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Paper Is Smudged / 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

      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 If brightness is set low, increase brightness setting and try printing again. (Windows)

    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.

    You can adjust the brightness in the printer driver settings.

  5. Check5 Is platen glass dirty?

    Clean the platen glass.

  6. Check6 Make sure original is properly loaded on platen.

    When you load the original on the platen, load it with the side to be copied facing down.

  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.