Photo print - wet and blurry

[the_Commodore]

Brand new right out of the box

When I pring a photo it comes out wet and blurred and drys into a kind of sepia look.

I have run the diagnostics it suggested and have gone on line and get any answers - I just get pushed around to a lot of different sites that do nothing.

I have uninstalled and reinstalled the software -  no change - unplugged and plugged back in - nothing.

I am using some canon paper that I had - but it is brand new and shouldn't matter - should it??

Can anyone out there help me??

[Dragon-Fur]

Commodore,

Welcome to the HP Forum.

Paper does make a difference.  

Assuming you are using high quality paper that has been stored properly and that you are telling the printer what kind of paper to expect, then -- yes:  you should be able use Canon paper.

You want to let the printer know that you are using Photo paper, for example.  The printer must know how to set the rollers (to draw in the paper), how much ink to use, how to mix the colors, and how to set the drying times.

Paper Size and Media Type are selected in Printing Preferences:

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click on your Printer >

Printing Preferences > tab Paper / Quality >>

Select Paper Source > as desired

Select Paper Size > as desired

Select Media > as desired

OK

For example, Media is the paper type >> Photo paper, glossy or matte:  Different kinds of paper are treated differently.

The paper must have been stored properly -- it has to be dry and not brittle, for example.  It needs to have been protected from light (if it is high quality photo paper).

I hope that helps.

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[the_Commodore]

HI Dragon

I went through the process as you said - and yes - the paper is new and has not been compromised - the pictures are still wet and blurry and they only print on 1/2 of  the the 4x6 paper.

I really appreciate your help on this and will keep trying - it has to be something that I am doing wrong - I have followed the set up instructions -I think - the instructions with the unit are not all that good - or I am just not all that good (it has been said lol by others)

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

Commodore,

Assuming the Full Feature Software is installed:

Install Full Feature Software – Printer

=============================================================================

You might break down and just go buy some proper HP paper for the printer and see if that does the trick.

I am not saying that the Canon paper is "bad";  it may not be the proper paper for the job.

OK -- So what if you replace the paper, the printer checks out (test pages print OK), and you can never get it to pring photos...

What to do? 

1. Look up Self-Help Steps
2. Call for help!

Start here 

HP Drivers & Downloads

Enter your exact printer model >> look under Manuals > search for your User Guide

In your User Guide, search for Support. 

The details about the duration of support (usually one year), and the general contact information is provided.

Read, too, about the different paper types your printer likes to use.

Self Help:

The same general hierarchy above will take you not only to the manuals tab, it will also take you to the Troubleshooting > Solve a problem sections where you will find a wealth of information about your printer, what to do about certain issues, and what steps to try to resolve different problems.

===========================================================================

Most printers provide for phone support the first year -- the support varies depending on your geographic location on the planet.

I have listed what contact information I have -- there should be a "printers" menu option when you call HP and a Technician can take your details on the problem you are having.

Contact HP – USA - Phone Assistance

HP tech support/ Customer Service Phone Numbers – Some English Speaking Countries

Warranty Required – USA and Canada

USA – Contact HP // Self-Help – Email - Chat

Click the Kudos Thumbs-Up to show you appreciate the help and time from our Experts.

Although I strive to reflect HP's best practices, I do not work for HP. 

Click Accept as Solution when the Answer is a good Fix or Workaround!

[the_Commodore]

I went and purchased some HP paper and the picures came out good but covered only half on the 4 x 6 so I went back into the preferences and settings as you suggested and followed the instructions and it seems to be working well.

Have been away for the last bit and have not tried on larger paper but I am sure all is well.

I will let you know if I have any issues and I want to thank you for helping me work through my confusion.

Very much appreciated.

the_Commodore

[Dragon-Fur]

the_Commodore

You are welcome.

I am sorry you could not use the other paper.

Commentary

I have on old J6480 that developed a requirement for HP 24# extra white paper -- and nothing else works.   Old printer and I suppose it has developed an attitude.     Interestingly, printing from Linux offers no such restrictions - any high quality paper offers reasonable results.  Printer is only used on occasion so there is no problem; we use the HP paper it likes and the issue remains resolved for all.  Smiling.

Happy Printing.

Click the Kudos Thumbs-Up to show you appreciate the help and time from our Experts.

Click Accept as Solution when the Answer is a good Fix or Workaround!

Although I strive to reflect HP's best practices, I do not work for HP. 

[OzzyHP]

I had this problem today.   A brand new printer HP Envy 4523 and the photo's were wet and blurry.  I finally discovered by turning the photo paper face down the photos were printing fine.... I had been placing the paper the wrong way up!

[Duane_D]

Hi! Great post.  A common mistake with photo papter is the correct side to print one. We are glad that you were able to figure it out. 

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[Lynn3348]

So happy to know that I'm not the only one.  I've had many printers and this is the first one that prints horrible photos,  Blurry and wet, just like you said!