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Paper Is Smudged / Printed Surface Is Scratched

Paper Is Smudged

Smudged Edges

Smudged Surface

Printed Surface Is Scratched

  1. Check1 Check paper and print quality settings.

    Print Results Are Unsatisfactory

  2. Check2 Check paper type.

    • Make sure you are using the right paper for what you are printing.

      Media Types You Can Use

    • For borderless printing, use a paper suitable for borderless printing.

      If the paper you are using is not suitable for borderless printing, the print quality may be reduced at the top and bottom edges of the paper.

      Printing Area

  3. Check3 Correct curl before loading paper.

    When using Photo Paper Plus Semi-gloss, even if the sheet is curled, load one sheet at a time as it is. Rolling this paper in the opposite direction to flatten it may crack the paper surface and reduce the print quality.

    We recommend putting unused paper back into the package and storing it flat.

    • Plain Paper

      Turn the paper over and reload it to print on the other side.

      Leaving the paper loaded on the top feed for a long time may cause the paper to curl. In this case, load the paper with the other side facing up. It may resolve the problem.

    • Other Paper

      If the paper corners curl more than 0.1 inch / 3 mm (A) in height, the paper may smudge or may not feed properly. Follow the instructions below to correct the paper curl.

      1. Roll up paper in opposite direction to paper curl as shown below.

      2. Check that paper is now flat.

        We recommend printing curl-corrected paper one sheet at a time.

    Note

    • Depending on paper type, the paper may smudge or may not feed properly even if it is not curled inward. Follow the instructions below to curl the paper outward up to 0.1 inch / 3 mm (B) in height before printing. This may improve the print result.

      (C) Print side

      We recommend feeding paper that has been curled outward one sheet at a time.

  4. Check4 Set printer to prevent paper abrasion.

    Adjusting the setting to prevent paper abrasion will widen the clearance between the print head and the paper. If you notice abrasion even with the media type set correctly to match the paper, set the printer to prevent paper abrasion using the operation panel.

    * Once you have finished printing, undo this setting. Otherwise, it will apply to subsequent print jobs.

    Press the HOME button, select Various settings, Device settings, and Print settings, and then set Prevent paper abrasion to ON.

    Changing Settings from Operation Panel

  5. Check5 Specify a paper size that has 25 mm margins.

    If the top or bottom edge of the printing surface has been scratched or smudged, print with a paper size that has wide margins (25 mm margins).

    When you print on Photo Paper Pro Premium Matte PM-101 or Matte Photo Paper MP-101, we recommend that you print with a 25 mm margins paper size or 4" x 6" (10 x 15 cm) size.

  6. Check6 Do not print outside recommended printing area.

    If you print outside the recommended printing area of your paper, ink may stain the lower edge of the paper.

    Resize the document using application software.

    Printing Area

  7. Check7 Is paper feed roller dirty?

    Clean the paper feed roller.

    Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller

    Note

    • Cleaning the paper feed roller abrades it, so do this only when necessary.

  8. Check8 Is inside of printer dirty?

    During duplex printing, ink may stain the inside of the printer, smudging the printout.

    Perform the bottom plate cleaning to clean the inside of the printer.

    Cleaning the Inside of the Printer (Bottom Plate Cleaning)

    Watch the movie

    Note

    • To prevent staining inside the printer, be sure to set the correct paper size.

  9. Check9 Increase the print interval.

    Increasing the print interval allows the printed surface to dry, preventing smudges and scratches.

    Press the HOME button, select Various settings, Device settings, and Advanced paper settings. Select a media type, select Pause between pages, and then select a interval setting.

    Note

    • Alternatively, press the HOME button, select , and select Advanced on Top feed paper information screen to display Pause between pages screen.