Why Does The Ink Smudge When You Print?

The last thing you want to happen when you have a big print job is for your papers to have smudges all over them. But, how do you stop it? Take a look at this article and find out the most common problems when it comes to ink smudges.

When printing, what causes smudges?

If your document has black lines and smudges, it’s possible that your printer is dirty. Smears and smudges on the paper can be caused by dirt, dust, or toner accumulated on the rollers or transfer belt as it passes through the paper. Cleaning your printer, particularly the rollers, is one of the options for removing black markings from paper. A leaking or damaged ink cartridge could also be to blame for the black stains on your page.

Problems with Ink Cartridges

Defective ink or toner cartridges are one of the most prevalent causes of ink smudges or faded prints. Check to see if all of your ink cartridges are still in good working order. Check that the ink hasn’t dried out and that it’s clear of debris and residue. It’s also worth mentioning that not all compatible and remanufactured ink cartridges are of the highest quality. Some are also of poor quality, so make sure you buy from a reputable retailer.

Solution

Are you using fresh new ink cartridges that have just been installed? If you are, it is better to line them to avoid smudging the ink. Look for this option in your printer’s maintenance settings. Horizontal smearing shows that the ink tank’s bottom is clogged with fibers. If you discover a problem like this, remove the cartridges and begin cleaning them.

Your ink cartridges may have dried out or the print heads may have become clogged with ink residue if they are older than a year. Although the print head can be cleaned, it’s probably advisable to replace the ink tanks for the best results.

Fuser Error

The fuser creates the heat needed to print the toner in the paper in LaserJet printers like the HP Color Laserjet Pro. The printout will appear like when you use the improper toner on your printer if it fails to create the necessary printing temperature. Mechanical difficulties, such as damaged components, are the most common causes of a defective fuser.

Solution

Because a defective fuser is caused by a mechanical issue, it may be out of your grasp unless you have the necessary technical knowledge. If you don’t, your best bet might be to hire a specialist to make the necessary repairs.

Paper that is not appropriate

A paper that is overly smooth or thick, or something with a heavy surface texture, can impair the print output if you’re using an HP Color LaserJet Pro or any other LaserJet printer. The paper may not be able to travel smoothly enough for the toner to print correctly if it is too thick. It’s the same if it’s overly smooth or has a lot of texture.

Solution

Use the right media for the type of printout you’re making. When printing photographs and images, always use photo paper rather than normal paper. This is the most effective method for preventing ink from spreading. The cartridge might potentially be damaged if the wrong type of media is used.

UCI Documents

UCI Documents knows how to fix any and all printer problems. Plus, we have a guaranteed 90-minute response time. What’s stopping you from working with us? Give us a call today at 806-372-7722 to learn more about how we can help you!