Blog - Thermal Paper Archivability: Why Do Images Face on Thermal Receipt Paper?

Thermal Paper Archivability: Why Do Images Fade on Thermal Receipt Paper?

Have you ever noticed the images on your thermal receipts fading over time? Understanding why this happens can help you preserve your important documents for longer. Let’s dive into why images fade on thermal receipt paper and how you can extend their life.

How Thermal Paper Works

POS-grade thermal papers use dye and co-reactant technology to create an image. This technology, while efficient, is slightly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, leading to potential image decline when exposed to office light or intense UV light. The longevity of the image depends on several factors, including the degree of image development, the product design, the intensity, and the type of UV light exposure.

Protect Your Thermal Documents from Fading

Since standard POS-grade thermal paper is sensitive to UV light, proper storage is crucial to maintain image clarity. To maximize fade resistance, store your thermal documents in a dark place with a relative humidity between 45% and 65% and a room temperature below 77°F (25°C). When stored under these conditions and printed with recommended equipment, images should remain legible for at least five to seven years.

Materials to Avoid for Long-Lasting Thermal Receipts

In addition to UV light, certain materials can degrade the images on thermal paper. To avoid image degradation, keep your thermal documents away from the following:

Organic solvents: Alcohols, Ketones, Esters, Ethers
Cleaning Fluids
Plasticizers
Petroleum Solvents
Wet-type diazo copy paper
Carbon papers
Cast Coated papers
Papers containing tributyl phosphate
Dissimilar thermal systems
Carbonless papers
Ammonia
Certain Oils
Prolonged Water exposure

By keeping your thermal documents away from these materials, you can significantly extend the life of the images on your receipts.

Choose the Right Thermal Paper for Your Needs

Thermal paper comes in various grades, each designed for specific uses. Whether you need long-lasting receipts or temporary records, we have the right paper for you. Our range of thermal paper grades ensures that you’ll find exactly what you need to keep your operations running smoothly and your documents preserved.

Get the Best Thermal Paper:Shop our high-quality thermal paper grades now. Shop Now

Need Help Choosing the Right Paper?

Our experts are here to assist you in selecting the perfect thermal paper for your business. Contact us at 888-431-5800 or visit our website for personalized support and recommendations.

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