Fines from white water were compared with fresh TMP fines from the same mill. The white-water fines gave a low er tensile strength of handsheets and a stronger light absorption. The surface composition (ESCA) and contact angle indicated more extractives on the surface of these fines. The total extractives content was much higher; no other large differences in chemical composition or morphology were found. Addition of unbleached white water to fresh fines had no effect on the tensile strength, whereas addition of white water subjected to hydrogen peroxide bleaching gave an immediate decrease.