High humidity can wreak havoc on paper that is left uncovered. The paper's cellulose fibers are always trying to maintain equilibrium with the moisture in the atmosphere. The fibers behave very much like a sponge and will expand more against the grain causing wavy, uneven sheets. Once distorted, the paper will never return to its original flat condition. Here are a few tips to prevent these problems:
- Keep paper covered to prevent exposure to moisture in the pressroom
- Cover press skids with a plastic skid cover or wrap with stretch wrap
- Do not open paper before it is to be used
- Remove unused paper from digital press paper feed trays and re-wrap
Keep in mind that even the most expensive sheet can be rendered unprintable if it is not handled properly prior to printing.