{"id":145,"date":"2020-09-23T06:39:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-23T06:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/?p=145"},"modified":"2020-12-16T01:43:34","modified_gmt":"2020-12-16T01:43:34","slug":"can-you-write-on-thermal-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/can-you-write-on-thermal-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Write On Thermal Labels?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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If you have been asked to sign on thermal receipts more than twice, you’ll agree that the experience differs from time to time. Our set out to find out what could be responsible for this. Why is it that we can write freely on thermal labels sometimes but at other times, we can\u2019t? Here\u2019s what we found out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you write on thermal labels? You can write on thermal labels with permanent markers and gel pens. But if you use the common ballpoint pens to write on thermal labels, it will smear. Unlike regular papers, thermal label papers are not designed to absorb ink, so you must wait patiently for the ink to dry regardless of the type of writing utensil you\u2019re using.<\/strong> The reason why Gel pens seem to be more ideal for writing on thermal labels is that they dry faster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you read on, we\u2019ll show you why ball pens don\u2019t work on most label papers. We will also show you the best writing utensils to write on the most annoying label papers and the types of label papers that you can easily write on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Can\u2019t You Write on Most Thermal Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s difficult to write on most thermal labels because they typically have slippery and smooth surfaces. This poses a challenge to most pen types, such as ball-point pens, that need traction to write on surfaces. The labels are also very thin and often have a coating that doesn\u2019t absorb ink. This makes it even more difficult for many utensils to write on thermal labels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular types of paper rolls are just like common copy paper and you can write on them with ease. Thermal rolls are different<\/a> because they are thin and their surfaces are slick. They tear easily because they are thin, ball-point pens slide over them because they are slippery, and their slick surfaces don\u2019t absorb ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may not be able to use ball pens and other writing utensils on most types of thermal transfer and Direct thermal papers.<\/a> These papers have a specialized way of making imprints and were never designed to absorb inks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Thermal Papers Make Imprints?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the case of direct thermal papers, they have coatings of heat-sensitive chemicals, sensitizers, and dye. These coatings react to change the paper\u2019s color when the thermal printhead heats the label paper. In the case of thermal transfer papers, they are designed to accept melted pigments from thermal ribbons<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Would Happen If You Write On Thermal Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you use the common ball pen to write on a thermal paper, the ink will simply slide off. Even if the ink doesn’t slide off, it would smudge except you don’t touch the surface for several hours. But if you write on a thermal label with a gel pen or permanent marker, the ink is likely to dry very quickly and stay on the surface of the paper.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from creating prints, the coatings on thermal labels help protect them from absorbing oils and grease. They also help the label slide easily past the printhead. Because of this coating, the label also refuses to absorb pen ink. Instead, the ink also slides off the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This notwithstanding, you sometimes have to write on thermal papers. Some vendors will require you sign on thermal receipts or invoices. How do you do this? Well, a few pen types can still manage to write on thermal papers. Your best bet for writing on thermal labels are gel pens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Are Gel Pens Ideal for Writing on Thermal Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gel pens are ideal for writing on thermal labels because they contain quick-drying ink. They use water-based gel and powder pigments. Ballpoint pens, on the other hand, use oil-based paste and fully-dissolved dye. Water dries faster than oil and papers absorb it more easily. So gel inks usually dry faster and can stay on the slick surface of thermal papers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gel inks are also smoother and write more vividly. So aside from drying quickly, they also create a smooth flow that matches the slick surface of thermal labels. And because the ink is water-based, it also has more age- and water-resistance than the oil-based ballpoint ink. Papers, including thermal papers, trap gel ink such that you can hardly wash, erase, or alter anything you write with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you are thinking of what kind of pen to get for writing on thermal labels, you should go for gel pens. You are likely to want to use ballpoint pens but they are not compatible with most thermal labels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Writing with Gel Pens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since the gel ink hardly fades, you can use it for appending your signature to thermal receipts and other permanent documentations. Here are the benefits of using gel pens:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  • They create bolder colors and darker lines because they \u201csink\u201d into the paper rather than stay on its surface. The dense and viscous gel ink creates perceptible and prominent lines while writing.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    • You will enjoy the writing experience because gel creates a smooth and easy ink flow<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      • The chances of smearing are minimal despite the slick surface of thermal papers because the ink dries very quickly.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        \u2705 Video – The 8 Best Gel Pens That Don’t Smear<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        A quick-drying gel pen will work well on most label papers. Find out the 8 best non-smearing gel pens in this video. Number 6 will surprise you. Who knew that it\u2019s the best gel pen for color-coding?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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