Copier paper left in cold or damp environments absorbs moisture. When that chilled paper is loaded straight into a warm copier or laser printer, it’s more likely to misfeed, curl, or jam.
For best results, always allow paper to acclimatise at normal room temperature for 24 hours before use.
Why Cold Weather Affects Copier Paper
Paper is a natural fibre-based material, and it reacts to changes in temperature and humidity — especially in winter.
When paper gets cold (overnight in a warehouse, reception, delivery van, or print room), it begins absorbing moisture from the air. The effect is similar to what happens when you take a cold glass of water out of the fridge and leave it in a warm room: condensation forms.
With paper, you can’t see the condensation… but it’s there.
As a result, cold paper becomes:
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Slightly damp
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Less rigid
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More prone to sticking together
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More susceptible to curling
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More likely to misfeed or jam inside printers
Laser printers and copiers operate at high speed and high heat. Even a small change in moisture content can disrupt the feed path.
How to Prevent Printer Jams in Winter
1. Let Paper Acclimatise for 24 Hours
This is the single most important step.
Place unopened reams or boxes in a standard heated room and allow them to warm up slowly.
If you feel comfortable in the room, your paper will be too.
2. Store Paper Correctly
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Keep paper off the floor and away from external doors
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Use heated, dry storage areas
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Keep reams sealed until you need them
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Rotate your stock (first in, first out)
3. Avoid Using Paper Immediately After Delivery
Even if you’re busy, resist the temptation to load freshly delivered paper straight into the printer – especially in winter.
Why This Matters for Busy Print Rooms
Print rooms across the Midlands rely on consistent performance from their copiers and laser printers. Winter is the season when we see the biggest rise in avoidable jams – nearly always caused by paper that’s:
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too cold
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too damp
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stored in the wrong place
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not given time to stabilise
By following simple winter paper-care practices, you’ll enjoy:
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Fewer jams
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Reduced machine downtime
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Better print quality
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Longer-lasting equipment
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Smoother workflows (and more time to enjoy the snow!)
Look After Your Paper – It Works Hard for You
Paper may not actually shiver, but it definitely struggles in cold conditions. A little care goes a long way in keeping your print room running smoothly.
At Polycopy, we help busy printers and businesses across the Midlands stay productive all year round. If you need winter-friendly paper advice or want to stock up on reliable copier paper, we’re here to help.
You can view our range of copier papers here Paper – Polycopy – and, don’t forget, the Polycopy team are always willing to help you locate a paper best matched to your requirements.