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I need to keep a purchase receipt for several years to ensure the extended warranty on my purchase. How should I store the receipt to make sure it lasts that long? I definitely need a physical receipt, so relying only on a digital copy (or a physical photocopy) is not an option.
It's printed on a thermal paper of some sort. They tend to go black or fade over time. I can clarify which type if there are further checks I can do with no special equipment.
Personally, I recommend to picture the receipt and store it digitally. Alternatively, you can scan it and reprint it on a regular paper.
If you insist on preserving the original receipt, you can extend the life-time of a thermal paper by storing it in a cool and dark place. Also, make sure that the receipt isn't kept under pressure, since it would also accelerate the chemical processes within it that will turn it blank again.
If your receipt is already worn out you can try and apply gentle heating to it in order to improve its contrast.
There is more relevant info here:
To protect flimsy paper, you could typically laminate it, but that wouldn't work with thermal paper since lamination is hot. The alternative, which I often use, is to get clear, wide packing tape, and attach strips across the whole surface, front and back. This forms a clear plastic layer over the whole thing. Obviously there is no heat involved, so the thermal aspect of the ink shouldn't be affected. However, I can't comment on whether the tape's adhesive will have any reaction with the paper's ink. I can only say I've never had that issue myself.
