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How to Keep Thermal Receipt Paper from Fading
If you are someone that values organization, you probably have things that have been saved for years. Whether you run a business or a home, one thing you probably have stored away is receipts. Proof of purchase is important for warranties and returns. However, you've likely found that some receipts fade over time. With one of the largest selections of thermal receipt paper online, POSPaper.com is an expert in this area. Let's take a look at how to keep thermal receipt paper from fading.
Why Does Thermal Receipt Paper Fade?
Thermal receipt paper is coated with chemicals that allow images to be produced when heat is applied. While this is an efficient way of printing, it also leaves receipts susceptible to damage from heat, chemicals, and other environmental factors. The receipt coating can react with oils and other substances, and even excessive humidity can cause fading over time. Preventing it requires good storage habits and avoiding a few key things.
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Tips for Thermal Paper Storage
Digitally Preserve Them
Scanning important receipts into image files is a great way to preserve them long-term. Digital records free up physical space and create a backup that lasts indefinitely — just make sure to have a secondary backup.
Don't Touch It
One of the easiest ways to prevent fading is to handle receipts as little as possible. The oils in your hands facilitate chemical reactions that cause the printing to fade faster. The more a receipt is handled, the quicker it degrades.
Don't Store in Sunlight
Do not store receipts in bright areas. Ultraviolet light from sunlight causes receipts to fade quickly — even exposure through a window over a few weeks can be enough. The ideal storage space is a cool, dark place with controlled humidity.
Avoid Tape
Tape is another thing to avoid. Some companies tape receipts to paper for scanning. Ensure you don't tape over the printing — the chemicals in tape adhesive react with the thermal coating and cause printing to fade in as little as a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
Preventing your receipts from fading means practicing good thermal paper storage: cool, dark, dry, and handled as little as possible. For the long term, digitally scanning receipts is the most reliable solution. As always, keep coming to POSPaper.com for all your thermal paper needs.