How to Properly Store Direct Thermal Labels

Direct thermal labels are a good shipping, retail, and inventory management option. They produce prints without the need for ribbons, resulting in clear outcomes.

However, they are vulnerable to light, heat, and moisture. Bad storage can lead to their deterioration prior to use. Here are some tips to ensure your direct thermal labels remain in optimal condition.

Keep Labels in a Cool Place

Direct thermal labels react to heat. Exposure will darken them and ruin the print surface. Store your rolls or fanfold stacks at temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Keep them away from direct sunlight and hot equipment. Even leaving them close to a window can shorten their shelf life.

Control Humidity

Moisture is another enemy. High humidity makes labels curl, stick, or lose adhesive strength. Keep storage areas at 40 to 60 percent relative humidity. Avoid damp basements or overly dry rooms. Balanced humidity keeps the paper flat and adhesive ready.

Protect from Light

Continuous light exposure fades thermal labels before use. Store them in their original packaging until you need them. Cardboard boxes block out most light and keep rolls stacked safely. If you remove labels from their packaging, use a dark, dry container.

Avoid Pressure and Weight

Stacking heavy items on top of labels bends the cores and damages the adhesive. Store rolls upright on a flat shelf. Do not overload storage boxes. A flattened roll will jam printers and waste labels.

Keep Away from Chemicals

Chemicals like cleaning sprays, alcohol, and oils break down the thermal surface. Store labels away from chemicals, paints, and solvents. Even small exposure can cause spots or faded prints.

Rotate Stock Regularly

Direct thermal labels have a shelf life of about one year. Use older rolls before newer ones. Mark boxes with purchase dates for easy tracking. Rotation avoids waste and ensures quality printing every time.

Best Practices for Opened Rolls

Once opened, labels are more vulnerable to dust, air, and handling damage. If you do not use the full roll, seal it in a plastic bag and return it to its box. Keep it upright and protected until the next use.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Direct thermal labels are important in shipping, retail, and logistics. Poor storage causes wasted rolls, printer jams, and unreadable barcodes. Proper storage saves costs, keeps workflows smooth, and ensures your products reach customers with clear labels.

Where to Get Quality Direct Thermal Labels

Quality labels last longer and resist damage better. At 4x6labels, we stock direct thermal labels in popular sizes, including 4x6inches. We also carry fanfold stacks and different core sizes. 

Quick Storage Checklist

• Store at 20°C to 25°C.
• Keep humidity between 40 and 60 percent.
• Avoid sunlight and fluorescent lighting.
• Store upright, not under weight.
• Keep away from chemicals.
• Rotate old stock first.
• Protect opened rolls with plastic bags.

Taking small steps in storage makes a big difference in performance. Direct thermal labels are reliable when treated correctly.

Keep them cool, dry, and safe, and you get the best results every time