Print Quality Problems

Make sure the printable side of the paper is face down in the paper cassette.

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

For best results, use up ink cartridge within six months of opening the package.

Try to use genuine Epson ink cartridges.

Check the ink cartridge status by using EPSON Status Monitor 3 (Windows) or EPSON Status Monitor (Mac OS X).
See Checking the Ink Cartridge Status

If the graphic displays the ink is low or expended, replace the appropriate ink cartridge.
See Replacing an Ink Cartridge

Make sure the paper type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of paper loaded in the printer.
See Selecting the Correct Paper Type

Make sure the printable side of the paper is face down in the paper cassette.

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

For Windows, clear the High Speed check box from the More Options window in your printer driver. See the online help for details.
For Mac OS X 10.5 or later, select Off from the High Speed Printing. To display the High Speed Printing, click through the following menus: System Preferences, Print & Fax, your printer (in the Printers list box), Options & Supplies, and then Driver.
For Mac OS X 10.4, clear the High Speed Printing setting in Extension Settings in the Print dialog box of your printer driver.

Make sure the paper type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of paper loaded in the printer.
See Selecting the Correct Paper Type

Use only paper recommended by Epson.
For details on Epson special media, click the Appendix tab in the upper right corner of the User’s Guide window. Then click Product Information and Ink and Paper.

Try to use genuine Epson ink cartridges.

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

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

Make sure your paper is dry and the printable side is face down in the paper cassette.

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

Make sure the paper type selected in the printer driver is appropriate for the type of paper loaded in the printer.
See Selecting the Correct Paper Type

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. To handle your printouts, follow the instructions of the paper.

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

If the paper is smeared with ink after printing, clean the interior of the printer. For details on cleaning the printer, click the Appendix tab in the upper right corner of the User’s Guide window. Then click Maintenance and Cleaning the Printer.

If you have just replaced an ink cartridge, make sure the date on the box. If you have not used the printer for a long time, Epson recommends replacing the ink cartridges.
For details on replacing an ink cartridge before it is expended, see the paper manual.