Thermal Paper Archivability

Why Do Images Fade On Thermal Receipt Paper?

POS grade thermal papers use dye and coreactant technology to form an image. The combination is slightly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light and may exhibit some image decline with

extended exposure to office light or shorter exposure to intense UV light. The stability of the image will depend upon the degree to which the image was originally developed, the individual product design, the intensity of the UV light and the character of UV (percent of UV range in light source).

Since standard POS grade thermal paper is sensitive to ultraviolet light, it must be stored properly to encourage fade resistance. Thermal documents should be stored in a dark place at a relative humidity between 45% and 65% and a room temperature below 77°F (25°C). If these conditions are met and the recommended equipment is used to create the thermal documents, the images should remain legible for at least five to seven years.

In addition to UV light, exposure to the following materials may lead to image degradation and should therefore be avoided:

• Organic solvents (i.e. Alcohols, Ketones, Esters, and Ethers)
• Cleaning Fluids
• Plasticizers
• Petroleum Solvents
• Wet-type diazo copy paper
• Carbon papers
• Castcoated papers
• Papers containing tributal phosphate
• Dissimilar thermal systems
• Carbonless papers
• Ammonia
• Certain Oils
• Water (prolonged exposure)

Thermal paper comes in a variety of grades. We offer a plethora of paper grades to meet your needs. Just let us know how we can help you!

For more information about Thermal Paper, read our other blog posts:

Blog - Thermal Paper: What is it?

Blog - Thermal Paper: Components of Thermal Paper

Blog - Thermal Paper: Selecting the Right One For Your Application

Blog - Thermal Paper: Storage and Shelf Life Recommendations

Blog - Thermal Paper: Three Places to Never Store Rolls

Blog - Thermal Paper: Is It Recyclable?

Blog - Thermal Paper: Caliper and Basis Weight

Blog - Thermal Paper: Grades of Thermal Paper

Blog - Thermal Paper: Ways to Reduce Your Usage

Blog - Thermal Paper: What is Two-Sided Thermal Paper?

Blog - Thermal Paper: Super Saver Rolls are A Game of Inches

Blog - Thermal Paper: Paper Receipt Importance for Tax Preparation

Blog - Thermal Paper: Is My Thermal Printer Working Properly?

Blog - Thermal Paper: POS Supply's Thermal Rolls are BPA-Free!

Blog - Thermal Paper: What is Phenol-Free Thermal Paper?