non-shiny side up if your paper has two sides.
- Replace it when it starts to brown or curl; old paper can stick.
- Keep the same piece and reuse it until worn, most pieces last many projects.
What not to use
Wax paper is the common mistake: the wax melts into the beads and leaves white stains. Greaseproof paper from restaurants also lacks the silicone coating. If you are unsure whether your paper is silicone-coated, check the package for baking or parchment wording. Dedicated ironing paper is simply parchment that is pre-cut and thicker. Our paper guide FAQ compares all options, and the full ironing routine is in our ironing guide.