How to Properly Store Blank Labels to Prevent Damage
When it comes to shipping, organizing, or product labeling, blank labels are an essential tool across countless industries. However, if not stored correctly, these labels—whether they’re sheet labels or thermal labels—can easily become unusable. Damage like curling, yellowing, adhesive failure, and printer jamming is more common than you might think.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the best practices for storing blank labels. Whether you’re stocking up on labelling sheets for home organization or 6 x 4 thermal labels for high-volume shipping, this guide will help you keep your label supply pristine and printer-ready. We’ll also cover storage recommendations for label 4 x 6 sizes, labels for sheets, and how improper storage can affect your template shipping label results.
Why Proper Label Storage Matters
Blank labels might seem low-maintenance, but they’re highly sensitive to environmental factors. Exposure to moisture, heat, direct sunlight, and even dust can reduce their adhesive quality and cause them to jam printers or lose print clarity. This is especially true for thermal labels, which rely on heat-sensitive coating for image transfer—once that’s damaged, the label becomes useless.
Poor storage practices can lead to:
- Misfeeds and printer jams
- Labels peeling prematurely
- Difficulty separating labelling sheets
- Faded or patchy print quality on shipping label templates
- Wasted inventory and higher replacement costs
Whether you’re working with labels direct from the manufacturer or using custom shipping label templates, knowing how to store your blank label stock is essential for efficiency and savings.
Storage Conditions for Different Types of Labels
- Sheet Labels and Labelling Sheets
Sheet labels—also known as labelling sheets—are often used with inkjet or laser printers and come in formats like labels for sheets of standard 8.5 x 11 inches. To store them properly:
- Keep Flat: Store them flat in their original packaging to prevent curling or bending.
- Avoid Humidity: Store in a dry, climate-controlled room. High humidity can affect both the paper and adhesive.
- Room Temperature is Best: Ideally, keep at 68–75°F. Extreme temperatures can warp the sheets or cause the adhesive to bleed.
- Protect From Light: Exposure to sunlight can yellow the paper and degrade the adhesive layer over time.
Use sealed plastic containers or file cabinets to keep the sheets free from dust and moisture.
- Thermal Labels
Thermal labels, especially 6 x 4 thermal labels or label 4 x 6 formats, are widely used for high-volume shipping environments.
There are two types of thermal labels:
- Direct thermal: React to heat without ink
- Thermal transfer: Require a ribbon to transfer ink
Regardless of type, store thermal labels with care:
- Avoid Heat & Light: Keep away from sunlight, fluorescent lights, and other heat sources that may prematurely activate the coating.
- Use Within 1 Year: Direct thermal labels have a shelf life. Try to rotate stock using the “first in, first out” method.
- Original Packaging Helps: The packaging often includes a moisture barrier and UV protection. Keep labels in their packaging until you need them.
If your template shipping label prints are fading or looking spotty, improper storage is likely to blame.
General Best Practices for All Blank Labels
No matter what kind of blank label you’re working with, following these general practices can extend their shelf life and ensure consistent performance:
- Climate Control Is Crucial
Labels don’t like extremes. Keep storage areas within a 68–75°F temperature range and relative humidity between 40–50%.
- Store in a Clean Environment
Dust and debris can interfere with label adhesion and printer performance. Clean, closed storage like file drawers, bins, or cabinets are ideal.
- Avoid Pressure or Weight on Labels
Stacking too many boxes of labels for sheets can warp the sheets on the bottom. Likewise, excessive pressure on rolls of thermal labels can compress and deform them.
- Rotate Your Stock
Use the “first in, first out” (FIFO) approach. This prevents older labels from aging past their prime while newer ones sit unused.
- Watch Out for Magnetic Fields
While not a major threat for most, magnetic fields from motors or large electronics can interfere with the printing mechanism, especially in sensitive thermal printing environments.
Label-Specific Storage Tools You Should Consider
If you deal with a high volume of shipping label templates or frequently print label 4 x 6 sizes, investing in the right storage tools can make a world of difference.
- Label Dispensers: For rolls of 6 x 4 thermal labels, a dispenser keeps them clean and makes them easy to peel without contamination.
- Binder Sheets: Use sheet protectors or custom binders for labelling sheets—ideal for keeping sheets flat and organized.
- Plastic Storage Bins: Airtight bins help block humidity, dust, and light for all kinds of labels.
- Desiccant Packs: Add these to storage bins for moisture control in humid climates.
Troubleshooting Common Storage Mistakes
Problem: Labels Curling at the Edges
Cause: Exposure to air, temperature fluctuations, or improper stacking.
Fix: Store flat and in original packaging. Use weight on top if sheets have curled (but not too heavy).
Problem: Adhesive Not Sticking
Cause: Humidity, old stock, or contamination.
Fix: Clean your hands before handling. Store in a dry place. Rotate stock regularly.
Problem: Faded Print on Thermal Labels
Cause: Exposure to light or heat, or labels past shelf life.
Fix: Store thermal labels in opaque containers, away from heat sources.
Problem: Misaligned Prints Using Templates
Cause: Warped sheets or printer misfeeds due to label damage.
Fix: Store flat, keep environment controlled, and test template shipping label alignments regularly.
Maximizing the Life of Your Labels Direct from the Manufacturer
Buying labels direct from a supplier like BlankLabels.com ensures you get high-quality, unhandled stock. But even the best labels degrade if not stored properly.
To maximize longevity:
- Ask for storage recommendations specific to each label type when ordering.
- Keep an inventory log so you know when labels were received and how long they’ve been stored.
- If you notice frequent issues, perform a storage audit—check the temperature, humidity, and physical conditions of your storage area.
Don’t Let Poor Storage Undo Your Workflow
Proper label storage is easy to overlook—but absolutely essential. Whether you’re a small business shipping 50 packages a week or an enterprise running thousands of template shipping label prints daily, preserving the quality of your labels ensures your operations stay smooth.
At BlankLabels.com, we offer a wide variety of blank labels, including sheet labels, labelling sheets, thermal labels, and labels for sheets—all designed to work seamlessly with your printers and workflows. We also provide downloadable shipping label templates to simplify your setup and avoid guesswork.
Final Thoughts: Store Smarter, Print Better
If you’ve invested in high-quality labels, don’t lose them to poor storage. Just a few simple adjustments—like climate control, sealed containers, and mindful rotation—can prevent a host of issues that cost time and money.
Looking for premium blank label solutions or printable template shipping label designs? Visit BlankLabels.com to shop labels direct from our site and get support tailored to your label type and printer model.
Need help choosing the right label or storage strategy?
Reach out to our customer support team today—we’re happy to help you keep your label supply in top condition.
