We’ve all been there – you’ve hit the print button, gone to make a coffee whilst the printer works its magic, only to return a couple of minutes later to find your document looking less than impressive. Poor print quality is an all-too-common problem and one which can leave us frustrated at the best of times. Thankfully, here at Cartridge World, our experts have some quick and easy tips to help smooth the way to producing the perfect print.
1. Clean your printer
If there are white lines running across the page this may be a sign that the printer heads, nozzles, or other components are dirty, or have become clogged. Laser printers need regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dust and toner particles. It’s always best to refer to the printer user guide for steps on how to clean your printer. Alternatively, switch the printer off, remove components such as the toner and drum, grab a clean paintbrush, or use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, to gently remove any dirt and dust. Inkjet printers have a self-cleaning function so make sure you check the user guide on how to set this function up for quick and easy maintenance.
2. Choose the right paper
Cheap paper can often be a key factor in producing poor-quality prints. The rough texture produces a high dust content which over time can affect print performance. Choosing a good quality paper will help reduce those print imperfections. For inkjet printers make sure you have the right paper selected in your printer software, especially for photo printing – it will make all the difference.
3. Adjust your print settings
If you notice that images, or text on your documents, are blurry and ink has bled, this can be a sign of over saturation which can be resolved by increasing the print speed. The opposite can be faded pages – a sign that the print speed needs to be reduced to improve ink saturation. Ensure your printer is set up for high-resolution printing to improve the quality of your print. Remember, it’s nearly impossible to get the exact same colour displayed on your screen to print out. You adjust print speed, colour resolution, and quality settings in the Advanced Properties Dialog Box on your computer. Always print a test page to check for quality before printing your final document.
4. Keep Cool
Poor quality printing can occur when a printer is kept in a hot, humid area. Try to keep your printer in a cool environment, away from other devices that may produce excessive heat, and from windows where heat and humidity can be high. For best performance refer to the user guide for recommended operating temperature conditions.
5. Talk to an expert
Following these quick tips will hopefully help to keep you and your printing quality in tip-top condition. However, if you still experience print quality issues speak to your local Cartridge World store for further advice and help in identifying the problem. We’re happy to help you achieve the perfect print.
