Problem Solver

Print Quality Problems

Horizontal banding
Vertical misalignment or banding
Incorrect or missing colors
Blurry or smeared printout
Unnatural gradation

If you are having print quality problems, first perform a , then compare it with the illustrations below. Click the caption under the illustration that best resembles your printout.

Horizontal banding

Vertical misalignment or banding

Incorrect or missing colors

Blurry or smeared printout

Horizontal banding

Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the paper feeder.

Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles.
See Cleaning the Print Head

Run the Print Head Alignment utility.
See Aligning the Print Head

Use up photo cartridge within six months after opening its package.

Use the genuine Epson photo cartridge.

Check the LCD panel. If the ink icon is flashing or a message is displayed, replace the photo cartridge.
See Replacing the Photo Cartridge

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Vertical misalignment or banding

Make sure that the printable side of the paper is face up in the paper feeder.

Run the Head Cleaning utility to clear any clogged ink nozzles.
See Cleaning the Print Head

Run the Print Head Alignment utility.
See Aligning the Print Head

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Incorrect or missing colors

Adjust the Color Option settings in your application or in your printer driver.
See Color Option (Windows)
See Color Options (Mac OS 9)
See Color Option (Mac OS X)

Run the Head Cleaning utility.
See Cleaning the Print Head

If colors are still incorrect or missing, replace the photo cartridge.
See Replacing the Photo Cartridge

If you have just replaced the photo cartridge, make sure the date on the box has not expired. Also, if you have not used the printer for a long time, replace with new photo cartridge.
See Replacing the Photo Cartridge

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Blurry or smeared printout

Make sure that you are using the appropriate printer driver for your printer.

Use only paper recommended by Epson.
See Consumable products

Use a genuine Epson photo cartridge.

Make sure that the printer is on a flat, stable surface that extends beyond the printer base in all directions. The printer will not operate properly if it is tilted.

Make sure that your paper is not damaged, dirty, or too old.

Make sure that your paper is dry and that the printable side is facing up.

Clear all customized settings, on your printer's software.
See Making Settings on the Main Menu (for Windows)
See Print Dialog Box (Mac OS 9)
See Print Dialog Box (Mac OS X)

If the paper is curled toward the printable side, flatten it or curl it slightly in the opposite direction.

Remove each sheet from the output tray as it is printed.

Do not touch or allow anything to come into contact with the printed side of paper with a shiny finish. After printing, allow the ink to set for a few hours before handling them.

Run the Head Cleaning utility.
See Cleaning the Print Head

Run the Print Head Alignment utility.
See Aligning the Print Head

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Unnatural gradation

If you print using the Auto Correction setting in Color Option on the Main menu (Windows) or Print Dialog Box (Macintosh), your printout may have unnatural gradation in areas of your photo that are out of focus.

Select No Correction in Color Options.
See Color Option (Windows)
See Color Options (Mac OS 9)

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