Sticker Paper Curl When Feeding? Here’s How to Fix It
Written by: BernauLena
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Time to read 4 min
One common issue when printing on sticker paper is that the sheets tend to curl, making it difficult for your inkjet or laser printer to feed them properly. This often causes frustration and interrupts your workflow. Many users ask how to solve this problem to improve printing efficiency. In this guide, we’ll share how to store your sticker paper correctly and what steps to take when curling occurs.
If the problem is not caused by the quality of the sticker paper itself, there are still several common reasons why the sheets curl when feeding into the printer.
Environment humidity. Humidity is often the biggest factor. When the air is very humid, the paper fibers naturally absorb moisture and expand, which causes the sheet to warp and curl at the edges. On the other hand, if the environment is extremely dry, the paper may lose moisture, shrink, and also curl. Both situations make it harder for the printer rollers to feed the paper smoothly.
Improper storage. The way you store sticker paper directly affects its shape. Ideally, the sheets should always be placed horizontally and kept flat. If they are stored leaning at an angle for a long time, gravity and uneven pressure can gradually bend them out of shape. Similarly, if the edges are exposed to open air without protection, they may absorb or lose moisture faster than the center, which leads to deformation.
Temperature changes. A sudden shift in temperature can also make sticker paper curl. For example, if you bring cold paper into a warm room, condensation may form and cause warping. If the paper is stored too close to a heater or under direct sunlight, it can dry out, stiffen, and curl as well. Allowing the sheets to adjust to room conditions before printing can help reduce this problem.
How to Store Sticker Paper?
Proper storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent sticker paper from curling. Here are some practical tips:
Keep it dry Store your sticker sheets in a cool, dry place. To control moisture, place small packs of desiccant in the storage box or bag. This helps prevent the paper fibers from swelling or shrinking due to humidity.
Store flat and horizontal Always place the sheets horizontally instead of leaning them at an angle. Standing or slanted storage puts uneven pressure on the paper, which can lead to bending and curling over time.
Protect the edges Reseal opened packages tightly to stop the edges from being exposed to air. You can also place a light but firm object on top of the sheets to keep them pressed evenly and flat.
By following these practices, your sticker paper will stay smooth and ready for trouble-free printing.
How to Fix Sticker Paper Curl When Feeding?
If your sticker paper is already curling and causing feeding issues, don’t worry—there are several practical ways to fix the problem:
Flatten Before Use Place the sticker paper on a flat surface and put a heavy book or object on top for several hours. This helps restore the sheet’s flatness and reduces curled edges.
Check Your Storage Make sure you are storing the paper in a dry, cool environment. If the sheets were left in a humid or uneven place, give them time to adjust to room conditions before printing.
Adjust the Printer Rollers Clean your printer’s rollers and check that they are not applying excessive pressure. Dirty or misaligned rollers can worsen curling during the feeding process.
Use the Manual Feed Tray Instead of the Top Paper Cassette For many inkjet and laser printers, the manual feed tray allows a straighter paper path, which reduces the chances of curled sheets jamming inside the printer.
Extra Tip: Try the “Edge Smoothing” Trick Some users have shared a simple trick online: before printing, lightly run your fingers along the four edges of the sticker paper, stroking back and forth a few times. This gentle action helps release minor tension in the sheet and flattens the edges. While it may not work for every type of paper, one user reported that it solved his feeding issues—worth trying if you encounter persistent curling.
Conclusion
Sticker paper curling is a common but preventable problem. In most cases, the issue is not due to poor paper quality, but rather environmental factors such as humidity, temperature changes, or improper storage. By keeping your sticker paper flat, storing it in a dry and stable environment, and using proper feeding methods like the manual tray, you can greatly reduce curling and ensure smoother printing. With the right care and handling, your sticker paper will stay in good condition, helping you achieve efficient and professional printing results every time. If you still have problem with this problem, please contact our team sales@betckey.com
About Betckey
Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit betckey.com and get special discount when purchasing! Sign up now and we'll send you a special discount towards your purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!
