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Paper Is Smudged/Printed Surface Is Scratched/Ink Blots/Paper Curl

  1. Check 1 Check paper and print quality settings.

  2. Check 2 Check paper type.

    Make sure you are using the right paper for what you are printing. To print data with high color saturation such as photographs or images with dark colors, we recommend that you use Photo Paper Plus Glossy II or other Canon specialty paper.

  3. Check 3 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.

    • Other Paper such as envelope

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

      paper corners 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 in. / 3 mm (C) in height before printing. This may improve the print result.

      curled paper outward

      (B) Print side

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

  4. Check 4 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 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.

    To set the printer to prevent paper abrasion, press and hold Stop button on the operation panel, release it when Alarm lamp flashes 10 times and press Color button.

    To disable the setting to prevent paper abrasion, press and hold Stop button, release it when Alarm lamp flashes 10 times and press Black button.

  5. Check 5 If brightness is set low, increase brightness setting and try printing again.

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

  6. Check 6 Is platen glass dirty?

    Clean the platen glass.

  7. Check 7 Is paper feed roller dirty?

    Clean paper feed roller.

    Note

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

  8. Check 8 Is inside of printer dirty?

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

    Perform bottom plate cleaning to clean inside of printer.

    Note

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

  9. Check 9 Set longer ink drying time.

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