How Temperature Affects Thermal Paper: What You Need to Know

Thermal paper is a convenient, ink-free solution for printing receipts, labels, and tickets, but its performance is highly sensitive to temperature and light exposure. Without proper storage and handling, thermal prints can fade, smudge, or become unreadable. Here’s what you need to know to keep your thermal paper in top condition.

The Impact of Heat on Thermal Paper

Thermal paper relies on a heat-sensitive coating that reacts to the printhead to create images. However, exposure to high temperatures can cause the entire sheet to darken, making receipts illegible.

🔥 Avoid storing thermal paper near heat sources like cash registers, ovens, or direct sunlight.

Effects of Light & Humidity

Direct UV exposure (sunlight or fluorescent lights) can fade printed text over time.

💧 Excessive humidity can make thermal paper sticky or cause premature activation of the coating, leading to poor print quality.

Best Practices for Storage & Protection

Store in a cool, dry place (15-25°C or 59-77°F) with humidity levels below 65%.

Keep away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light.

Use protective sleeves or cases for long-term receipt storage.

Choose high-quality thermal paper that resists fading and discoloration.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage and handling of thermal paper ensure clear, long-lasting prints that support smooth business operations. By protecting your receipts from heat, light, and moisture, you maintain professional, readable documentation for your customers and records.

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