As you can see, there are two types of laminates. Why is hot-melt lamination not good for receipts but cold laminates can preserve them? As you read on, we will show you the difference between the two types of laminates and explain why you can preserve your receipts with cold laminates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow Laminating Receipts Affects Their Image Life?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hot-melt lamination reduces the image life of receipts. but cold-melt lamination can help increase image life. This difference is caused by the heat-sensitive nature of thermal labels. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminates are thin plastic films that you can apply on paper surfaces after printing, usually with a roller. But you can apply laminates in two ways. One method requires heat, while the other doesn’t use heat. Since exposure to heat is contraindicated for thermal labels, hot-melt lamination will not preserve your receipts. Instead, it may cause damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot-melt laminates, also called thermal laminates, use heat to melt polyester (PET) films on paper labels. They are cheaper than cold-melt laminates and are mostly used to encapsulate paper documents (on both sides). But since they use heat application, they are not good for thermal receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal papers use a special printing mechanism that requires no ink<\/a>. The papers contain heat-sensitive pigments that burst to create imprints under heat. When you feed thermal paper rolls<\/a> through your thermal printer, heat from the thermal printhead activates the pigment on specific spots on the paper to create imprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem is that the heat-specific pigments of thermal papers remain active after printing. So as you melt the thermal laminates over the paper, heat from the laminating machine will activate the ink pigments in the thermal paper<\/a>. This will immediately darken the entire receipt and permanently damage it. That\u2019s why you should never use hot-melt<\/a> laminates on thermal receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold laminates will preserve your receipts from abrasion, oil, and moisture. Many varieties of cold laminates also often offer additional protection from UV light. These are important factors in preserving receipts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Moisture, UV light, and abrasion are the major elements that damage receipts. And since cold laminates can protect the receipts from these elements, they can help increase the image life of your receipt. Image life refers to how long the imprint on your receipt will remain legible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold-melt laminates don\u2019t use heat application. Instead of heat, the laminate is applied using pressure just like the way you apply sellotapes. They are often used only on one side (the side that has the print). Cold laminates work best on vinyl material but you can use them on paper material too if you can handle the lamination process with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s more, laminates come in two types of finishes \u2013 matte and gloss. There are also Thermal Transfer printable over-laminates for thermal transfer receipts. Gloss laminates have a shiny appearance while matter laminates are duller and smoother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cold laminates can help preserve your receipts but they are not the best. The storage condition of your label matters more than applying laminates. If you expose your receipt to extreme heat even after laminating it, it would still be damaged.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other things you can do to permanently preserve your receipts. In the next section, we will explain better ways to preserve your receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few tips to help preserve your thermal receipts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal papers are heat-sensitive<\/a>, so heat exposure causes them to blacken or turn gray. As such, ensure to store them away from all heat sources, including sunlight exposure and kitchen area. The general rule is to store thermal receipts in cool, dark areas<\/a> to preserve them longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Store your receipts away from areas where liquids and oils can reach them. Like all papers, receipts will be damaged by liquids and oils. Liquids will destroy the paper while oil messes with the paper\u2019s coating and causes discoloration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage closets or under-counter locations are great locations for storing printed sheets of receipt papers<\/a>. Sunlight and other aggressors are unlikely to ever reach these areas. It\u2019s even much better if you can get filing cabinets for your receipt storage to keep them safe and secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this video, Kristine shares how she has effectively stored and organized her receipts for many years. This system is amazingly simple and works perfectly to declutter your house and preserve your receipts. You only need a magazine file, plastic accordion, and labeled folders.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHot-Melt Lamination Will Not Preserve Your Receipts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cold-Melt Lamination Can Preserve Your Receipts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Do Cold-Melt Laminates Preserve Receipts?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Are Cold Laminates The Best Way To Preserve Receipts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Better Ways to Preserve Your Receipts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep Them Away From Heat<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Liquids And Oils<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Use A Storage Closet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – HOW TO STORE AND ORGANIZE RECEIPTS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n