My printout is blurry or smeared. What should I do?

• Check the following:

  • Make sure your paper isn't damp, curled, old, or loaded face-down (the printable side should be face-up). It's usually brighter or whiter.
  • Use a support sheet with special paper, or try loading your paper one sheet at a time.
  • Make sure your paper meets the specifications.
  • Make sure the paper Type or Media Type setting matches the paper you loaded.
  • Use Epson papers to ensure proper saturation and absorption of genuine Epson inks.
  • Align the print head.
  • Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed.
  • Avoid handling printouts on glossy paper right after printing to allow the ink to set.
  • If ink smears on the back of a printout, clean the paper path.
  • Turn off High Speed mode in the Windows, Macintosh OS X 10.5, or Macintosh OS X 10.3 and 10.4 printer software.
  • If you're using a Macintosh and printing on thick paper, open the Extension Settings menu and select the Thick paper and envelopes setting.
  • If you are using double-sided paper and printing heavily saturated or dark images on the front side of the paper, you may notice that smudges or marks appear on the front when you print the second side. If one side of the paper will contain a lighter image or text, print that side first to eliminate marks or smudging.
  • The print head nozzles may need cleaning.
  • The printer won't operate properly if it's tilted or at an angle. Place it on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the base in all directions.