Why does the print on a receipt fade over time?
The short answer
Many receipts are printed on heat-sensitive paper called thermal paper. After printing, heat, light, rubbing, or contact with certain materials can change the print or the paper around it. When the print and background look more alike, the receipt becomes hard to read.
How is the print made?
Many receipts use a method called direct thermal printing. The printer heats tiny dots on the special paper. The heated spots turn dark and form letters or barcodes. This method uses no ink or ribbon.
Why does it become hard to read later?
The paper can change after printing. For example:
- Heat: Strong heat may change the printed area or darken parts that were not printed.
- Light: Long exposure to direct sunlight or strong lighting can change the color of the paper or print.
- Rubbing or scratches: These can damage the print surface and make words or barcodes harder to read.
- Water: Getting wet can damage the paper or its printed surface.
- Nearby materials: Some chemicals and materials in flexible plastics can affect the paper.
The print may become lighter, or the paper around it may become darker. In both cases, the words and background look more alike. The type of paper and how it is stored affect how long the print stays readable.
Are all receipts printed the same way?
No. Besides direct thermal printing, some printers use thermal-transfer printing. It uses heat to move ink from a ribbon onto paper or film. Even thermal papers differ: some are made to resist heat or light better than others. So not every receipt or heat-printed item changes in the same way.
How can you keep a receipt readable?
- Keep it away from heaters, hot cars, and other hot places.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight. Avoid rubbing it or getting it wet.
- Keep it away from some chemicals and flexible plastic items.
- Take a clear photo or scan while the print is still readable.
If you need the receipt for a return or an application, check with the store or organization to see whether you need the paper original.