Preventing Fading: Tips for Long-Lasting Receipts
About MilaMima
MilaMima is a Canadian brand dedicated to providing high-quality, BPA-free thermal paper rolls, POS supplies, and office paper. Designed for retail, restaurant, and business use, our products ensure reliable, crisp printing performance across leading POS systems such as Verifone, Moneris, Clover, Square, and Ingenico.
Why Thermal Receipts Fade
Thermal paper uses a heat-sensitive coating to print images without ink or toner. While this technology is efficient and clean, it also means that receipts can fade when exposed to certain environmental factors like heat, light, or moisture. Understanding how fading occurs — and how to prevent it — helps your business maintain professional-quality receipts for customers and records.
Main Causes of Fading
- Heat Exposure: Thermal coatings react to heat, which means even mild exposure to sunlight, warm storage areas, or hot car interiors can cause premature fading.
- UV Light & Fluorescent Lighting: Continuous exposure to light can break down the thermal coating, resulting in dull or unreadable prints.
- Humidity & Moisture: Excess humidity can weaken the coating and blur printed details, while overly dry air may make paper brittle.
- Chemical Contact: Oils, cleaning agents, hand sanitizers, and plasticizers can damage printed surfaces and erase text over time.
Tips to Keep Receipts Clear and Readable
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep printed receipts away from heat sources and direct light. Filing cabinets or envelopes are ideal for long-term storage.
- Use BPA-Free High-Quality Paper: Premium BPA-free paper like MilaMima thermal rolls provide sharper contrast and stronger coating protection for extended print life.
- Avoid Plastic Enclosures: Plastic sleeves can trap moisture or react chemically with paper. Use paper folders instead.
- Don’t Touch the Printed Area: Oils from skin can fade text. Handle receipts by the edges when possible.
- Print at Optimal Heat Settings: Adjust printer settings so the print head uses moderate heat — too much can darken or overheat the coating.
How Long Receipts Can Last
Under proper storage conditions, premium thermal paper receipts can remain legible for up to 5–7 years. For businesses that need to keep transaction records for auditing or warranty purposes, this ensures dependable documentation without fading issues.
MilaMima’s Long-Lasting Thermal Paper Advantage
All MilaMima thermal paper rolls are engineered for high sensitivity and extended durability. Our BPA-free coating resists heat and moisture better than conventional rolls, while maintaining crisp, high-contrast print quality. Whether you operate in retail, hospitality, or logistics, MilaMima paper ensures your receipts stay clear and professional for years to come.