Do you know why thermal labels fade? How can you stop thermal labels from fading? Are you aware that you can restore thermal label faded prints? We will explain these, among other important things, as you read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal print labels fade because of print material degradation, abrasion, sunlight exposure, contact with chemicals, and improper storage, among many other possible reasons. And even in the absence of these factors, most thermal prints will eventually fade. They are generally not built to last forever.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How long it would take before a thermal label fades would depend on the following factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal print materials have a shorter lifespan compared to thermal transfer materials. But they usually take about six months before they fade. That time is long enough for applications like labels and others that only require short-term scannability and durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer print fading takes a long time to occur. It could take years before thermal transfer labels fade. Thermal transfer materials can withstand chemicals, extreme temperatures, abrasion, and sunlight better than direct thermal print materials. More so, thermal transfer printers use ribbon<\/a> cartridges to create long-lasting images on labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By now, you already know that there are two types of thermal printing mechanisms: direct thermal and thermal transfer<\/a>. Direct thermal printers apply direct heat to heat-sensitive labels<\/a> to create an image. Thermal transfer printers, on the other hand, transfer heat to ribbons and not directly to the label. The heat from the thermal transfer printhead melts ink from the ribbon onto the print material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thermal transfer technique provides better<\/a> and more durable images. But then, the type of ribbon you use would determine how long it would take before the label fades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Application resistance differs from one ribbon type to the other. You should consider your intended labeling application to decide what type of ribbon to use. Here is a short description of the different thermal transfer ribbon types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This type produces the least durable label imprints. You should only use them when you are printing a label that doesn\u2019t need to last long. A few examples of this include pricing labels and shipping labels, among other indoor applications. If you use wax ribbons<\/a>, make sure to keep the label away from chemicals and abrasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of wax and resin offers more durability than wax alone but they are more expensive. Wax\/resin ribbons withstand abrasion, smearing, and mild chemicals better. You can use them for short-term outdoor thermal labels, including coated tags, films, and coated papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While resin ribbon imprints are the most durable, the ribbons are also the most expensive of all ribbon types. Resin ribbons don\u2019t fade easily, even from extreme chemical exposure. Resin ribbons meet the requirements for cUL\/UL approval. They are ideal for making imprints on synthetic label materials, including polyester and polymide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers are often more expensive. But you can still get durable labels with direct thermal printers<\/a>. Manufacturers now make direct thermal labels that don\u2019t fade. These non-fading label types are long-lasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-fading direct thermal labels have a ribbon on them, so they mimic thermal transfer printing. However, you will have to peel the ribbon off before you can see the imprint. Besides, the process of peeling the ribbon can leave mild smearing on the print label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To prevent thermal printed labels from fading, make sure to handle them carefully and keep them in the proper storage conditions.<\/a> What’s more, protect the thermal label from UV exposure and avoid contact with dangerous materials. If you do these, the imprint on your thermal label can remain intact for at least ten years.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a short guide on how to keep your thermal labels from fading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oil and water are some of the most common substances that damage thermal imprints<\/a>. The skin produces natural oil, and that can damage the imprint on thermal labels too. Sweaty or oily hands can make fading happen faster. The imprint might become distorted and restoration would no longer be possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal papers are sensitive to UV (ultraviolet) light, so avoid extended UV exposure to prevent the labels from fading too quickly. UV light causes gradual fading of thermal labels but thermal transfer labels are more resistant than direct thermal labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal label stability depends on how well the print is made, the kind of design on the label, and the duration of UV light exposure. The UV-light intensity (in percent range) also matters. Extended and intense UV exposure can cause sheet discoloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from preventing UV exposure, you can also use laminates. Laminates are available in various textures and thicknesses. Laminates<\/a> are clear films that can deflect UV light from your thermal label. They also prove extra protection from moisture, abrasion, solvents, and chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain materials are toxic to thermal imprints. You should keep your label prints away from them to increase the label\u2019s lifespan. Some of these dangerous materials include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal image life of thermal labels<\/a> is about seven years. But most labels last only a few months because people don\u2019t understand how to store thermal labels properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to manufacturers<\/a>, thermal labels should be stored in a clean, dry area. High humidity makes thermal prints fade quickly, so make sure the area is about 45-65% relative humidity. Since plastic containers tend to build up high humidity over time, don\u2019t store thermal labels in them. Proper temperature conditions are also important to increase the image life of thermal labels. The ideal temperature is below 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The table below summarizes the appropriate storage conditions for thermal printed labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember that direct thermal labels are temperature sensitive. If you expose them to extreme temperature conditions, the label will be damaged. High temperature, for instance, will cause direct thermal labels to either darken or fade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can restore faded thermal labels by simply scanning it and restoring it digitally with a photo editor. You can also apply low, dry heat from a distance or make a photocopy ahead of time. A few mobile apps might also help restore your thermal labels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Restoring faded thermal papers is simple and easy if you know what to do and how to do it. A few options for restoring fade labels are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scanning the label just like a regular colored photo can help restore the label in digital format. However, this can only work if the paper still has a white surface. Once the label turns yellow, brown, or black, scanning would no longer work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After scanning the label, edit it with a photo editor. You can create a negative copy of the label on Photoshop by adjusting some image settings. This would make faded imprints appear visible again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t know how to use Photoshop, you can use dry heat to restore the faded label. Gentle heat application from a hairdryer directly to the receipt from a distance can m ake the faded text visible again <\/a>. If you have no hairdryer, you can use heat from your light bulb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What matters is not the heat source but that you apply the lowest level of heat possible. But make sure to apply heat from the backside of the label. If you apply heat from the front, the entire label would turn black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain mobile applications can help recover faded label papers but this method works best for receipts. You can capture faded labels with the Paperistic mobile app, for instance. You can download and use this mobile application for free on iPhone and Android devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you just need quick information from your faded thermal receipt, there is a way to read it without having to go through the process of restoring the label. All you need is a cheap black light. You will see how the technique works in this video.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_6696794_s-2019-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhy Do Thermal Printed Labels Fade?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Print material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Thermal transfer ribbon type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wax ribbons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Wax\/Resin ribbons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resin ribbons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Direct thermal label type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to Prevent Printed Labels from Fading<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Proper Handling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prevent UV Exposure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Dangerous Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Proper Storage Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Should You Store Thermal Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Storage Parameter<\/strong><\/td> Appropriate Conditions<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Area<\/td> Cool and dry<\/td><\/tr> Relative Humidity<\/td> 45 – 60%<\/td><\/tr> Atmospheric Temperature<\/td> 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F)<\/td><\/tr> Exposure<\/td> Away from sunlight, water, and other contaminants<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Can You Restore Faded Thermal Printed Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Scan The Label And Restore It Digitally<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apply Heat To The Label<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use A Mobile Software Application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – How to read faded thermal receipts – Tax Time!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n