Labels get darker every pass through printer

[AWALifts]

I often do single labels for mailing so a sheet (Avery 5160) can go through many times.  I've noticed that the labels are getting darker every pass through, so they become grey after only a few times.  We use bright white envelopes so it's very noticeable.  Avery sent me new labels to try and it happened with the new ones too so they said it must be a printer issue.  It seems I am getting a fine layer of toner over the sheet every time through.

[dcarmany]

It is not a recommended practice to run a label sheet through a printer multiple times.   Running a sheet through the printer with labels peeled off increases the likelihood of a jam that could damage the fusing unit on the printer.   The sheet also tends to be more progressively curled each time which also increases the likelihood of a jam.  

The darkness you are seeing is related to a light layer of toner transferring onto the sheet each time that you run it through the printer.   I am not sure how to avoid this issue other than making sure you fuser roller is extremely clean.  There are kits on the market to clean a fuser roller. 

Generally speaking, you may want to consider going away from printing your labels on sheets and instead printing on rolls of labels using a thermal label printer.   This will allow you to print one label at a time.  There are many low cost thermal label printers on the market.  Dymo makes some low cost thermal printers.  

Here is an article on when to make the switch.  

http://www.onlinelabels.com/articles/roll-call-when-should-your-business-make-the-switch-from-sheet-...

I hope this information is helpful. 

Dave C.