What Does “Moisture in the Paper” Mean? Paper Storage Tips!

Paper is naturally absorbent, much like a paper towel or napkin. While this is useful in everyday life, it can lead to problems in printing. Copy paper, when left out in the open—whether in a paper tray or sitting on a shelf—will begin to absorb moisture from the air around it. Over time, the paper acts like a wick, drawing humidity into its fibers. 

When paper absorbs too much moisture, you may notice several issues. Common signs include curling after printing, excess heat building up inside the machine, frequent paper jams, and poor image quality such as smudging or faded toner. These symptoms can negatively impact both the appearance of your prints and the performance of your copier or printer. 

To prevent these problems, always store paper in its original sealed ream packaging until you're ready to use it. The wrapping contains a moisture-resistant barrier that protects the paper from absorbing humidity. It’s also a good idea to store paper in the same room as your copier or printer so it can acclimate to the same temperature and humidity conditions. Avoid storing paper in rooms with high humidity or extreme temperature changes. 

Additionally, let your paper trays run out of paper completely before refilling them. If you continuously top off the tray without using the paper at the bottom, that paper will sit unused for long periods and continue to absorb moisture. When it finally gets used, it’s more likely to cause curling, jams, or image quality problems. By managing how and where you store your paper, you can protect your equipment, reduce service issues, and maintain consistent, high-quality prints.