How to Store and Process Release Paper in Winter

To manage release paper problems in winter, start with storage conditions, roll conditioning and consistent testing. Paper dust, liner breaks, static and unexpected label lifting can have different causes. A change in liner specification should follow investigation and production trials.

For label and adhesive tape converters, the practical goal is to keep the material stable from warehouse storage through die-cutting, winding and dispensing.

Why Winter Conditions Can Affect Release Paper

Paper absorbs or loses moisture as it moves towards equilibrium with the surrounding air. Changes in humidity can affect its dimensions, flatness and handling behaviour. Dry paper and low humidity can also contribute to static accumulation.

Cold storage introduces another variable. A roll brought into a warmer workshop needs time to approach the processing temperature before its protective packaging is removed.

These environmental effects should be considered separately from release performance. Winter does not automatically make every silicone release liner easier to peel. The result depends on the adhesive, release coating, laminate construction and separation conditions.

Store Rolls Carefully and Condition Before Opening

Keep release paper in its original protective packaging until it is needed. Store rolls in a stable environment, away from direct heat, water and strong airflow. Follow the storage conditions and shelf life stated for the specific material.

When moving a cold roll into a warm workshop:

1. Check that the packaging is intact.

2. Allow the wrapped roll to approach the processing environment’s temperature.

3. Follow the supplier’s conditioning instructions before opening.

4. Protect unused material again after processing.

Conditioning time depends on roll size and the temperature difference between the material and the workshop. A single waiting period should not be assumed suitable for every delivery.

Avoid spraying water onto the paper or placing rolls next to a humidifier outlet. Environmental adjustments should be controlled and should not create local wetting or condensation.

Identify the Cause Before Changing the Liner

Record where and when the problem occurs. A damaged roll edge, a fault at one machine position and a change across an entire batch require different checks.

Where practical, change one variable at a time. Record the result and confirm that the improvement continues during a longer production run.

Measure Release Force Under Comparable Conditions

Release force values need a defined test method. A number without specimen width, peel speed, peel angle and adhesive identification is not a reliable basis for selecting another liner.

For a useful comparison, record:

• Adhesive or reference tape

• Specimen width and reported force unit

• Peel angle and peel speed

• Lamination and dwell conditions

• Conditioning temperature and humidity

• Ageing time and conditions, where applicable

Test affected and reference samples under the same laboratory conditions. Then assess the actual adhesive construction at representative production speeds.

If testing confirms that release is too light or too heavy for the process, discuss a different release level with the supplier. Increasing release force without confirming the cause may introduce harder liner removal or a different converting problem.

Choose the Substrate for the Application

After reviewing storage and machine conditions, consider whether the current substrate provides the required strength, stiffness and dimensional behaviour.

These are starting points for evaluation, rather than interchangeable specifications. The selected grade must match the adhesive construction and processing conditions.

Higher paper basis weight may be worth testing when substrate strength is insufficient. It will not correct excessive tension, damaged edges or die-cutting into the liner.

PET release film avoids moisture-driven dimensional changes associated with paper, but it still needs appropriate static control and machine settings. A switch from paper to film should be validated on the production line.

Control Static Where It Develops

Check static at unwinding, separation, roller transfer and rewinding positions. Look for dust attraction, sheets clinging together or unstable web movement.

Inspect installed ionising equipment for cleanliness, positioning and operation according to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Ground relevant machine components as specified by the equipment supplier.

Humidity management can support paper handling, but it should work alongside suitable static control. Film layers within a label or tape construction can remain a source of charge even when workshop humidity is controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should release force be increased every winter?

No. First establish whether release performance has changed and whether it causes the observed defect. Adjust the release level only after comparable testing and trials with the actual adhesive construction.

Is there one storage temperature and humidity range for all release liners?

No single range should replace the instructions for a specific grade. Follow the supplier’s storage guidance and monitor both the warehouse and processing area.

Does a normal laboratory result rule out a production problem?

No. A laboratory test may use different temperature, peel speed or conditioning from the production line. Both controlled testing and representative machine trials are useful.

Discuss Winter Release Liner Performance with HENGMU

HENGMU manufactures silicone-coated release papers and PET release films for labels, adhesive tapes and industrial converting.

For a material review, send your current liner specification, adhesive type, batch details, workshop conditions and defect photographs to info@hengmugroup.com. Include the release test method and machine settings where available so our team can discuss suitable material options and sample evaluation requirements.