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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.

  2. Check2 Check paper type.

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

  3. Check3 Correct curl before loading paper.

    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.

      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.

      (B) 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 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 RESUME/CANCEL button and release it when the Alarm lamp flashes 7 times.

    • From computer (Windows):

      1. Check that printer is turned on.

      2. Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool.

      3. Select Custom Settings.

      4. Select Prevents paper abrasion check box and select OK.

      5. Check message and select OK.

  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.

  6. Check6 Is paper feed roller dirty?

    Clean paper feed roller.

    Note

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

  7. Check7 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.

  8. Check8 Set longer ink drying time.

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

    Set it on the computer (Windows).

    1. Check that printer is turned on.

    2. Open Canon IJ Printer Assistant Tool.

    3. Select Custom Settings.

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

    5. Check message and select OK.