Why does grease turn paper clear?

Question

Yes, but when you immediately touch grease to paper, it turns clear. There is a notable difference if do you the same thing with water. How is that explained?

Answer 1

paper is pulpified wood that's dried into thin sheets. Any liquids (grease, water, etc) will soak into the mix and separate the fibers, causing it to become transparent. Except with water, it will ultimately evaporate out. Grease doesn't evaporate away at room temperature like water does, so the transparency remains.

Answer 2

Hi. It fills in the volume between the fibers and makes it translucent. Normally the fibers scatter light.