Why Carbonless Copy Paper Performs Poorly in Cold Weather?

Introduction

Recently, cold weather has spread across the country, especially in northern regions. In low-temperature environments, customers who use carbonless copy paper forms—particularly multi-part NCR forms—may notice that the bottom copy becomes unclear or incomplete. This issue can affect daily operations and reduce work efficiency. To help you avoid common mistakes in storing and using carbonless copy paper during winter, this article shares practical tips for more scientific usage, ensuring clearer copies and smoother workflows even in cold conditions.

Why Carbonless Copy Paper Works Poorly in Winter?

Winter is a challenging season for using carbonless copy paper. Many users find that copy quality declines in cold weather, and in some cases, the writing does not fully transfer to the lower sheets. The reasons behind this are mainly related to temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.

Low Temperature

In winter, indoor temperatures are often quite low. However, carbonless copy paper requires a certain temperature range for the chemical coating to react properly under pressure. When the temperature is too low, the chemical reaction slows down, resulting in weak or incomplete image transfer to the bottom sheet.

Solutions:

Place carbonless copy paper in a warm area, such as near heating equipment, before use.

When working in cold environments, apply slightly more writing pressure when filling out multi-part forms.

After writing, place your hand flat over the bottom sheet for a few seconds. The warmth from your hand can help the image develop more clearly.

These simple actions can significantly improve copy clarity in low-temperature conditions.

High Humidity

Although winter feels dry in some regions, indoor environments can still become humid, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. The chemical components in carbonless copy paper are sensitive to moisture. Excess humidity can interfere with the coating’s performance, leading to faint or uneven copies.

Solutions:

Control indoor humidity by using air conditioning or dehumidifiers when necessary.

Maintain proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup.

If paper feels damp, allow it to rest in a dry, ventilated area before use.

Keeping humidity at a stable and moderate level helps maintain consistent copy quality.

Improper Storage

Improper storage is another common reason for poor winter performance. If carbonless copy paper is stored in damp areas or places prone to condensation, the coating may absorb moisture and lose effectiveness, directly affecting copy results.

Storage recommendations:

Store paper in a dry, well-ventilated environment.

Avoid areas where condensation easily forms, such as near windows or cold walls.

Keep paper away from direct sunlight, which may degrade the coating over time.

Stack paper properly and use protective packaging when possible.

Correct storage not only improves winter performance but also extends the overall shelf life of the paper.

Practical Tips for Better Winter Use

To achieve reliable results when using carbonless copy paper in winter, it is important to manage all three factors together: temperature, humidity, and storage. Warming the paper before use, maintaining proper environmental conditions, and following good storage practices can effectively prevent unclear bottom copies.

For businesses that rely heavily on multi-part NCR forms, establishing clear guidelines for winter use can help reduce errors, save time, and improve operational efficiency.

Conclusion

Poor copy performance in winter is a common issue when using carbonless copy paper, but it is largely preventable. By paying attention to temperature, humidity, and storage conditions, with the right approach, carbonless copy paper can remain reliable and efficient throughout the winter season. If you have any needs, welcome to contact Golden Paper for samples and quotations！