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

  • Check the following:
    • Make sure your paper isn't damp or curled, or loaded facedown (the printable side should be faceup). 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. Also, make sure you're using genuine Epson ink cartridges.
    • Align the print head.
    • Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed.
    • Avoid handling printouts on glossy paper for a few hours to allow the ink to set.
    • If ink smears on the back of a printout, clean the paper guide.
    • Turn off High Speed mode in the product software.
    • 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 product 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.
    • Clean the paper guide.

    Related references
    Product Specifications
    Align the Print Head
    Clean the Paper Guide
    Print From Your Computer
Published:  May 17, 2011 Was this helpful?​ Thank you for the feedback!
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