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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 front tray 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 machine to prevent paper abrasion using the operation panel or the computer.

    This may reduce the print speed.

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

    • From operation panel

      Press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes 11 times, release the button, and then press the Color button to enable the Prevent paper abrasion function.

      To disable the Prevent paper abrasion function, press and hold the Stop button until the Alarm lamp flashes 11 times, release the button, and then press the Black button.

    • From computer

      • For Windows:

        Open the printer driver setup window, select Custom Settings in Maintenance sheet, select the Prevent paper abrasion check box, and then click OK.

        To open the printer driver setup window, see How to Open the Printer Driver Setup Window.

      • For Mac OS:

        In the Canon IJ Printer Utility, select Custom Settings in the pop-up menu, select Prevent paper abrasion check box, and then click Apply.

        To open the Canon IJ Printer Utility, see Opening the Canon IJ Printer Utility.

  5. Check5 If intensity is set high, reduce intensity setting and try printing again.

    If you are printing with a high intensity setting on plain paper, the paper may absorb too much ink and become wavy, causing paper abrasion.

    Check the intensity setting in the printer driver.

  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 platen glass dirty?

    Clean the platen glass.

    Cleaning the Platen Glass and Document Cover

  8. Check8 Is paper feed roller dirty?

    Clean paper feed roller.

    Cleaning the Paper Feed Roller

    Note

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

  9. Check9 Is inside of machine dirty?

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

    Perform bottom plate cleaning to clean inside of machine.

    Cleaning the Inside of the Machine (Bottom Plate Cleaning)

    Note

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

  10. Check10 Set longer ink drying time.

    This allows the printed surface to dry, preventing smudges and scratches.

    • For Windows:

      1. Make sure machine is turned on.

      2. Open printer driver setup window.

        How to Open the Printer Driver Setup Window

      3. Click Maintenance tab and Custom Settings.

      4. Drag Ink Drying Wait Time slide bar to set the wait time and click OK.

      5. Check message and click OK.

    • For Mac OS:

      1. Make sure machine is turned on.

      2. Open the Canon IJ Printer Utility.

        Opening the Canon IJ Printer Utility

      3. Select Custom Settings in the pop-up menu.

      4. Drag Ink Drying Wait Time: slide bar to set the wait time and click Apply.

      5. Check message and click OK.